ETH Zurich
Hall Lab

Eva-Maria obtained both her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from ETH Zurich. During her studies, she grew fascinated by the world of RNA and how this fundamental molecule can serve as both a drug target and a drug. In 2020, Eva-Maria joined the Hall group at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich to pursue her Ph.D. There, her main research interest centres on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) leading to splicing defects and finally causing disease. Her work aims to develop and improve oligonucleotide drugs, as these hold great potential to act specifically and to correct splicing. Splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) have been shown to correct splicing reversibly; however, their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics could be further improved. In contrast, a permanent correction of a disease-causing SNP may be achieved by a CRISPR-based gene editor, whose guide RNA needs to be carefully designed and chemically modified. Next to lab work, Eva-Maria likes to compete in triathlons, bake, and share the sweet results with friends and family.