Profile of HIGRADE participants
Name: Verena Maria Mailänder (Germany)
Department Environmental Immunology
Research topic
I am involved in the ENDOMIX project, an EU consortium investigating the health effects of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In our department we focus on reproductive immunology as a health outcome. This means studying the effects of chemical mixtures on immune cells, their interaction with the placenta and the effects of maternal-fetal chemical exposure on the immune system and the health of the unborn child. More specifically, I am working on the further development of co-cultured 3D models of the human placenta, including barrier models, spheroids and organoids. This will help to answer the question of how EDCs affect the placental barrier.
March 2024
Leipzig is a vibrant city that has everything you could wish for: it is international, alternative, green and has an air of openness about it. I love the parks, the lakes, the culinary diversity and the wide range of leisure activities. The size is just right and it is close to other beautiful cities as well as wonderful natural destinations.
The UFZ and especially my department IMMU provide me with a good environment for my research. The instrumentation is huge, the atmosphere in the lab is warm and welcoming, and the senior scientists are always open to questions and very supportive. To find my own career path, HIGRADE offers courses and networking opportunities to round it all off.
https://endomix.eu/ https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=34250
I love being outdoors, with friends in the park, playing beach volleyball or going for a run. Also getting together to cook and playing a board game is always a great way to spend an evening.