I graduated with a veterinary degree from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in 2002. After receiving my Dr. med.vet. in 2005, I started working as a research assistant at the Institute of Nutrition at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. In fall 2006 I enrolled in a residency program of the European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition. The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna awarded me a research grant to learn about the latest technologies for investigating the intestinal microbiota at the GI Lab, where I started working in January 2009. My research focuses on the role of the gastrointestinal microbiom in the development of obesity. Besides my work at the GI Lab, I love nature and all it's magnificent creatures. My main interests are keeping exotic pets, reading, hanging out with friends and exploring Texas wild life.