About Us
Together, Selina...
Born in the Swiss Alps, she has always been deeply inspired by the world around her, cultivating a profound curiosity to explore the world's diverse landscapes, cultures and people as well as its hidden, microscopic mysteries. During high school, she gained her first lab experience at a science summer school at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. Her scientific journey continued as she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology with a focus on Cellular Biology at ETH Zurich. Her practical training took her across the globe, providing hands-on experience in pharmaceutical drug screening and 3D cancer organoid research at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic and the University of Sharjah in the UAE. This international journey extended into her Master’s thesis at Uppsala University in Sweden, where she focused on developing novel preclinical research methodologies and exploring the new field of 3D bioprinting. These experiences were more than academic milestones, they were opportunities for rich cultural exchange, deepening her appreciation for diverse perspectives while forging professional collaboration and friendships that feel like chosen family. In 2026, she culminated her formal education at ETH Zurich, graduating with a Doctorate in Health Sciences and Technology. Her doctoral research was dedicated to advance preclinical brain cancer research, with a specialized focus on combating Glioblastoma.
and Thomas...
From a young age, Thomas was captivated by exploration, experiencing the diverse cultures and landscapes of Africa, Australia, and South America. This passion for discovery continued during high school when he participated in a student exchange to the United States, immersing himself in North American life and forging lasting friendships. Following high school, he channeled his fascination with anatomy and medicine into formal study. He first graduated in Osteopathy in Munich before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the Thim van der Laan University in the Netherlands. During his studies, he gained extensive hands-on experience in numerous physiotherapy clinics across Switzerland, connecting with a wide variety of people and places. In parallel, he developed a versatile skill set working various flexible jobs. After completing his degree, he began working as a physiotherapist on the shores of Lake Constance in Switzerland. In this role, he not only provides expert treatment but also excels in building strong, supportive relationships with his patients.
...are exploring the world.
Since we met several years ago, we have explored many corners of Europe together and shared countless adventures. Ranging from winter camping in the icy landscapes of Iceland to climbing the volcanic terrains of the Canary Islands, our shared curiosity has only grown. It has long been our dream to experience the profound beauty of our planet through a longer, slow-travel journey, one that allows us to connect more closely with local communities, immerse ourselves deeply in different cultures, exchange knowledge, and build new friendships. This dream led us to embark on our most exciting adventure yet, which we call NiesViadi. The name means "our journey" in Romansh, one of Switzerland's lesser-known minority languages. In the autumn of 2026, we left our familiar lives behind and set out into the unknown in a trusty old Mitsubishi L300 4x4 van. With a history spanning many years, this vehicle once served as a school bus in the Swiss Alps and has already seen much of the world. It must have been cared for lovingly by previous owners, as it continues to operate flawlessly for us today. Through NiesViadi, we hope to bring cultures closer together, to foster knowledge exchange and mutual acceptance, and to meet inspiring people along the way.
