I’ve been interested in nature and science since I was young. My middle school science teacher played a big role in this. I often stayed after school to help in the lab, caring for animals and assisting with various tasks. This hands-on experience really boosted my interest in animals and science. As I grew older, I got into fishkeeping. It started as a hobby, but soon I was deeply involved in the aquarium industry.
Life took me in a different direction for some time; after almost five years in the military, I left to pursue my passion for nature. To fulfil this dream, I completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at the American Military University (AMU), where my passion for conservation and ornithology blossomed. Eager to expand my knowledge further, I then pursued a Masters in Biodiversity and Conservation at the University of Exeter, England.
In 2018, I moved back to Germany and subsequently completed a second bachelor’s degree in information technology at AMU, focusing on enterprise software development. This, combined with my Master’s experience using drones and my interest in microcontrollers and hardware design, gave me a unique combination of skills that allowed me to approach conservation from both a scientific and technical perspective.
My journey in conservation has been diverse and rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to learn in Kenya and work in the Caribbean with Operation Wallaces, teaching ornithology and conducting bird surveys. Currently, I volunteer with the Bavarian Association for the Protection of Birds and Nature (LBV), where I monitor birds and assist with practical conservation projects.
In 2021, I took another significant step in my career by joining the Chair of Terrestrial Ecology at the Technical University of Munich. Here I’m working towards a PhD in urban ecology, which I expect to complete in 2025. This research allows me to delve deeper into the complexities of ecosystems in human-dominated landscapes while honing my skills in bioacoustics. However, it has shown me that my true passion lies in species conservation and has led me down the path to founding RARElab.
My journey from a nature-loving child to a veteran and conservation researcher has strengthened my commitment to understanding and protecting nature. I now channel my diverse background in ecology, technology and conservation into the study of lost, rare and understudied species. This unique perspective allows me to approach biodiversity research with both passion and pragmatism, aiming to make a meaningful impact by uncovering the hidden wonders of our planet’s ecosystems.
Check out how you can support our cause to research and protect lost, rare, and understudied species.