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I am an animal ecologist particularly interested in macro-ecology, ecological functioning, and the ecology of aquatic non-indigenous species. Although my Master’s studies at Philipps University Marburg (Germany) focussed on elucidating the ecology of the Serotine Bat (Chiroptera), I always had and still have a strong interest to dive into the aquatic side of research life.
After moving to Singapore the first time in 2007, I contributed to develop a pilot biotic index of Singapore’s freshwater reservoirs, and to elucidate the distribution of an invasive crayfish species throughout the island. Back in Germany, I spent the subsequent years assessing the ecological consequences of hydropower plants on the freshwater ecosystems in Bavaria, as well as illuminating the taxonomy and invasion ecology of exotic naturalized Weatherfish species of the genus Misgurnus in Southern Germany. Other projects I was involved included assessing the fundamental ecological processes that shape exotic insect species distribution and species richness on native and introduced trees and shrubs in Germany and developing and testing molecular markers that are used to trace forest reproductive material, finally leading to guidelines that aid the growth of climate-change resilient forests in Central Europe.
My current work at EMEL in the MaxBETH-project focuses on the environmental impact and ecosystem functioning of hybrid shoreline solutions in Singapore by conducting ecological surveys using a variety of methods, from classic biodiversity surveys to DNA based analyses.
Research interests
Research interests
Macro-Ecology / Aquatic Ecology / Marine Biology / Introduced species / Macro-invertebrates / Taxonomy / Population genetics / DNA barcoding
Research group: Maximizing the beneficial environmental effects of tropical hybrid shorelines (MaxBETH)
Research group: Maximizing the beneficial environmental effects of tropical hybrid shorelines (MaxBETH)
As the demand for coastal protection intensifies in the face of climate change and urbanization, alternatives to traditional hard engineering ─ such as ‘hybrid’ and ‘green-grey’ shorelines ─ are gaining traction. However, even these solutions require a very substantial built component. Given the projected scale of coastal protection required for a safe future, it is critical that the negative environmental impact of any coastal construction is kept to a minimum and the positive effects are maximized. Currently, there is limited knowledge on how integrated nature-based solutions affect sediment dynamics, gas transfer, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem functioning. These are all interrelated and should be examined together. Here, we will compare both traditional coastal engineering structures (“grey solutions”) and natural coastal ecosystems (“green solutions”) to quantify the relative degree of additionality such integrated solutions can provide.
Specifically, we will:
Assess the challenges and benefits of scaling up hybrid shoreline solutions.
Identify the impacts of hybrid shorelines on biophysical processes.
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