“I am a neuroscientist with a research focus on brain evolution. I obtained my M.Sc. in Biochemistry in 2005 and my Ph.D. in Biopsychology in 2009, both from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. In 2010, I moved to South Africa, and in 2014 to Brazil, where I conducted studies on the mammalian brain. From March 2017 until September 2021, I was appointed Assistant Professor at Hokkaido University, Japan. Since October 2021, I have been Full Professor of Neuroanatomy at the Health and Medical University Potsdam. Using a comparative neuroanatomical approach in non-model organisms, I aim to understand how the mammalian brain evolved. I am particularly interested in the evolution of large brains.

See my short CV

“I am very pleased to join Prof. Patzke’s working group. I am a physician by profession and have been working as a researcher for the past 15 years. I am going to strengthen Prof. Patzke’s working group in such fields as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting and ELISA, statistical analysis of the experimental data, preparation of research grants, ethics proposals, and publications. I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues on projects in the area of neuroanatomy.“

“I am Kira Gromen, an OTA, medical student, and tutor at HMU-Potsdam. In my research, I investigate the possible involvement of genetic factors in the development of morphological changes in certain brain structures that could increase the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition to my studies, I am dedicated to tutoring and actively contribute to the academic community.“

“I am a 5th year medical student and student tutor in Potsdam seeking to become a neurosurgeon. I proudly joined the Patzke lab in 2024. I analyze distribution patterns of astrocyte populations in the human cortex to provide a better understanding of their physiological and pathophysiological role.”