Kevin completed a BSc in Biology and a MSc in Zoology at the University of Innsbruck, where he also worked at the electron microscopy facility and tutored courses in zoology, developmental biology, and image analysis.
Now, as part of ZooCELL, he is investigating how the crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis regenerates its limbs, one cell at a time.
🧵 Read on to get to know Kevin.
1️⃣ What inspired you to become a scientist?
"There wasn't one defining event. I've always had lots of questions and wanted answers. And I figured, if the answers aren't known, I'll have to find them myself. I also had an amazing biology teacher in high school, who inspired me to study biology”
2️⃣ What led you to join ZooCELL?
"At university, I became more and more interested in zoology and developmental biology. ZooCELL was the perfect fit because it aligned with my skills and focuses on questions that truly intrigue me."
3️⃣ What are you working on?
"I work with the small crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis, which can almost perfectly regenerate all of its appendages. I'm mapping the different cell types in its legs by linking their molecular identity to their anatomy, with a special focus on sensory organs."
4️⃣ What tool do you use the most?
"I mainly use in situ HCR (Hybridization Chain Reaction), which allows me to label specific cell types and visualize them under the microscope. This helps me locate them before studying them in greater detail with electron microscopy."
5️⃣ What's the most surprising thing you've found so far?
"I was surprised to discover that most cell types don't have a fixed location. Instead of always being associated with muscles, nerves, or sensory organs, their exact position can vary from one individual to another."
6️⃣ What do you enjoy outside the lab?
"I love spending time in nature. Living in a big city makes that harder, but at least I now know every tree in the local parks! I also enjoy playing tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons with my friends.”