Daniela Becker (née Taraba)

CV / Scientific Career

Research emphasis

• Next generation sequencing and metagenome analysis to characterize microbiomes during the production of biogas

• Bioinformatics analysis of metagenome data and development of tools and automated pipelines

• Analysis of metatranscriptome data

• Integration of Omics-data

Acetogenesis and methanogenesis are the last two steps during methane production. These steps require the functional interaction between members of the microbial community. Today, these mechanisms are still only partially understood. To better understand low methane yields and bioreactor instabilities, a more detailed knowledge on interactions, activities and mechanisms is necessary.

Metagenomics and metatranscriptomics are fundamental for the characterization of microbial communities.

Metagenomics is a young experimental method which is based on established techniques and next generation sequencing. During analysis, the whole genome of a microbial community is assessed.

Resulting data in concert with complementary results obtained in the working group Systems Biology of Microbial Communities are used to construct mathematical models which provide a functional relationship perspective of the data.
Using these models, predictions on quantitative and qualitative changes within the microbial community and on biogas production are feasible. This approach can additionally be used to characterize and optimize crucial processes.

Interships, project work and bachelor/master thesis

If you are interested in one of my research areas centering around the topics metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and bioinformatics analysis, I'm glad to obtain an informal application. Please provide by email a short letter of motivation, CV, expected date and duration of your research intention.