Research focus
As a population ecologist, I am interested in seeing how underlying processes influence population dynamics. My work includes simulation studies, meta-species analyses and more applied conservation analyses of single species. My previous work has mostly focussed on (herbaceous) plants but in my current positions I’m focusing on animal populations.
Currently I’m using spatially explicit demographic models to create a Digital Twin of the terrestrial ecosystem of Doñana National Park. This digital twin will include several throphic levels and include species interactions. We are working on creating automated, open-source and interchangable workflows. The final digital twin will create short-term forecasts of the whole ecosystem and will have an interface allowing those interested in “testing out” different conservation actions and observe the modeled outcomes throughout the ecosystem. A current prototype of the digital twin can be found here.
In addition to the digital twin of the Doñana national park, I am using similar population models to project future densities of the European Rabbit. I am also using the results of these projections for a Population Viability Analysis of the Iberian Lynx in collaboration with the LynxConnect LIFE project.
Outside of these projects, I am active as a member of the steering committee of the Ecological Forecasting Initiative, European Chapter. My efforts here are focused on improving the forecasting communitee in Europe, and I am directly involved in the development of the first European Forecasting Challenge
If you are interested in collaborating in any of the projectes mentioned, feel free to reach out to me through the channels listed on this page!
About me
My interest in biology and ecology started very early. My interest has only grown since then, although now I actually know how some of it works. Although my interests have lead me to a job that consists mostly of working behind a laptop, I do still take every oppertunity to go out and hike through nature.
Besides getting to work with amazing people, I also thoroughly enjoy the places my work has brought me; discovering new areas, cities, countries and cultures.
Besides work, I have several other things that take up most of my free time. First and foremost is my dog. Yes, I am a full blown millenial dog mom. Luckily, my little crazy is a great companion who helps me decompress and forces me out for little walks throughout the day, and is a great excuse to go out on hikes on the weekends to explore Sevilla and Andelucia.
Second, is Roller Derby. Both Leipzig and Sevilla have amazing teams with teammates who help making the cities feel like home, and who do not mind helping me decompress from deadline-stress through hugs and bruises!
