As an Associate Professor, I am working to understand the role of human autophagy modifiers (ATG8 family proteins) and other proteins in regulating selective autophagy at the molecular level. I am interested in studying the interactions of ATG8s with proteins, their fragments and chemical compounds. I have a degree in organic chemistry, but have strong expertise in protein:protein and protein:ligand interactions, which are assessed by biophysical, biochemical and structural methods.

My research focuses on the degradation of proteins and organelles by selective autophagy, with particular interest on the molecular mechanisms of this process. Using biophysical and structural methods, I investigate the basic principles of how autophagic cargo can be selectively sequestered for autophagic degradation. The practical goal of my research is to develop small molecules for autophagy-related targeted protein degradation, which could be used for effective therapy of human diseases.

My primary responsibility is to organize and conduct biophysical and structural research. I'm supporting and teaching scientists/students from the generation of the initial concept to the final publication of the research projects.