I initially trained as a Veterinarian in Nigeria and later earned a Masters in Molecular Biology from the University of Brussels. I hold a PhD in Systems and Molecular Biomedicine from the University of Luxembourg. My PhD focused on interrogating inter and intra-tumoral heterogeneity and treatment resistance in glioblastoma using patient-derived xenograft models and single-cell RNA sequencing. As a postdoc in the lab, my work is focused on using 3D spatial transcriptomics and artificial intelligence (AI) to understand complex biological systems such as treatment resistance in brain tumors. I am also working on developing T-cell therapies for brain tumors using patient-derived T cells and neocortical slice model. 

I joined the MILO lab at the end of 2024 as a postdoc. With a background in medicine, I was drawn to translational research due to my interest in basic mechanisms in disease biology. During my PhD I specialized in computational biology with a focus on integration of complex datasets. Using methods for single cell and spatial tissue profiling I investigate the interaction of malignant cells with their microenvironment and how these processes aid tumor progression and tissue invasion as well as regulate the immune system. My goal is to contribute to basic science with creative and provocative research.

I am Jasim Kada Benotmane, a physician and computational biologist born on May 17, 1996. After completing my medical studies in Freiburg and earning my medical license in November 2024, I entered computational biology through my doctoral work under Henrik, developing both the SPTCR protocol and its data analysis pipeline. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher in Erlangen, I manage projects covering multiple entities including as meningiomas, chordomas but my and out labs focus are gliomas, utilizing machine learning and deep learning techniques to uncover data-driven patterns predictive of patient survival, aiming ultimately to create a digital patient model. In my personal life, I am passionate about sports, love exploring new countries—having visited over 40—and enjoy fine dining and a good wine. 

Hi! I am a neurosurgery resident at the University Hospital Erlangen. I studied medicine at the University of Magdeburg and the University of Freiburg. During my doctoral research on spatial transcriptomic profiling in neuro-oncology, I specialized in R programming and developed SPATA2, a platform for integrating histological and gene expression data. My current clinical research focuses on MRI-guided risk assessment of glioma resectability and evaluating the risk of adverse effects from adjuvant radiochemotherapy in glioma patients.

I completed medical study and specialized in neurosurgery in China. Driven by the deep passion for science, I am on the journey of becoming a physician-scientist. My research focuses on dissecting the interplay between genetic mutations and the tumor ecosystem in glioblastoma and brain metastasis through spatially resolved multi-omics, computational remodeling, and high-dimensional data analysis.  When you don’t see me in the lab, you will probably find a gym rat chasing a drone on a road bike, running across piano keys while sipping on one espresso martini — or maybe two.

Hi! I'm Giulia, a senior PhD student in the MILO Lab, where I’ve been working since May 2023. My research explores how glioblastoma cells respond to microenvironmental stress—particularly under hypoxia or chemotherapy—by focusing on cell cycle alterations. I enjoy working with cell and tissue cultures, and I’m fascinated by the complex dynamics of the tumor microenvironment. One of my favorite tools is Raman-stimulated histology, which lets me visualize the beauty of cells in incredible detail—honestly, I could spend hours just watching them on the screen! Outside the lab, I’m an avid reader and an aspiring writer in my free time. High chance to spot me at the sun, chatting, with a nice glass of wine in my hand!

Hi, I’m Tao, a PhD student in MILO lab. I focus on immunotherapy for glioblastoma. My work combines human cortical slice model and MERSCOPE system to explore how immune stimuli and inflammation affects the neural connections within and around the glioblastoma cells. In the future, I want to become a neurosurgeon and translate basic research into clinical practice to improve brain tumor treatment.

Hi, I am Hamid, a Phd student. I hold a Master's degree in Genomics, Informatics and Mathematics for Health and Environment from Paris-Saclay University, and a Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics from Nice Côte d'Azur University.

My research lies at the intersection of biology and technology, using artificial intelligence to understand complex diseases and advance personalized medicine. 

In 2024, I joined the Milo Lab as a PhD student to develop a deep learning-based digital twin of glioblastoma (GB), one of the most aggressive brain tumors. This work aims to better understand tumor behavior and improve patient care.

In the HematoTrac Joint Funding Project of the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), we use advanced Glioblastoma models and Spatial Transcriptomics to track tumor cells and their microenvironment across time and space, leveraging novel molecular barcoding strategies. By combining lab-based and computational approaches, I aim to contribute to insights that help overcome the immune-evasive niche of Glioblastoma and support the development of new treatment strategies.

I’m also very passionate about music - feel free to send me your go-to lab soundtrack!

