Mike is originally from Schweinfurt and completed both his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Biosciences at the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg. He joined the Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology in March 2022, initially working in Markus Ankenbrand’s BioMedical Data Science group.
Research Background
During his time with the BioMedical Data Science group, Mike worked on medical image data including cardiac magnetic resonance images (MRI) and photon-counting computed tomography (PC-CT) images of the head. His main interests encompass programming and its application to biological research.
Current Research Project
Mike’s current project brings together genomic data and medical imaging data from large biobanks such as the UK Biobank. His work aims to research prospective markers for Fabry’s disease and quantify the pathogenicity of variants of the GLA gene involved in this lysosomal storage disorder. A key objective is to create a fitness landscape model that predicts fitness values for previously unknown mutations of the GLA gene and to determine whether epistasis plays a major role in Fabry’s disease.
Research Interests
- Medical imaging data analysis (MRI, CT)
- Computational and programming approaches to biology
- Genetic variant analysis
- Fabry’s disease and lysosomal storage disorders
- GLA gene mutations and pathogenicity
- Fitness landscape modeling
- Epistasis and gene interactions
- Genomic database mining
- Bioinformatics approaches to disease
Approach
Mike combines expertise in data science, programming, and biology to tackle complex questions about genetic diseases. His work represents the modern integration of computational methods with biological and medical research.