I am a doctoral candidate in the Environmental Biochemistry Group at the Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. My research focuses on coral reefs at Mafia Island Marine Park in Tanzania, where I am investigating how destructive fishing practices and reef restoration measures affect biodiversity at both healthy and impaired reef sites. A central aspect of my work is the development and validation of innovative, non-invasive monitoring approaches combining environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) with modern visual survey methods to improve biodiversity assessment and support effective management of marine protected areas.

I am conducting my research project in close collaboration with the community-based NGO The Ropes of Hope, which works to restore coral reefs, and the Mafia Island Marine Park. Together we are also conducting experiments to test and compare different restoration methods in order to improve restoration outcomes.