How cells organize themselves - Interview with Ida Stöppelkamp

During the Girls´ & Boys´ Day 2026 Jakob Lämmel and Falk Schneiderheinze interviewed PhD student Ida Stöppelkamp from the Hnisz Lab.

How did you decide to become a scientist? 

I think it found me rather than me actively seeking it out. At the time, I really wanted to study nutritional science, but I didn't get into the program. So, I ended up studying biology instead. I actually really enjoyed it, including the internships. It all started at the ecological level. Then, I realized that you can study and observe every cell in your body. I found that fascinating, so I stuck with it. 

Why did you switch to the Max Planck Institute? 

I think it's because Max Planck is such a big name. At the time, I researched all the different institutes because I wasn't sure about going to university. I didn't want to teach since that's often required at university. So, I applied to various institutes. In the end, I chose the Max Planck Institute. 

What interests you about your work? 

I find it fascinating that you can visualize everything so clearly. Whether you’re looking through a microscope and resolving the smallest structures or taking measurements that allow you to interpret specific things, it's all fascinating. 

What previous experiences help you in your work now? 

I did a wide variety of things before. You end up learning so much from different perspectives. Every scientist and every field has a different perspective, such as immunologists or biophysicists. I tried to learn as much as possible so that I could solve problems from different perspectives. 

What are you currently researching? 

My group is interested in understanding how cells organize themselves, specifically how certain tasks are carried out within the cell. These tasks are divided into different compartments. Some are well-known, like the mitochondria or the cell nucleus. They are separated from the rest of the cell by a membrane, which allows them to perform their functions. We’re interested in other compartments that aren’t enclosed by a membrane. These compartments assemble by proteins that perform the same function. We’re trying to understand this self-assembly process. I use proteins from species or animals that have adapted to extreme environmental conditions. I introduce these proteins into human cells to gain insight into how they interact with human proteins. Conversely, perhaps they don’t interact, and I want to understand why. 

What are your plans after earning your Ph.D. in biochemistry?

I’d like to continue doing research, but not in an academic setting. I'd prefer to work in industry. I find designing proteins that can perform a specific function particularly interesting.