We are starting a new series of interviews with early/mid-career investigators! We hope this will help young neuroendocrinologists grow and find inspiration for setting up collaborations.
For our inaugural interview, on behalf of the EYRC, Dr. Cihan Atila interviewed Dr. Nicole Bechmann shortly after the past ESE Summer School, held in Innsbruck, Austria in June 2024.

Research Focus
Dr. Nicole Bechmann investigates adrenal gland tumors and their role in endocrine hypertension disorders such as primary aldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome, and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Her work explores the interplay between genetics, metabolism, adrenal hormones, and sexual dimorphism to understand tumor formation and progression. Combining clinical studies with basic research, her goal is to improve diagnosis and develop better therapies for adrenal tumors.
 
Expertise
Dr. Bechmann specializes in adrenal physiology, tumor biology, and catecholamine and steroid metabolism. She utilizes advanced cell line models, including 2D, 3D, and flow-through systems, to study pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma. Her work includes gene editing techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 for functional validation of genetic variants, studies of small molecule inhibitors, and investigations into tumor cell metabolism, migration, and invasion. These multidisciplinary approaches aim to advance our understanding of adrenal tumors and identify novel therapeutic targets.

It was a pleasure to interview Dr. Bechmann, and we hope her insights will aid in developing your career! A video format is also available on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsCaM5lu-JA