Since my Master's project, I have been studying the ecology of phytoplankton. I am fascinated by these tiny, photosynthetic organisms due to their important role as primary producers at the bottom of aquatic food webs. Additionally, this group of organisms contains an astonishing high genetic and functional diversity. Thus, two cells can look very similar to each other, but they might belong to very distant branches in the tree of life, have evolved in very different ways and possess very distinct metabolic abilities. Several species can, for example, be very toxic and pose a threat to humans.

On this website you can find further information about my research and some photographic impressions from my work and travels.