I studied agricultural sciences, majoring in crop science at the University of Kiel, Germany. After completing my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, I began my doctoral studies in molecular plant-parasite interactions at the Department of Molecular Phytopathology and Biotechnology under the supervision of Prof Daguang Cai at the University of Kiel. I succesfully defended my doctoral thesis in 2021 with distinction. I then worked as a Molecular Breeding Scientist for 2.5 years at a German canola breeding company before returning to academia in 2024 as a Research Fellow in Jacqueline Batley's lab for plant genetics and genomics at the University of Western Australia. My research focuses on improving disease resistance in Brassica napus and utilizing crop wild relatives for breeding.

Crop Improvement

With a background in crop science, plant pathology, and plant breeding, my research focuses on improving crops by exploring and utilizing genetic resources such as crop wild relatives. I apply my expertise in bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, and genomics to identify novel sources of resistance and to unravel the underlying mechanisms. This knowledge contributes to the development of innovative and sustainable strategies for crop improvement, with a particular emphasis on canola (Brassica napus). Through my genetic and genomic studies, I identify new sources and develop molecular markers that can be applied in marker-assisted selection for plant breeding. My research bridges fundamental science and practical applications, aiming to make meaningful impact on global food security.