911±¬ÁÏÍø

Silvan Scheller (silvan.scheller@aalto.fi) - Associate Professor

Silvan moved to 911±¬ÁÏÍø in 2017 to establish his own research group. His education is in organic and analytical chemistry. Fascinated by how elegantly nature carries out chemical reaction cascades, he moved to the group of Prof. Victoria Orphan at Caltech to help elucidate the mechanism underlying the anaerobic oxidation of methane in environmental microbes. Now, instead of discovering new types of metabolisms, he wants to take advantage of synthetic biology and create his own microbes that could play a role in promoting the green transition. The research combines fundamental research with applied projects that aim for shaping a more sustainable future.  

Outside the lab, Silvan is an outdoor person who likes to cycle to work also in bad weather conditions and escapes to the Swiss mountains for hiking. 

Yufang Tian (yufang.tian@aalto.fi) - Postdoctoral Researcher

Yufang joined the group to push the frontiers of methanogen biology and synthetic metabolism. With a background bridging plant anaerobic physiology and microbial genetics, she focuses on gene editing and metabolic pathway engineering in methanogenic archaea, primarily Methanosarcina acetivorans and Methanococcus maripaludis. She also leverages Escherichia coli as a heterologous host to express and characterize enzymes. 

Outside the lab, Yufang enjoys the simple, grounding moments of life, reading, tending to her plants, knitting, and spending time with her cat and family.

Mai Anh Tran (mai.a.tran@aalto.fi) - Postdoctoral Researcher

Introducing Mai, the ultimate chemist and social butterfly who knows that life is all about bonding. As a protein and structural biology expert, Mai spends her days exploring the intricate bonds and non-covalent interactions that keep molecules and proteins together. 

Outside of lab, Mai is a social dynamo, organizing vibrant (house)parties that bring people together. With a flair for creating the perfect atmosphere, she knows just how to mix the elements of fun, music, and good food to help friends and soon to become friends bond over shared experiences and memories.

Whether she is in the lab investigating molecular connections or outside ensuring people build connections of her own, Mai proves that true chemistry happens everywhere. Sometimes, it only needs a type of catalyst.

Enrique de Dios Mateos (enrique.dediosmateos@aalto.fi) - Doctoral Researcher 

Enrique – mostly known as Quique – joined the group as a doctoral student in September 2023. With a background in microbiology and genetic engineering, his work focuses on broadening the understanding of M. maripaludis by tampering its hydrogen metabolism, carbon metabolism, or electron flux. He is also expanding the CRISPR/Cas toolbox for M. maripaludis.

Whether in or out of the lab, Quique is always running around trying to do as many activities as possible. You might find him hosting a big meal with his friends, enjoying nature in various ways, giving a small sing-along guitar concert, playing board or card games o,r practicing some of his favorite sports; otherwise, most likely he is trying out a new hobby. However, if he is chilling, he is probably in the sauna.

Heta Telimaa (heta.telimaa@aalto.fi) - Doctoral Researcher 

Heta studied at the University of Jyväskylä but carried out part of her studies in Germany and Austria. With a background in microbiology and a growing interest in biochemistry, she focuses on enzyme and cofactor promiscuity and substrate diversity of methanogens. Heta is also responsible for maintaining the anaerobic laboratory, one of the most critical facilities for our work. 

Outside the lab, Heta enjoys retreating to her cottage in the forest, reading books, and spending time with her two adopted cats. She also likes to travel and explore (vegan) food all around the world and is always planning her next trip! 

Kevät Sova (kevat.sova@aalto.fi) - Doctoral Researcher 

Kevät – the most recent member of our group - began their doctoral journey in October 2025 after completing their Master's thesis in the group and graduating with a Master's degree in Molecular Systems Biology from the University of Turku. 

She is currently working on understanding the biochemistry of enzymes putatively catalyzing multicarbon reactions. She aims to gain a deeper understanding of proteins, chemistry, and bioinformatics during her doctoral studies.

In their free time, they love reading books, doing sports, and dancing in the Street Dances and improvisation group belonging to the Queer Dance Group community. You might recognize her stuff in the laboratory from small abstract or floral decorations.