Jan Hendrik Spille

Jan Hendrik Spille is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), with affiliations in Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on biophysical principles of cellular organization using advanced fluorescence microscopy to study biomolecular condensates and nuclear architecture. The Spille Lab develops cutting-edge imaging tools combining super-resolution microscopy, live-cell imaging, and computational modeling to understand transcriptional regulation and chromatin dynamics.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Physics (2007), Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg, Germany
• Master of Science in Physics (2009), Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg, Germany
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (2014), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University Bonn, Germany

Research Interests: The lab explores how biomolecular condensates form and regulate transcription, employing interdisciplinary approaches spanning physics, chemistry, and biology. Current projects investigate chromatin organization in immune systems, super-resolution imaging of DNA/RNA/proteins, and CRISPR-based labeling technologies. Key collaborations include work with the Kenter lab (UIC Immunology) and Scialog-funded projects on biomolecular collective behavior.

Awards & Funding:

• Scialog: Chemical Machinery of the Cell Award (2021, Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation)
• NIH NIAID R21 Award for chromatin topology studies
• Editorial role for Methods in Molecular Biology volume on Phase-Separated Biomolecular Condensates

Teaching & Mentorship: Teaches PHYS 132 and advises over 15 students (undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs). Supports LASURI and Honors College thesis projects, emphasizing hands-on research in microscopy, modeling, and bioinformatics. Lab members have received LASURI awards, Honors College grants, and recognition at conferences like the Biophysics Research Day.

Lab Infrastructure: Equipped with a Bruker Vutara super-resolution microscope and advanced computational tools. Hosts a bi-monthly interdepartmental Biophysics Seminar series.