Milena Günther
Chair
Milena is a surgical resident in cardiac surgery at the University Hospital Jena. Alongside her medical degree, she studied biochemistry and earned a Master of Science in Molecular Medicine from Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
Her scientific training was shaped early on by the Biomedical Education Program (BMEP), through which she conducted research at the University of Iowa and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her research focuses on cardiac energy metabolism,
She is committed to translational research that bridges molecular mechanisms and clinical cardiology. As Chair of BMEP e.V., she promotes scientific excellence, international collaboration, and the support of young researchers in biomedical science.
Halgard Stolte
Vice Chair
Halgard Stolte is Managing Director of Artflex Software and serves on the board of the IT-Cluster as well as Kronach Kreativ, where she is committed to strengthening IT, innovation, and culture in the region of Upper Franconia.
As a board member of BMEP e.V., she is personally dedicated to continuing the legacy of her father, Hilmar Stolte, and keeping it accessible and vibrant for future generations.
Prof. Thorsten Doenst
Vice Chair
Professor Dr. med. Torsten Doenst is Director of the Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery at Jena University Hospital and spezialized in cardiac energy metabolism. He integrates basic scientific mechanisms with clinical heart surgery and is committed to interdisciplinary collaboration and the promotion of young academics.
As a dedicated mentor, he supports students and early-career researchers in developing independent translational research projects. For the Biomedical Education Program (BMEP), he serves as a key academic leader, combining scientific curiosity, clinical excellence, and international collaboration. As head of the DAAD-funded BMEP scholarship, he oversees the selection of fellows and plays a central role in the program’s strategic development and international positioning.
Dr. Jasper Iske
Vice Chair
Jasper is a clinician scientist and resident in cardiac surgery at the Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité. Through the Biomedical Education Program, he spent a year (2018/19) conducting research in transplant immunology at Harvard Medical School under the supervision of Stefan Tullius, focusing on the impact of aging on transplantation.
His research continues to center on the molecular mechanisms of aging in the context of cardiovascular disease and organ transplantation. As BMEP played a key role in launching his academic career, he remains closely connected to the program and is committed to creating similar opportunities for young students.
Maria Wessels
Vice Chair
Maria is a fifth-year medical student at Hannover Medical School and, thanks to the Biomedical Education Program, had the opportunity in 2024/25 to further deepen her research in pediatric oncology. In the laboratory of Scott Armstrong at Harvard Medical School/DFCI, she worked on the epigenetic mechanisms of KMT2A-PTD-mutated AML, a specific form of leukemia.
The scientific and cultural exchange was particularly enriching for her. Having only recently experienced this adventure herself, she can closely relate to how it feels and is very happy to support students with their questions and concerns.
Cosima C. Hoch
Vice Chair
Cosima is a final-year medical student who will begin her residency in ENT, Head and Neck Surgery next year. Through the Biomedical Education Program, she conducted doctoral research at Harvard Medical School (2021/22) under A. John Iafrate, focusing on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in salivary gland carcinomas and developing 3D tumor models.
She continues her research on EMT and immune regulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma at the Technical University of Munich with Barbara Wollenberg. As a board member, she is committed to helping motivated students access similar research opportunities.
Johannes Fischer
Vice Chair
Johannes studies Medicine as well as Molecular Medicine at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena and is pursuing a doctoral degree in the field of cardiac surgery. Through the BMEP, he had the opportunity to complete his master’s thesis at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the laboratory of Adam Wende. There, he focused on metabolic signaling pathways and their significance for cardiac adaptation processes, particularly using genetic knockout models.
The BMEP provided him with financial support for this research stay and granted him access to a network of academically committed students. In addition, he serves as the independent financial auditor of the BMEP.