Irina obtained her Bachelor in Biology with chemical direction at the ETHZ, where in 2011 she also earned her Master in Microbiology and Immunology. For her PhD thesis, she is currently investigating the potential of helminths in the treatment and prevention of inflammatory bowel diseases in the group of Prof. Rogler at the University Hospital in Zurich. Outside the lab, Irina is an avid reader of contemporary literature and a running enthusiast, plays saxophone both as a hobby and within a wind ensemble.