New DDLS Fellow: Astrid von Mentzer
Our latest SciLifeLab & Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) Fellow, Astrid von Mentzer (University of Gothenburg), talks about her research and hopes for the future, in our latest Q&A-style article. Astrid will be joining the DDLS Epidemiology and biology of infection research area.
Astrid completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Gothenburg, followed by a PhD conducted in close collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Institute. During her doctoral studies, she focused on microbial genomics, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic E. coli.
After earning her PhD, Astrid was awarded the VR International Postdoc Grant, which enabled her to pursue a postdoctoral position at the Sanger Institute. She also received the prestigious grant from the Swedish Society for Medical Research (SSMF), providing further support for her research.
Initially, she commuted weekly between Sweden and the UK before relocating with her family. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted several planned projects, prompting her to pivot and explore new research directions. These delayed projects are now finally being revived, enriched by fresh perspectives and the latest advances in data-driven methodologies.
How do you think your expertise can contribute to the program?
I have worked extensively with microbial genomics since my PhD, specializing in pathogenic Escherichia coli. Over the past year, I have focused more on large-scale data analysis, applying genomics to study bacterial evolution, gene transmission, and bacterial spread across hosts and environments.
With a background in molecular biology and expertise in both experimental and computational methods, I bring an interdisciplinary approach to the study of infectious diseases. I integrate traditional microbiology with bioinformatics and machine learning to investigate host adaptation, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance.
Additionally, I have established multiple collaborations in India, Bangladesh, the USA, and Zambia, giving me a broad international network. These partnerships provide access to diverse datasets and allow me to work on global health challenges related to bacterial pathogens in different epidemiological contexts. My experience in large-scale genomic analysis, combined with my international collaborations, will contribute to the program’s goal of leveraging computational approaches to solve pressing questions in microbial pathogenesis and evolution.
Shortly describe your research in an easy to understand way.
I study how bacteria adapt to different hosts and environments, particularly focusing on Escherichia coli that cause diarrheal diseases. Some strains of E. coli are harmless, while others have evolved mechanisms to infect humans or animals. I use large-scale genomic data to investigate how these bacteria acquire new traits, such as the ability to colonize a specific host or develop antibiotic resistance.
In my research, I apply machine learning to predict the host range of E. coli and study the factors that drive bacterial evolution. Additionally, I explore how climate and environmental factors influence the spread of diarrheal pathogens. By combining computational approaches with laboratory experiments, I aim to understand bacterial transmission and identify potential targets for intervention.
How do you think the program and interactions with the other DDLS-Fellows will benefit you?
Having already met some of the DDLS Fellows, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this community. The program provides a unique opportunity to connect with researchers from diverse fields, fostering collaborations that go beyond my immediate area of expertise. Being part of such a strong network is invaluable, especially as I navigate the challenges of establishing my own research group.
As a new PI, balancing research, leadership, and family life can be demanding, and I truly appreciate the support the program offers in these areas. The opportunity to exchange experiences with other fellows, learn from more senior researchers, and gain insights into mentorship and leadership is something I find particularly valuable. Developing as a mentor and leader is just as important as advancing my research, and I look forward to growing in these aspects with the support of the DDLS community.
Name one thing that people generally do not know about you.
I’m a terrible loser — I take competition seriously! That’s probably why academia suits me so well. The competitive nature of research, from securing funding to publishing, keeps me motivated, and for some reason, pulling an all-nighter still weirdly appeals to me.
Where do you see yourself in five years regarding the DDLS aspect?
I see myself leading a dynamic, interdisciplinary team where data-driven science is at the core of everything we do. I want to create an environment where computational and experimental approaches come together to tackle big questions in microbial evolution and infectious disease. Building a team that thrives on collaboration, curiosity, and innovation is important to me, and I hope to secure the funding and partnerships needed to keep pushing the boundaries of our research.
In one word, describe how you feel about becoming a DDLS-Fellow.
Empowered!
