Anne Walraven
PhD student anne.walraven{at}ebc.uu.se I received my bachelor’s degree in biology (2018) and my master’s degree in biomolecular sciences (2021) at the University of Groningen (RUG) in the Netherlands. During my master I carried out research projects in molecular genetics and marine microbiology at the RUG and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), respectively. These experiences made me passionate about studying marine microbiology on a cellular and genomic level. I started my PhD in the Burki lab in May 2022. For my project I am investigating an enigmatic symbiosis between the micro-eukaryote Meringosphaera and the autofluorescent “bodies” consistently observed within. The main aim of my PhD is to characterise the nature of this symbiosis (for example: are these "bodies" kleptoplasts?) on a cellular, metabolic and genetic level. For this, I will use a combination of microscopy and genomics methods. I am interested in how this system can help us understand the origin and evolution of plastids and their spread throughout the eukaryotic tree of life. In my free time, I like to read and write. I also enjoy spending time in nature and I hope to explore the history and culture of Uppsala, and Sweden in general, during my PhD here. |