I am studying the reproductive strategies of extinct and extant Polyneoptera, a group of winged insects that show great diversity in morphology, reproductive strategies and social behaviour. Polyneoptera are distributed worldwide and include economically and medically relevant groups such as the grasshoppers (Orthoptera) and cockroach relatives (Blattodea). In my PhD project, I focus on specific structures relevant to reproduction, such as the reproductive apparatus, egg and oviposition structures, as well as aspects of brood care and associated morphological specialisations.

My aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the morphology and biomechanical characteristics of the reproductive structures as well as specific reproductive behaviours of the studied groups and to evaluate the results in regard to questions of evolutionary development as well as the adaptability and handling of insects to climatic changes. Another objective of my PhD project is to make the results usable for other areas such as medical technology or pest control.

Situated at the University of Greifswald and the University Medical Centre Rostock, I can now combine my experience in the medical field and my entomological background with my passion for museum work, imaging techniques and palaeontology.

I am passionate about science communication and scientific journalism. Therefore, I am completing a journalism training, write articles and produce podcasts on scientific topics.

Master thesis (Universität Rostock) on a Hymenoptera collection from the 18^th century

Bachelor thesis (Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heildelberg) on the diversity of Chironomidae in the northern Upper Rhine Valley