My research targets the question of how and why diversity evolves. Within this larger framework, I focus mostly on interaction of plants with their biotic and abiotic environment, and how these interactions impact (co)evolution between the interacting partners.

In my group we study (co)adaptation of plants and pollinators, herbivores, as well as the adaptation of plants to abiotic factors such as soil and climate. We are specifically interested in the function and evolution of floral signals, rewards, and defense against herbivores. We use field experiments as well as experimental evolution in the greenhouse, genomic tools, and analytical chemical tools such as gas chromatography and HPLC. Last but not least, we use behavioral experiments with pollinator insects and herbivores to study how insect behavior impacts selection on plants.

Please check out my google scholar profile to see my most recent publications in these research fields. Have a look at my CV (PDF, 124 KB) for further personal information and details on my past and current research.  

1995 Magister in Biology, University of Vienna.
1999 PhD in Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna.
1999 Postdoctoral Fellow, The Australian National University, Canberra.
2001 Oberassistant, Geobotanical Institute, ETH Zürich
2005 Habilitation in Evolutionary Ecology, ETH Zürich
2007 Assistant Professor with tenure track, University of Zürich
2012 Promotion to Associate Professor, University of Zürich

Download (PDF, 124 KB) full CV (December 2021)

For (potential) students

If you are interested in a master thesis in my group, contact me. Occasionally, I also have PhD/PostDoc positions available. Please contact me to inquire about such possibilities. Here is some advice for (potential) graduate students.

Publications: Google Scholar profile