Student Degree Theses

In the department of Environmental Toxicology, internships, research projects, and degree theses can be conducted on the following topics:

1. Development and Characterization of Alternative Methods

   • Participation in the development of in vitro co-culture models to identify substances with sensitizing properties (e.g., plant components such as fragrances, protein allergens or industrial chemicals) as alternatives to animal testing methods.
   • Development of methods to assess the effects of substance mixtures on the activation of dendritic cells in co-culture with keratinocytes.

2. Molecular Effects

   • Investigation of the role of epithelial cells and their importance in the activation of dendritic cells after contact with individual allergens or mixtures.
   • Examples include examining oxidation products of fragrances and their activation of dendritic cells in co-culture with keratinocytes.

3. Bioanalytical Analyses

   • Metabolomic analyses in cells of the innate immune system and in epithelial cells after contact with soluble and particulate substances (e.g., chemicals, nanoparticles, or plant components).

4. Risk Assessment

   • Evaluation of workplace substances regarding their (photo)sensitizing or allergenic effects after skin contact and/or inhalation as part of leading the Allergy Working Group of the Commission for the Investigation of Harmful Substances (MAK Commission) of the German Research Foundation.

   Information about the work of the Senate Commission: DFG Senate Commission Website

For further details, contact:
Dr. rer. nat. Darja Henseler
Mail: henseler@uni-trier.de