Self portrait

I was born and grew up in Berlin, a city divided at the time by a cruel wall. Early on I developed an interest in travel, nature and watersports.

During school and university, my spare time was spent outdoors, combining travel cum fieldwork and fun. Medieval castles, rocks & fossils, edible plants and different languages mix well to a great experience!

<car Kermit with Southern Light double kayak, Dunedin, New Zealand>

Stumbling over strange volcanic rocks during my MSc and a practical work experience in Australia led me to a PhD project "as far away from home as possible" (as my father put it), to New Zealand.

Ever since I am really hooked to volcanoes, expressed in the places I've been to - Mexico, East Pacific Rise, Italy, France, Australia, Namibia, Indonesia and of course Germany.

<intrusions, Desolation Sound, west coast Canada>

Work has sent my around the world, first back to Germany and onwards to Canada, always in pursuit of volcanic mysteries.....

<non-alcoholic advertisment>

And ultimately I am captivated by the magic of seafaring - irrespective of small or big ships, but especially research vessels!

<tiny paddler and big container ship>