Janine Fröhlich

Janine Fröhlich is a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in the Department of Multiphase Chemistry, Mainz, Germany. She has held this position since January 2013, with a research focus on atmospheric and health effects of airborne microorganisms, environmental sampling, laboratory experiments, DNA analysis, and ice nucleation. Her career includes postdoctoral and visiting scientist roles at institutions such as the University of Wyoming and University of East London.

• Education:
  • PhD in Biology (Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; thesis on “Characterization of primary biogenic aerosol particles by DNA analysis: Diversity of airborne Asco - and Basidiomycota”)
  • Diploma in Biology (Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz; thesis on “Cloning and heterologous expression of a xanthophyll deepoxidase from the diatom Phaeodactylum triconutum”)

Research Interests: Janine's work explores ice nucleation mechanisms in fungi and bacteria, environmental DNA analysis of bioaerosols, protein modifications under atmospheric conditions, and health impacts of allergens and pollutants. Her studies bridge climate science, microbial ecology, and public health, particularly in understanding how air pollutants and oxidative stressors alter allergens' immunogenicity.

Scientific Awards:

• 2009: Otto Hahn Medal of the Max Planck Society

Article Trends: Her publications highlight ice nucleation activity in fungi and bacteria, effects of environmental stressors on protein structure, and cross-disciplinary applications in atmospheric chemistry, immunology, and climate modeling. Key collaborations include studies on TLR signaling and bioaerosol quantification.

Labs and Teams: Leads the Fröhlich Group at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, focusing on multiphase chemical processes and bioaerosol characterization.