ICMS Fellowship for Roderick Tas

While studying biology, Roderick got interested in advanced microscopy to visualize and understand complex cellular processes. He was particularly inspired by the assembly and organization of the cytoskeleton and the way it guides molecular transport and decided to pursue a PhD in biophysics in the group of professor Lukas Kapitein at Utrecht University. Here, Roderick focused on new super resolution tools to study cytoskeleton organization to elucidate the traffic rules in neurons. Visualizing these complex cellular assemblies at the nanoscale triggered his fascination for the way biological functions are orchestrated by the exact composition and distribution of the molecular components involved.

Next, he joined the self-organizing soft matter laboratory within the ICMS. In his research, he combines molecular biology, biochemistry and biophysics for the application and development of new quantitative single molecule approaches to visualize and understand the architecture of other complex biological assemblies at the nanoscale. He specifically focuses on the biophysical principles that underlie the activity of antifreeze proteins, which protect many species from freezing in extremely cold conditions. Fundamental insights into antifreeze protein activity could provide the basis for rationally designed antifreeze molecules and new cryopreservation strategies. In addition, Roderick actively partakes in bringing researchers from multiple disciplines together by organizing monthly microscopy meetings.