While studying Biology, I discovered my passion for microbes during an internship and subsequent Bachelor’s thesis on the human microbiome at the Center for Infectious Research in Braunschweig, Germany. This experience motivated me to specialize in Microbiology during my master’s program, where I focused my thesis on Vibrio bacteria and vitamin uptake at the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment in Oldenburg.

Project title:

Explore the Diversity and Function of the excreted and exposed Proteins of human Archaea and their roles in Biofilm formation

My scientific interest:

I am fascinated by how microbes thrive in their environment, often with unique survival strategies, especially in densely colonized locations like the human intestine. Understanding essential structures that allows them to reach nutrients and to interact with each other and their environment really intrigues me. Methanogenic archaea, in particular, catch my interest because their characteristics and their role within the human

microbiome is still poorly understood. I want to explore how they use their surface structures for particle uptake, communication and adhesion. Also, I would like to understand the circumstances under which they make decisions as a group, such as forming a biofilm.

I like to do in my free time:

I often stroll through quiet places like botanical gardens or museums, and I enjoy finding hidden spots to drink tea and eat biscuits while reading a novel. I love art, especially when it is odd.

Spending time outdoors with friends helps me unwind from stressful periods, and I particularly enjoy hiking and climbing (especially now in the Austrian mountains). During the dark months, ice bathing and ice skating helps me to overcome the winter blues.