I'm Jessica, a German immigrant settler born and raised in the vibrant city of Cologne. I'm the first academic in my family, and my passion for marine sciences was sparked by my family's love for scuba diving.
Academic Path
I studied Biology at Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel, Germany, majoring in Zoology and Biological Oceanography with a minor in Environmental Management. My research journey began with seabird trophic ecology, which led me to spend three months on Christmas Island, Australia, working with species like the Abbott's Booby. My fascination with marine ecosystems, especially the role of zooplankton, grew during my graduate studies.
My passion for marine science intensified, eventually pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography at the renowned GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany with Prof. Urich Sommer. During this time, I discovered my deep fascination with the intricate dynamics of marine ecosystems, particularly the role of zooplankton in transferring environmental changes to higher trophic levels.
I studied Biology at Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel, Germany, majoring in Zoology and Biological Oceanography with a minor in Environmental Management. My research journey began with seabird trophic ecology, which led me to spend three months on Christmas Island, Australia, working with species like the Abbott's Booby. My fascination with marine ecosystems, especially the role of zooplankton, grew during my graduate studies.
My passion for marine science intensified, eventually pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography at the renowned GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany with Prof. Urich Sommer. During this time, I discovered my deep fascination with the intricate dynamics of marine ecosystems, particularly the role of zooplankton in transferring environmental changes to higher trophic levels.
Career Highlights
After my Ph.D., I expanded my expertise in molecular ecology at Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel in the Molecular Ecology & Evolution lab with Prof. Dietrich Ober. Later, I joined the lab of Associate Prof. Brian Hunt at the University of British Columbia's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries as a postdoctoral fellow, where I investigated the importance of food quality for juvenile Sockeye and Chinook salmon.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I focused on teaching and educational research at the University of British Columbia, collaborating on active-learning initiatives.
Today, I'm a Research Associate at the University of British Columbia, studying climate change's impact on zooplankton biodiversity and its effects on fatty acid dynamics in marine food webs. I also contribute to Dynamic Ocean Ltd., applying marine science to support sustainable development.
After my Ph.D., I expanded my expertise in molecular ecology at Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel in the Molecular Ecology & Evolution lab with Prof. Dietrich Ober. Later, I joined the lab of Associate Prof. Brian Hunt at the University of British Columbia's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries as a postdoctoral fellow, where I investigated the importance of food quality for juvenile Sockeye and Chinook salmon.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I focused on teaching and educational research at the University of British Columbia, collaborating on active-learning initiatives.
Today, I'm a Research Associate at the University of British Columbia, studying climate change's impact on zooplankton biodiversity and its effects on fatty acid dynamics in marine food webs. I also contribute to Dynamic Ocean Ltd., applying marine science to support sustainable development.
Inspirations and Philosophy
I've been inspired by mentors and colleagues like Ulrich Sommer, Maarten Boersma, and Mary I. O'Connor, as well as colleagues such as Marie-Pier Hébert, Boris Worm, Heike Lotze, Sara Cannon, and Andrea Reid. My research philosophy is about seeking knowledge ethically, collaborating, and addressing real-world problems with an interdisciplinary approach.
I've been inspired by mentors and colleagues like Ulrich Sommer, Maarten Boersma, and Mary I. O'Connor, as well as colleagues such as Marie-Pier Hébert, Boris Worm, Heike Lotze, Sara Cannon, and Andrea Reid. My research philosophy is about seeking knowledge ethically, collaborating, and addressing real-world problems with an interdisciplinary approach.
Teaching Philosophy
As an educator, I aim to reshape biology education by emphasizing connections to other sciences and promoting critical thinking through active learning.
As an educator, I aim to reshape biology education by emphasizing connections to other sciences and promoting critical thinking through active learning.
EDI Advocacy
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are not mere buzzwords for me; they are the bedrock of my teaching, research, and advocacy efforts. I'm deeply committed to fostering an inclusive scientific community where diverse voices and perspectives are valued and celebrated.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are not mere buzzwords for me; they are the bedrock of my teaching, research, and advocacy efforts. I'm deeply committed to fostering an inclusive scientific community where diverse voices and perspectives are valued and celebrated.
Challenges and Triumphs
Balancing research and teaching early in my career was a significant challenge. Overcoming this hurdle and seeing my students succeed has been a defining achievement.
Balancing research and teaching early in my career was a significant challenge. Overcoming this hurdle and seeing my students succeed has been a defining achievement.
Future Goals
In the future, I aim to deepen our understanding of climate change's effects on marine ecosystems and continue advocating for EDI initiatives in academia.
In the future, I aim to deepen our understanding of climate change's effects on marine ecosystems and continue advocating for EDI initiatives in academia.
Join Me on this Journey
I invite you to explore my research, teaching, and EDI efforts as we work together to create a more inclusive and informed scientific community.
I invite you to explore my research, teaching, and EDI efforts as we work together to create a more inclusive and informed scientific community.