I am a trained geoecologist and environmental geochemist. My research focuses on understanding the fate, mobility, and behaviour of trace elements (e.g. As, Se, Li, Hg, Cr), nutrients (e.g. P), and water in a wide range of natural and anthropogenically influenced systems. Natural systems of interest include water-soil-plant systems, water protection areas, geothermal environments, and karst landscapes. Anthropogenic systems encompass secondary raw materials, element recovery from liquids, mine waste deposits, biomass combustion residues, and battery-related systems.

The overarching goal of my research is to improve environmental quality while contributing to the sustainable use and supply of critical resources.

My current research activities focus on:

1. Assessing the impact of anthropogenic activities (e.g. agricultural practices, irrigation, and mining) on groundwater, soil, and food quality.
2. Quantifying element fluxes and material flows across natural and anthropogenic systems, such as riverine transport to marine environments and the transfer of elements from biomass into slags and residues.
3. Recovering critical elements from primary sources, including (geo-)thermal brines, as well as from secondary sources, such as those generated during battery recycling.
4. Evaluating the resource potential of waste materials, including slags, industrial residues, and components from end-of-life electric motors.

My research is grounded in high-quality geochemical and mineralogical data obtained through a combination of field investigations and laboratory experiments. As head of the laboratory, I have access to a broad range of advanced analytical techniques, including XRD, XRF, IR-MS, and (LA)-ICP-MS and -OES, among others. In addition, I am actively engaged in the development and optimization of analytical methodologies to enhance our understanding of complex environmental and resource-related processes.

For further information on our research activities, please refer to our project overview.

Teaching is a central component of my academic work. It is both a privilege and a responsibility. As a lecturer, I aim to inspire young people with the fascination and excitement of the discipline. This is particularly important for topics that may appear challenging or whose relevance is not immediately obvious. To this end, I strive to make my teaching both research-led and closely connected to real-world practice wherever possible. I seek to support and motivate students while also challenging them academically, thereby promoting their personal, intellectual, and professional growth. I also strive to demonstrate how and where the knowledge they acquire can be applied in their future careers and to highlight the role they can play in contributing to society through their expertise.