“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, 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 Marvin, a 6th 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.”

“I am Tom, a 4th year medical student at HMU-Potsdam. I proudly joined the Patzke lab in 2025. My research focuses on how BDNF affects specific subtypes of GABAergic interneurons in the adult hippocampus and how it may contribute to subtype-specific synaptogenesis, connectivity, and plasticity.”

“I am a Master’s student in Neuroscience at the University of Trieste and an intern in Prof. Patzke’s lab. I hold a B.Sc. in Medical Biotechnology from the University of Ferrara. For my Master’s thesis project, I am working on the pigeon brain, using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to explore astrocyte morphology and diversity. My interest in neuroscience started in high school and later expanded to questions of brain evolution during my B.Sc. studies. I am really enjoying being part of Prof. Patzke’s team and the collaborative environment in the lab..”