As head of the degree programme, Jasmin Zaunschirm-Strutz wants to instil in students a sense of curiosity that drives them to understand and analyse the physiological and pathophysiological processes of the human body down to the smallest detail. She herself finds biomedical science particularly exciting because of its diversity: ‘From microbiological analyses, histology and screening blood images to complex genetic examinations – all these methods require in-depth knowledge and practical skills. I encourage students to broaden their horizons, learn new technologies and develop digital skills,’ says the new programme director.
Jasmin Zaunschirm-Strutz herself obtained a diploma in ‘Medical-Technical Laboratory Services’ in 2005, then a bachelor’s degree in ‘Biomedical Science’ at FH JOANNEUM in 2013, and completed a master’s degree in ‘Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Analysis’ at FH JOANNEUM from 2014 to 2017. She has been working in medical research at the Medical University of Graz since 2005, focusing, among other things, on cancer research and research into gestational diabetes. Most recently, she taught full-time on the ‘Biomedical Science’ course at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. At the same time, she started the part-time doctoral programme in Medical Sciences at the Medical University of Graz in 2020. Her research focuses on placental research and the effects of maternal metabolic diseases on placental endothelial cells and (circulating) microRNAs.
Jasmin Zaunschirm-Strutz: ‘Thanks to my experience in biomedical science – both in research and in diagnostics – I have a comprehensive overview of current and future requirements in this field. It is important to me to design the programme in an innovative and practice-oriented way in order to prepare students for their future careers in the best possible way.’ In addition, Zaunschirm-Strutz would also like to further strengthen awareness, visibility and appreciation of the profession.