Women in Science 2026

Over the next weeks, we will publish short interviews with our female group leaders. Stay tuned!

© Martin Kaßner

Which female scientist (historical or a personal mentor) has had the biggest impact on how you approach your research?

Professor Chica Schaller was a wonderful inspiration for what shapes mentorship can take and what change support can make.

In your experience, what is the most important skill for group leader that isn't taught in a lab?

Personnel management. Nobody teaches you that your students and postgrads are not going to be all “mini-me”.

What is the most rewarding 'eureka' moment you’ve experienced in the lab so far?

I recall sitting in a small, dark microscopy room and noticing a particular population of motor neurons that switched on a transgene within a two-hour time period. This formed the basis for a drug screen, the discovery that dopamine from the brain controls spinal neurogenesis, our first Developmental Cell paper.

What is one thing about a career in research that you think would surprise a 15-year-old girl today?

How diverse each day is.

Besides scientific expertise, what is a 'hidden talent' or unexpected skill that has surprisingly helped you in your career?

I had singing lessons as a teen – great to control your voice in meetings and lectures.
I can see small inconsistencies (or similarities) in images, very helpful to assess phenotypes.

Learn more about the Becker group and their research on their website.