Team – Spider Silk Research

Researcher & Postdocs

Benjamin (PhD in Biochemistry)

benjamin.schmuck@slu.se

Tomas Bohn Pessatti (PhD in Biochemistry)

tomas.bohn.pessatti@slu.se

Johan Reimegård (PhD in Bioinformatics)

johan.reimegard@scilifelab.se

Elin Karlsson (PhD in Biochemistry)

I am working with production and characterization of spidroins and SpiCE proteins, which are the major protein components of native spider silk. The aim of my work is both to understand native spider silk production and to improve artificial silk production for various material applications. elin.cb.karlsson@slu.se

Gabriele Pozzati (PhD in Bioinformatics)

My work focuses on large scale data analysis, tissue characterization and protein structure computational modeling. My main interest is to combine bioinformatics analyses to achieve full understanding of biological systems from different angles.

gabriele.pozzati@slu.se

Sarah Stadlmayr (PhD in Neuroscience)

My research focuses on designing and producing functional biomaterials, such as hydrogels and fibers, for biomedical use. I am also interested in the basic biology of spiders, including how different spidroins contribute to successful web formation. sarah.stadlmayr@ki.se

Tove Kivijärvi (PhD in Chemistry and Biomaterials)

tove.kivijarvi@ki.se

Lucia Youssef (PhD in Chemistry)

My research explores how spider silk glands regulate fiber formation. Using advanced imaging and spectroscopic techniques, I study gland physiology to inform the development of high-performance bio-inspired fibers.
lucia.youssef@slu.se

Sofia Ferreira Melo (PhD)

I have multidisciplinary research experience in the synthesis and testing of new biomaterials, including characterization and in vitro/in vivo testing of hemo/biocompatibility, with a focus on blood-contacting medical devices. I am currently working on recombinant spider silk films for tissue engineering contributing to the development of innovative healthcare solutions based on biodegradable and biomimetic materials. sofia.ferreira.melo@ki.se

Saher Shahid (PhD in Biochemistry)

My research explores how recombinant proteins can be used to create intrinsically colored spider silk biomaterials with tailored properties. Combining protein biochemistry with biophysical and mechanical characterization, I investigate how molecular design translates into material function. The long-term goal is to develop innovative, high-performance, and sustainable biomaterials inspired by nature.
saher.shahid@slu.se

Dmitrii Fedorov (PhD)

dmitrii.fedorov@slu.se

Oran Wasserman (PhD)

My research investigates the physicochemical environment of spider silk glands, using imaging and analytical techniques to inform the biomimetic spinning of recombinant spider silk fibers oran.wasserman@ki.se

PhD Students

Tobias Fietze (M.Sc.in Biochemistry)

My research explores the molecular basis of spider silk production using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, with further interest on gland physiology, investigated through advanced X-ray scattering techniques.
tobias.fietze@ki.se

Join Our Team!

If you are interested in becoming a PhD student in our group, please feel free to reach out to us!

Research Technicians

Lu Lu (PhD in Biochemistry)

lu.lu@slu.se

Bryan Gross (PhD in Material Sciences)

I am a polymer and materials scientist specializing in advanced fiber spinning and structure–property relationships.

Expertise in physico-chemical, mechanical, rheological and microscopy-based characterization to probe material behaviour across scales and enable the design of high-performance materials.

bryan.gross@slu.se