Prof. Dr. Maria Luisa Balmer

SNSF-Eccellenza Professor, Group Leader

I am interested in elucidating the relationship between the microbiota, metabolism, and the immune system in the context of obesity and diabetes. I am a physician-scientist specialized in internal medicine and hold a PhD in microbiota-research from the University of Bern.

I then completed my postdoctoral training in immunometabolism at the University of Basel before establishing my own research group at the University of Bern, supported by an SNSF Eccellenza Fellowship. I have two children and am an enthusiastic runner and hobby-pianist.

Kristyna Filipova, MSc

Laboratory technician

I have extensive experience in managing laboratories, including accounts, finance, inventory, and assisting lab members in their experiments. I have a background in Molecular Life Sciences, holding an MSc from the University of Bern. When I am not in the lab, you can find me exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland through hiking, immersing myself in the world of literature, or indulging my passion for music by playing the violin.

Dr. Janina Zünd

Research Assistant

With a creative mindset and a passion for discovery, I explore the importance of gut microbiota for human health using innovative cultivation-based methods. I have a background in health sciences and technology and a PhD in food biotechnology from ETH Zurich. In my free time you’ll find me hiking in nature or challenging myself in the climbing gym.

Dr. Valentina huwiler

Research Assistant

I am passionate about connecting nutrition & health and advancing microbiota-targeted products in clinical trials to enhance patient and people well-being. I have a background in Food Science at ETH Zurich, experience in a biotech startup, and a PhD in Nutritional Medicine at Inselspital & Uni Basel. In my leisure time, I am outdoor moving (field hockeying, cycling, cross-country skiing, etc.) or relaxing with some friends over a fermented drink (kombucha, beer, etc.).

Dr. Yousef Maali

Research Assistant

With an interdisciplinary profile, covering infectious diseases, inflammatory and metabolic diseases, I love bringing originality to better understand the biological mechanisms we study. I see research as a puzzle, where patience and curiosity help to successfully combine the different pieces with each other, even when they seem unrelated at first.

I obtained my PhD at the University of Lyon, focusing on bacterial infections, and then I continued my career with a Postdoc at the University of Montreal, where I specialized in the role of the immune system in liver diseases.

At TRIM-Lab, my role is to investigate the Woundomics project, aimed at better understanding the effect of the microbiota on infections in obese and diabetic patients.

Melanie Scalise, MSc

PhD Student

I am a Doctoral researcher with extensive experience in in vivo biology. My research focusses on characterizing bacterial metabolites in metabolic diseases, particularly obesity. Prior to this, I earned my Master’s degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Berne, where I developed a standardized method for growing intestinal organoids to investigate the impact of Arsenic in the mammalian gut.

Dr. Martina Thier

Research Assistant

I’m thrilled to join the Trim-Lab and the FaibaGum studyteam. With my organizational and creative skills and efficiency I am supporting the realization of the FaibaGum studies.

I bring more than 15 years of experience from the pharmaceutical industry, where I was involved in various aspects of clinical studies — from development of assays and analysis of protein biomarkers in patients, overseeing the outsourced analysis of study samples to data analysis and regulatory compliance.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality clinical research, and I’ve developed a strong appreciation for collaboration and innovation in driving results.

I obtained my PhD in Biochemistry/Immunotechnology in Potsdam/Germany focusing on the development of automated multi-parametric immunoassays for preclinical research.

Andrea Celoria, MSc

PhD Student

I am a passionate scientist holding a Master degree in Microbiology and Immunology. During my academic education at ETH Zürich, I mainly focused on gut microbiota with more than a year of experience in the Food Biotechnology Lab, where I followed two big projects about reuterin/anti-microbial resistance and B9/B12 vitamins. After that I joined for a year as a pre-doc Prof. Davide Robbiani’s lab at IRB in Bellinzona, working on the discovery in COVID19 patients of autoantibodies against various membrane-bound and soluble targets like chemokines, immune checkpoints, pentraxins and so on. Now I’m looking forward for this new adventure in this fantastic lab.

Danai Chrysoula Kokona, MSc

PhD student

As a recent Master’s graduate, I’ve chosen to pause my academic journey to deepen my expertise in clinical studies. Currently, I’m immersed in the FibreGum Study at Trim Lab, where I have the invaluable opportunity to work closely with patients. My role involves not just collecting and documenting samples and data, but also gaining firsthand insights into the intricate world of clinical research. Outside the lab, I balance my love for science with personal passions—whether it’s getting lost in a compelling book, delving into documentaries that ignite my curiosity about the world, perfecting my tennis and archery skills, or spending quality time with friends.

Gioia Colacicco, BSc

MSc Student

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Bern. I am now pursuing a master’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences and am excited to do my thesis in the TrIm Lab, working on the Hypoxanthine project. Outside of my studies, I enjoy sports – especially running — as well as cooking, spending time with friends and family, and caring for my plants at home.

Patrick Mathias Rötheli

Medical Student

I am a fourth-year medical student at the University of Bern and am currently completing my master’s thesis at TrimLab. As part of the FaibaWe project, I created an interview questionnaire designed to comprehensively cover the situation of people who struggle with their weight. Following my master’s thesis, I will conduct interviews using the questionnaire I created as part of my dissertation project and evaluate them. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the patient’s perspective and to use the results to steer the development of future treatments and tailor research.In my free time, I can be found playing volleyball in the hall and I am passionately involved in the local scout group.

Babette Josi, BSc

MSc Student

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Bern. In 2025, I joined the Trim Lab to pursue my master’s thesis, where I am working on the woundomics project. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time in nature — sailing during the summer, skiing in the winter, and relaxing with family and friends.

Jana Zeiter

BSc student

I’m a trained biology lab technician and Bachelor student in Bioanalytics & Cell Biology (FHNW), currently finishing my thesis at TrimLab. In the FaibaGo project, I help systematically explore how individuals’ gut microbiota respond to substrates with prebiotic potential. When I’m not in the lab, I’m usually out hiking or experimenting with home fermentation like kombucha.

Amira Nadia El Hachimi

Medical Student

I am a fourth-year medical student at the University of Bern. For my master’s thesis, I worked on the FibreGum project, focusing on compliance, and my dissertation will examine the oral health and microbiome of FibreGum participants. I’m fascinated by the body’s interconnected systems, particularly the brain–body connection. In my free time, I enjoy being in nature, running, reading, and going to the movies.

Alumni

June Stone

June worked as a data scientist supporting different projects in our team until 2025.

Franka Lerbs

Franka completed her Master’s thesis in medicine working on the Hypoxanthine project in 2025.

Sarah Caflisch

Sarah completed her Master’s thesis in medicine working in the Woundomisc project in 2025.

Seline Domeni

Seline completed her Bachelor’s thesis in Tim lab working on the FibreGum Study in 2025.

Sabrina Suter

Sabrina completed her Bachelor’s thesis working on the Hypoxanthine project until 2025.

Marzia Burgunder

Marzia’s Master’s thesis focused on the standardization of the Wound Infection Project. the she continued as a Research Associate in Trim Lab until 2025.