Want to know more about us or want to be updated about upcoming events? Just text Young Scientist Representative for more information or to be added to the mailing list.

Anna-Lena Bauknecht​ – General Tasks

I am a PhD student at the Laboratory for Biointerfaces and the Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles at Empa. My research focuses on tissue engineering of cardiac disease models via 3D-printing of decellularized extracellular matrix-based bioinks with stem cell-derived cardiac cells. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, reading, and spending time outdoors. As a member of the SSB+RM Young Scientists Team, I’m excited to connect with and learn from other researchers in related fields through the organization of inspiring events.

Keno Leeners​ – General Tasks

My work as a PhD Candidate at ETH’s Laboratory of Regenerative and Muscle Biology, combines robotics and biology to advance skeletal muscle tissue engineering and intramuscular cell therapy. I enjoy growing muscle not just inside the lab but also in my free time, mostly through bouldering or going to the gym. I am thrilled to join the Young Scientists of SSB+RM in order to improve my science communication skills and contribute to the development of an interdisciplinary community of ambitious, young researchers

Stella Monestier – Finance

I am a PhD student at the Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab at EOC. My research focuses on utilizing a novel bioxolography technology to biofabricate 3D muscle fibers and neuromuscular junctions. Beyond my lab life, I play the harp and various other instruments, and I like hiking and traveling all over the world. Being a part of the SSB+RM Young Scientists Team fills me with excitement as it offers me the chance to meet with numerous researchers and contribute to the organization of impactful and inspiring events.

Marcia Mürner – Deputy

I am a PhD student at the AO Research Institute Davos. There, I am doing my external doctoral studies while being affiliated to the Razansky lab at ETH Zurich. My research is focused on finding novel regenerative techniques to tackle intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain. Being part of the SSB+RM Young Scientists enables me to interact with and learn from peers from all over Switzerland.

Nikita Norkin – General Tasks/ YSF-ESB Representative

As a PhD student in the MicroBioRobotic Systems Laboratory at EPFL, I work on explant-based in vitro models for precision oncology. I am thrilled to join the Young Scientists Chapter of the Society for Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, where I can learn from fellow researchers, share knowledge, and help build a supportive community for young scientists driving innovation in biomaterials and regenerative medicine.

Eric Mora Pimentel​ – General Tasks

I am a PhD student at the Laboratory for Fetal Healing and Tissue Engineering and at the department of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University Hospital Zurich. My project consists of developing in vitro models to study folliculogenesis, combining hydrogel design with microfluidics and spatial transcriptomics techniques. In my free time, I love doing multiple sports, reading, playing guitar, and spending time with friends. I’m excited to be part of the SSB+RM Young Scientists team for the possibilities of meeting new people working in different interesting projects and learning from a diverse group of researchers.

Gabriela Da Silva André – EC Liaison

I am a PhD student in the Macromolecular Engineering Lab at ETH Zurich. My research focuses on designing and optimizing hydrogel scaffolds to develop a well-defined 3D in vitro model of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, enabling the assessment of tumor growth and progression. In my free time, I enjoy yoga and outdoor activities such as functional outdoor training, running and hiking. Joining the SSB+RM Young Scientists team presents an opportunity to grow my network, strengthen my soft skills, and interact with a broad range of interesting people, including researchers from related fields.

Till Strunk – Communication

I am a PhD candidate in the Swiss Medical Additive Manufacturing research group at Basel University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, the University Hospital and University Center for Dental Medicine of Basel. My research focuses on 3D-printed implants made of bioresorbable materials and how these can be developed for a patient-specific application in the oral- and maxillofacial surgery clinic, so directly at the point-of-care. As part of the Young Scientists team of the SSB+RM, I’m quite excited to meet and learn from like-minded peers and more experienced scientists. Outside the lab, I love spending time in the mountains hiking, climbing or skiing and when I’m in Basel, I also enjoy playing Squash and Padel or swimming in the Rhine.