Our People

The Team

The diverse group of researchers in the Defense Circuits Lab

Philip Tovote

Professor

The Defense Circuits Lab (DCL) is led by Prof. Dr. Philip Tovote, who brings a diverse, interdisciplinary background to his research and mentorship. He fosters an ambitious yet highly supportive environment driven by participative leadership, where the quality of the science always takes precedence over the PI's individual preferences. Ultimately, his goal is to cultivate an inclusive, team-oriented laboratory where every member is empowered to reach their highest academic potential.

Building E4, Office 0.01 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Silvia Rodriguez-Rozada

PostDoc

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Jérémy Signoret-Genest

PostDoc

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Hanna Vila Merkle

PostDoc

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Nina Schukraft

Scientific Coordinator

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Katrin Walter

Lab Coordinator

Building E4, Office 2.02 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Johannes Hartig

Clinician Scientist

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Hamidreza Alimohammadi

Data Scientist

Building E4, Office 2.31 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Petra Rebek

PhD Student

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Mia (Wenyan) Wu

PhD Student

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Fabio Felisati

PhD Student

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Nis Focken

PhD Student

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Nina Schöneberg

MD Student

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Konstantin Kobel

MD Student

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Emilia Derksen

Master Student

Building E4, Office 2.31 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Maria Gruber

Master Student

Building E4, Office 2.31 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Annika Lenz

Bachelor Student

Building E4, Office 2.32 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Nicole Rachor

Laboratory Technician

Building E4, Office 2.31 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

Christian Mehling

Laboratory Technician

Building E4, Office 2.31 Versbacher Str. 5 97078 Würzburg

PhD Student

Nina Schöneberg

MD Student

Konstantin Kobel

MD Student

2025

Annika Lenz

Bachelor Student

DCL Team

We developed the code of conduct

To ensure a harmonious, productive, and respectful environment, the DCL has established a Code of Conduct that outlines our shared ideals and the foundational rules for working together.

01 / Diversity

Respect and Inclusion

Lab members are expected to treat everyone with respect at all times. The DCL is an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals regardless of their gender, ethnic or cultural background, and sexual identity.

02 / Collaboration

Teamwork and Communication

In a diverse lab, clear and empathetic communication is our most important tool. Members must act as responsible team players, avoid egoistical behavior with shared resources, and assume good intentions to resolve conflicts effectively.

03 / Ethics

Scientific Integrity

Academic research relies on trust. You must uphold strict work ethics by maintaining accurate electronic lab notebooks, adhering to FAIR data principles, and transparently reporting any use of AI.

04 / Mindfulness

Animal Welfare

Working with animals demands your full attention and a strong ethical commitment to their wellbeing, which is strictly governed by legal frameworks.

05 / Balance

Wellbeing and Balance

While academic research requires high ambition and a heavy workload, your mental health matters. It is crucial to manage your work-leisure balance and take adequate time to disconnect from work after fulfilling your obligations.