Team members

Jonathan M. Harnoss, MD, Principal Investigator

Jonathan still dreams of conducting experiments himself, but as a surgeon-scientist, he is often confined to the OR or his desk, brainstorming ideas and designing future studies.

Tamal Sarkar, PhD candidate

Tamal is the lab’s master chef and resident foodie. Since experimenting in the lab shares some similarities with cooking, he enjoys creating delicious dishes just as much as exploring the scientific world. In his free time, he travels to experience Europe’s diverse culinary traditions. What he values most in the lab is the intellectual freedom it offers.

Lukas Fieberg, MD student

Lukas finds cancer research exciting because, to him, it’s a lot like programming: experimenting, analyzing what works, and solving problems along the way. He enjoys pushing the limits of biology and exploring how new discoveries could shape future treatments. True to his tendency to sometimes have his head in the clouds (drifting between daydreaming and bold visions – better not to disturb him in those moments), he has a great passion for aviation and airplanes—fueled, of course, by the ultimate lab essential: coffee.

Laura Aranega, MD student 

Laura is the lab’s sports enthusiast. Just like in athletics, what she loves about research is the constant challenge it offers. Pushing limits and mastering new skills are things she also experienced in cheerleading. She finds it incredibly rewarding to take on something new and improve through practice. Whether in science or sports, she appreciates how dedication, hard work, and teamwork lead to continuous progress and great achievements. Rumor has it, she can even pull off a backflip while pipetting!

Sina Ludwig, MD student

Sina brings a true translational approach to the lab by working on the clinical side of pancreatic cancer research. Beyond analyzing clinical data, she’s passionate about hitting the gym, where she pushes her limits with discipline and perseverance. Just like in her research, she finds motivation in measurable progress and continuous improvement.

Clara Niemeyer, MD student

Clara is an espresso aficionado and similar to her experiments she loves trouble-shooting the littles details of making the perfect espresso and then enjoys the high of getting a perfect espresso (or experiment). 

Annabelle Schmitt, MD student

Annabelle is the lab’s adventurer, always pushing boundaries—both in science and the great outdoors. She not only pioneers new techniques in the lab but also thrives on hiking, canoeing, swimming, and even paragliding. What she values most is the camaraderie, whether in the lab or out in nature—facing challenges together, through thick and thin.

Denise Lucas, MD student

In addition to her extensive work in histopathology, Denise remains deeply committed to social projects and volunteering. She thrives on global connections and collaboration, which is also what she loves most about science—bringing people together to work toward a common goal.

Sascha Hinterkopf, TA

Sascha was the heart of our Heidelberg lab, creating a productive and lively work environment filled with humor, laughter, and the occasional after-hours gathering. Rumor has it he’s a skilled bowling player ("Kegeln" in German), but when put to the test during a lab offsite at a bowling alley, the results were inconclusive—though he insists that bowling and Kegeln are entirely different sports!

Discovery, Lab mascot

Our lab mascot and muse, always reminding us to stay curious and bold. With her wisdom, she guides us in connecting the dots along our scientific journey. Just like in science, you can ask her anything—but if the answer isn’t clear, the question might need more precision.

Email: discovery.harnosslab@gmail.com

Impressions from the lab