A little bit about me

I was born in East Germany in 1985. I’ve been interested in the outdoors since I was a small child. I think my curiosity for water and soil started while making puddle soups as a child (Yum!). And that curiosity really flourished when I was given the opportunity to work on research abroad, in Panamá. That experience shaped who I am and built the foundation for becoming the scientist I am now. What I did not know then, was that my work will lead me to agroecosystems, linking nature and societies. I am fascinated by how humans alter the environment around them and how this leads to cascading ecological effects. I am convinced that we can manage ecosystems in a way where both nature and societies can coexist sustainably. As a scientist I strive to understand how to make that happen. My mission encompasses understanding ecosystem processes in the context of anthropogenic management. Accordingly, the exchange of knowledge and expertise among scientists and producers is key. As a teacher I believe that the uniqueness of every human is an asset. My biggest joy as a teacher and mentor is seeing my students develop and follow their curiosity for science.

“Nothing exists in isolation.”

— Margaret J. Wheatley

Brief Academic Summary