Current work:

I am pursuing a Master of Science in Biosciences at the University of Münster, while working as a student assistant in the AG Müller research group. My Master’s thesis focuses on the genome assembly and population genetics of the endangered zinc violet Viola guestphalica (Violaceae) endemic to Blankenrode. My research involves sampling individuals from populations of V. guestphalica and V. calaminaria from their natural habitats in Blankenrode and Aachen. Through next generation sequencing, I aim to assess genetic diversity within these populations, while also working to clarify the taxonomy of these closely related species.

Education:

During my Bachelor of Science in Biosciences at the University of Münster, I developed a strong foundation in plant physiology and cellular processes, and my thesis focused on the role of mitochondrial retrograde signaling in regulation of cellular energy metabolism in response to hypoxic stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. This project allowed me to delve into plant stress responses at the molecular level, fostering my growing interest in plant biology.

 

This combination of ecological, genetic, and taxonomic research has deepened my interest in conservation genetics and the evolutionary processes shaping endemic species, with a particular emphasis on plants adapted to unique environmental conditions.