Droevendaalsesteeg 10
6708 PB Wageningen
The Netherlands
About
I am a research assistant and Biological Safety Officer with experience in microbiology and molecular biology. I develop and carry out experiments on plant–microbe interactions, especially for Striga control. I also support safe laboratory work and help colleagues with biosafety questions
Biography
I started my career with a BTA education in Hamburg, where I trained in developmental and structural molecular biology. Since then, I have worked in molecular biology and microbiology, mainly focusing on plant–microbe interactions and soil ecology.
From 2008 to 2016, I worked at the University of Hamburg on gene function and gene expression in maize.
In 2016, I joined the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in the Microbial Ecology department. There, I worked on the PROMISE project, which studied how microbes can help control Striga in sorghum.
From 2021 to 2023, I worked at Wageningen University on the DECIPHER project, which focused on microbes that can reduce Fusarium culmorum infections in wheat.
Since 2023, I have returned to the PROMISE project for its second phase, where I am currently involved in experiments aimed at understanding the mechanisms of Striga suppression and its practical application in the field.
At the beginning of 2026, I became the Biological Safety Officer (BVF) at the institute, helping ensure safe laboratory work and supporting my colleagues with biosafety questions.