Hi! My name is Georg, I joined the MILO lab in 2024 as a biomathematician with a passion for the wet lab. My research bridges experimental and computational multi-omic approaches to investigate the spatio-temporal architecture of glioblastoma on a cellular level using molecular barcoding. Particularly, I am curious about how tumor microenvironments alter and respond to perturbations over time. I am part of the International PhD Program at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg and a fellow at the DKTK School of Oncology. Outside the lab, I’m into rowing and collecting vinyl.

Hi, I’m Elena, a 4th-year MD student at the University of Freiburg and part of the MILO Lab since 2023. I’m passionate about Spatial Biology and Cancer Neuroscience, with a focus on integrating electrophysiology and spatial transcriptomics to explore how glioblastoma interacts with its environment. My work combines multiomic experimental approaches and data integration across several collaborative, interdisciplinary projects. Beyond research, I’m curious about the world, love meeting new people, and seek inspiration in nature.

I am a medical student at the University of Freiburg with a research focus on the immunological effects of Vorasidenib in patients with low-grade gliomas. Our research aims to deepen the understanding of the interplay between targeted therapies and the immune system, with the goal of identifying novel strategies to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cycling through the scenic Black Forest on my road bike, taking full advantage of Freiburg’s reputation as Germany’s sunniest city.

My name is Youran Kong, a clinician from China with a strong interest in neuro-oncology. My research focuses on the heterogeneous expression of CAR-T target antigens in glioblastoma. I am particularly passionate about translational medicine and hope my work will help bridge scientific discoveries and clinical applications to benefit patients. I feel very fortunate to be part of such an inspiring and collaborative team. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, exploring new cities and cultures, and talking with people I meet along the way.

My name is Lynn Menzl and I‘m an M.D. student in the MILO lab in Erlangen, focusing on the differences in connectivity of different tumor phenotypes. Whilst I‘m not in the lab, you can find me in the mountains doing all kinds of sports or travelling somewhere doing the same.

I am writing my medical doctoral thesis within this group. My research investigates the neuronal connectivity of glioblastoma, specifically how tumor cells interact with neurons within the tumor microenvironment, utilizing human cortical slice culture to better understand the role of these interactions in tumor progression. I particularly enjoy the process of visualizing these interactions through immunofluorescence stainings. When not focused on research, I enjoy playing the violin, biking, and bouldering.

Hi, I am Ata Merdan, a research assistant in the Translational Neurosurgery / MILO Lab at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, where I started in October 2024. My research focuses on optimizing CNS tumor classification using Oxford Nanopore sequencing and AI-based real-time subclassification. I hold a B.Sc. and I have experience in microfluidic cancer models, 3D cell culture, and image analysis. Outside of work, I enjoy basketball and going to the gym.

Hello, my name is László Bárány.

I am a resident at the Department of Neurosurgery at Uniklinikum Erlangen and a member of the Translational Neurosurgery / MILO Laboratory. My research focuses on the intraoperative diagnostic application of nanopore-based sequencing. I hold a PhD in neurosurgical microanatomy.

After graduating from medical school, I commenced my residency in neurosurgery at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg in 2024. To bridge the gap between clinical care and fundamental research, I joined the MILO lab, where I utilize deep learning and machine learning algorithms to explore tumor biology and the tumor microenvironment. My current research centers on pituitary tumors. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and swimming.

I am currently working on my Doktorarbeit at the MILO Lab, alongside my clinical duties as a neurosurgery resident. My project focuses on characterizing BRAF-mutated glioblastomas using molecular and genomic data.

In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton.

I am the technical assistant at the Freiburg site. I am mainly responsible for the tissue bank, cell culture and orders. I always have an open ear for questions of all kinds in order to support with my experience.

Outside of work in the lab, I cultivate carnivorous plants.

Servus! 

I’m Verena, a lab technician and the person for anything and everything there is to do around the lab. Helping the students as much as I can with their research lab work such as embedding tissue, growing cells and making stocks. Or shopping online for their antibody and other research needs!

I have been living in the Erlangen area for the past 6 years with my 3 teenage kids and some furry friends. After living in the US for a period of time I truly enjoy traveling the world when given the opportunity.

In my spare time I love spending time outdoors, gardening, enjoying nature walks and hikes with my two little dogs and anyone who wants to tag along, exploring museums and generally hanging out with friends. You’ll find me in the movies as well - mostly watching a good horror movie. Also, I won’t say no to a Friday night cocktail or beer. Prost!

Hello, my name is Nadine. I'm a technical assistant and have been working in the neurosurgery laboratory for 19 years. I live in Fürth with my husband and my two boys. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. In our free time, we enjoy bouldering and cycling.