My research focuses on conservation and global change biology of insects, and the taxonomy of ground beetles (Carabidae). My work spans topics ranging from long-term trends of carabids in the Lüneburg Heath to highly diverse ecosystems in the Middle East, European High Mountains, and subtropical China. Species distribution models, ecological traits and analyses of poleward and uphill shifts are used to describe the impact of global change drivers on insects. A significant part of my work is dedicated to taxonomy and systematics, where I use integrated taxonomic approaches (morphometry, DNA sequences) including historical museum specimens to analyze new taxa and to contribute to our general knowledge of species diversity patterns. In addition, I employ modern predictive modeling to understand how global environmental changes shape patterns of species distribution and biodiversity in the future. I am a member of the IUCN Global Tiger Beetle Specialist Group.
My work focuses on the vital intersection of agroecology and entomology, with an emphasis on insect conservation in agricultural landscapes. I look closely at strategies to promote beneficial insects, such as pollinators (e.g., wild bees) and natural pest controllers (e.g., ground beetles). Specifically, I investigate how landscape design and targeted measures, like flower strips and semi-open network corridors, can improve habitat quality. While much of my research centers on pollination ecology, I also integrate citizen science approaches into the large-scale monitoring of wild bees and wasps.
I am a zoologist specializing in the identification and classification of species. While my taxonomic focus is primarily on ground beetles, I also work with a variety of other arthropod groups. I contribute to the group’s core initiatives by supporting local projects on wildflower strips as well as global research efforts like the BEF-China Project. In my work, I love combining classical morphology-based identification with modern molecular techniques, such as DNA barcoding.