Interview: Research with brains - Karolin Küster on organoids, courage and togetherness at TU Dresden
Karolin Küster is a PhD student at the CMCB at TU Dresden and is researching one of the most exciting models in modern neuroscience: brain organoids. In this interview, she talks about what fascinates her about brain research, why TU Dresden is the perfect place for her scientific career - and why no one should be put off studying science.
Everything is easier with each other - and: Just get started.
You work at the CMCB at TU Dresden and have just started your PhD adventure. What motivates you in particular about brain research and working with brain organoids?
Thank you for inviting me to the interview. I have been fascinated by brain research for a long time, ever since I heard about the enormous regenerative capacity of the zebrafish brain during my bachelor's degree, while at the same time this capacity is very limited in humans. There is a great need today to better understand brain diseases in general and in old age and developmental disorders during pregnancy that can lead to mental retardation. Brain organoids are a particularly exciting research model because we can actually work with human structures and study diseases in this human model.
What exactly are brain organoids - and how do they help you to better understand neurodevelopmental disorders?
It is difficult to research the development of the human embryo, as this takes place hidden in the womb. And this is where organoids can help us. Organoids in general are three-dimensional cell aggregates that can replicate important aspects of an organ during development, such as specific cell types and their organisation in the developing brain. To investigate a specific neurological developmental disorder, for example, a patient's skin cells can be reprogrammed to revert to a stem cell stage, known as induced pluripotent stem cells. These stem cells can then develop into early brain structures in organoids, which we then analyse in comparison to organoids without patient mutations. This allows us to find out more about what may be going wrong in the developmental disorder.
What makes TU Dresden special for you - and is there a highlight that you particularly remember from your studies or research?
TU Dresden is a large university with a wide range of offers, which is not only reflected in the number of degree programmes, but also, for example, language courses or sports courses for students and staff. I think I can look back on many highlights. For example, the summer parties at the Faculty of Biology and the summer conferences at the Centre for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) were a lot of fun. I am very grateful for the funding opportunities for students from which I was able to benefit. I would like to highlight the FOSTER funding for student research and the scholarship for Master's students at the CRTD from the Friends and Sponsors of the Centre for Regenerative Therapies Dresden e.V. At the end of my studies, I became aware of a mentoring programme for young female scientists in the STEM field and will never forget the time I spent together in discussions and workshops with equally motivated and ambitious female students.
A new start is always exciting, whether studying or doing a PhD. What tips would you give to young people who are new to Dresden and want to study here?
Use the Freshers' Week to get to know your fellow students. I also recommend networking with your faculty's student council. You'll immediately get to know cool, committed people in your field and will always be up to date for upcoming events and parties. Or you can get to know new people in sports or language courses. These contacts are guaranteed to help you through difficult phases of your studies. And for Dresden itself, there are many colourful cultural offerings and great nature to experience in Saxon Switzerland or the Dresden Heath.
Many prospective students think that studying science is super complicated. What would you tell them to encourage them to go down this path?
Where there's a will, there's a way. No one should be put off by possible difficulties. Perhaps what others have found difficult is not difficult for you at all. Ideally, you shouldn't have opted out of science subjects at school, which makes it easier to get started, but by no means impossible. And in the last few weeks before starting my studies, I attended preparatory courses at TU Dresden, for example for maths, which also helped me a lot. And my most important personal tip is that studying doesn't have to be a lone battle - look for allies in your course or tutors and together you'll get through the lectures, practicals and exam preparation best.
In one sentence: Why is Dresden - and Saxony as a whole - a great place to study?
In addition to an excellent university landscape, Dresden offers a lot of greenery and diversity and is a very colourful and liveable place despite the current challenges.