Congratulations to Aarón D. Ramírez Sánchez

On 17 July 2024, Aarón D. Ramírez Sánchez successfully defended his PhD thesis at the University of Groningen in the presence of internationally renowned celiac disease experts and members of ISSCD, professors Knut Lundin, Frits Koning, Renata Auricchio and Janneke Samsom. 

In his thesis, which he completed under supervision of Iris Jonkers and Sebo Withoff, Aarón Ramírez Sánchez explored immune cells that specifically respond to gluten, cells in circulation before and after celiac disease onset, and the epithelial lining of the small intestine. He also developed innovative methods for handling intestinal biopsies, enabling the use of single-cell omics. Through detailed analysis of gene expression and epigenetics (how genes are regulated), he identified critical genes and pathways linked to celiac disease.

His findings significantly expand the current understanding of celiac disease and highlight potential avenues for improving diagnostics and treatment of the disease.

We wish to congratulate Aarón on his achievement and look forward to hearing about future research successes yet to come! 

Photo from left to right: Iris Jonkers, Joram Mooiweer (paranymph and friend of Aaron), Aaron himself, Sebo Withoff, Angel Ruiz-Moreno (paranymph and friend of Aaron).

In the Netherlands, doctoral candidates may be accompanied by two paranymphs at the defence of the doctoral thesis. This tradition originates from the ancient concept that obtaining a doctorate was seen as a form of marriage to the university. Paranymphs would not only provide support but assist the doctoral candidate in answering questions. Today the role is seen as a position of honour similar to a best man or woman at a wedding and it is not essential for a paranymph to have any expert knowledge of the subject matter!