Advent calendar - December 15th - Yari Knelissen

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, support staff and technicians of our research groups and team - providing a glimpse into their typical day at work. In Episode 15 meet Yari Knelissen, PhD researcher in the Molecular Biophysics group of Prof. Wouter Roos.

I’m Yari Knelissen, working as a PhD student in the Molecular Biophysics group of Prof. Wouter Roos where we study the structure and dynamics of various biological (and bio-based) systems at molecular level. One of the tools we use, which is also the primary technique I work with, is the high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM). In essence, HS-AFM creates a topographical map of a sample by scanning a very tiny sharp needle over it. It can image our nanometers-sized samples at up to 10 frames per second.

Primarily, I use the HS-AFM to study the dynamics involved in specific steps of virus assembly. For example, to see how viral proteins secure and pack its genetic cargo which is essential for its successful replication. By understanding this fundamental step, we can then think of ways to inhibit the process and develop medicines in the future.

Being in the lab and watching a process unfold in real-time with the HS-AFM is very exciting, but of course plans and experiments don’t always go as expected. At these times, I’m also grateful to have a supportive environment and colleagues at the university.

See all Advent Calendar items 2025 here!