My CV
Academic Qualifications
2014 - 2020
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), PSL Research University, Paris, France
Thesis title: Mechanisms of coexistence: A multi-disciplinary investigation of sympatric juvenile reef sharks. Supervision: Dr Serge Planes, Dr Yannis Papastamatiou
2010 - 2012
Master of Science in Animal Biology, University of Basel, Switzerland
Thesis title: Has resort related large-scale mangrove habitat destruction resulted in a change in the prey community and therefore in a dietary shift of nursery bound juvenile lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris. Supervision: Dr Walter Salzburger, Dr Samuel Gruber
2006 - 2009
Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology, University of Bern, Switzerland
Thesis title: Immunocytochemical Investigation of the Renin Angiotensin System in Kidney Tissue of normotensive, treated and untreated double transgenic Rats (dTGR).
Supervision: Dr Hans Imboden
Research Positions and Work Experiences
01/2021 – present
Scientific expedition leader: Sail and Explore Association, Bern, Switzerland - freelance
Leading scientific expeditions for an association committed to marine science and conservation with a special focus on plastic pollution, sharks, and rays. www.sailandexplore.com
06/2020 - present
Research fellow & study coordinator, Dr Risch, Principality of Liechtenstein - part time
Testing the utility of a fertility bracelet to diagnose and monitor symptoms potentially related to COVID-19. Supervision: Prof Dr med Lorenz Risch, Kirsten Grossmann www.risch.ch www.covi-gapp.li
10/2014 - present
Researcher, scientific communicator, mentor & coach - freelance
Raising awareness of sharks through public presentations, media engagements and as a mentor and coach.
10-2020 - 01/2021
Postdoctoral researcher & project leader: Physioshark, CRIOBE, Moorea, French Polynesia
Assessing the effects on climate change on the physiology and ecology of reef sharks. Supervision: Dr Jodie Rummer, Dr Serge Planes wwww.physioshark.com
06/2020 - 08/2020
Fundraising coordinator, Erfolgswelle AG, Switzerland - part time
Fundraising for new, innovative, and scientific film productions.
12/2014 - 06/2020
PhD Research: SOSF - D’Arros Research Centre, D’Arros Island, Seychelles
Coordinating and conducting fieldwork for my PhD project entitled: Mechanisms of coexistence: A multi-disciplinary investigation of sympatric juvenile reef sharks.
Supervision: Dr Serge Planes, Dr Yannis P. Papastamatiou
11/2016 – 04/2017
PhD Research: CRIOBE, Moorea, French Polynesia
Coordinating and conducting fieldwork for my PhD project entitled: Mechanisms of coexistence: A multi-disciplinary investigation of sympatric juvenile reef sharks. Supervision: Dr Jodie Rummer, Dr Serge Planes
12/2013 – 05/2014
Research assistance, CRIOBE, Moorea, French Polynesia
Coordinating and conducting the sampling of juvenile sicklefin lemon, Negaprion acutidens, and blacktip reef sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus. Supervision: Dr Serge Planes
11/2013
Research assistance: SOSF - D’Arros Research Centre, D’Arros Island, Seychelles
Movement assessment of sub-adult and adult reef sharks Supervision: Dr James Lea
01/2012 – 02/2012
Research internship: Lemon Shark Aggregation Study, Florida, USA
Tagging and tissue sampling of adult sharks, deployment of acoustic receiver, and fishing.
Supervision: Dr Samuel Gruber, Dr Steven Kessel
01/2011 – 08/2011
M.Sc. Research: Bimini Biological Field Station, Bimini, Bahamas
Dietary investigation in juvenile lemon sharks. Supervision: Dr Kristine Stump, Dr Samuel Gruber
10/2009 – 12/2009
Research internship: Bimini Biological Field Station, Bimini, Bahamas
Assistance in fieldwork related work. Supervision: Dr Samuel Gruber, Dr Kristine Stump
03/2012 – 12/2012
Research assistance: Labormedizinisches Zentrum Dr Risch, Bern, Switzerland
Analysing blood and plasma samples for medical and diagnostic tests.Supervision: Dr Ute Weidemann,
Prof Dr med Lorenz Risch
06/2010 – 12/2010
Medical secretary and assistance: Pathology Länggasse, Bern, Switzerland
Preparation and dispatch of medical diagnostic results. Supervision: Dr Hans Jörg Altermatt
08/2009 – 10/2009
High school teacher: Gymnasium Kirchenfeld, Bern, Switzerland
Teaching classes and practical courses in zoology, ecology, cell biology, immunology, and genetics. Supervision: Dr Heinz Stöckli
01/2010 – 04/2010
High school teacher: Gymnasium Kirchenfeld, Bern, Switzerland
Teaching classes and practical courses in zoology, ecology, cell biology, immunology, and genetics. Supervision: Franz-Xaver Troxler
06/2005 - 06/2013
Bartender and waitress: Café Aarbergerhof, Bern, Switzerland
Long-term employment as waitress and bartender
Grants, Awards and Sponsorships
05/2019
Travel Award: Flying Sharks
Participation in the American Elasmobranch Society (AES) meeting, Snowbird, Utah, USA: 220 €
03/2018
Travel Award: CRIOBE
Participation in 7th Rencontres de l’Ichtyologie en France (RIF), Paris, France: 530 €
07/2017
Travel Award: Women in Marine Science
10th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC), Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia: 550 €
06/2017
Travel Award Flying Sharks
10th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC), Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia: 550 €
06/2017
Travel Award: CRIOBE
10th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC), Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia: 1000 €
08/2016
Save Our Seas Foundation Keystone Continuous Grant
PhD project at the SOSF - D’Arros Research Centre: $7,750
06/2016
AES Student Travel Award
American Elasmobranch Society (AES) meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: $500
05/2016
Mares and Fourth Element
Dive Equipment sponsorship for several features in the media
04/2016
Travel Award from CNRS/CRIOBE
13th International Coral Reef Symposium, Hawai’i, USA: 804 €
03/2015
Travel Award from the École Doctoral of the École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE)
32nd meeting of the American Elasmobranch Society, New Orleans, USA: 300 €
02/2015
Travel Award from the Ecole Doctoral of the École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE)
13th International Coral Reef Symposium in Hawai’i, USA: 800 €
12/2014
Save Our Seas Foundation Keystone Continuous Grant
PhD project at the SOSF - D’Arros Research Centre: $13,880
05/2014
Basler Stiftung für biologische Forschung Grant
PhD project at the SOSF - D’Arros Research Centre: $4,000
03/2014
Save Our Seas Foundation Travel Award
Sharks International meeting in Durban, South Africa: $1,000
03/2014
Save Our Seas Foundation Keystone Grant
PhD project at the SOSF - D’Arros Research Centre: $35,000
07/2013
AES Student Travel Award
American Elasmobranch Society (AES) meeting, Albuquerque, NM, USA: $800
10/2012
Taiwan Youth Trekker Award
Financial support to explore the Taiwanese fisheries and shark landings: $2,500
08/2012
Reisefonds für den akademischen Nachwuchs der Universität Basel, Switzerland.
American Elasmobranch meeting, Vancouver, Canada: $2,000
02/2011
Swiss Shark Foundation Research Grant
Master project at the Bimini Biological Field Station: $4,000
For a more detailed CV, please send me an email.
Photo © Rainer von Brandis | SOSF