What is your research topic and why is it so interesting?
My team and I study livestock-environment interactions at farm, pasture, and landscape level, and how they can be optimised (through management) to feed the animals well, attain resource efficiency, and minimise externalities. Geographically, we focus on sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.
What was your dream job as a child?
I had some relatives who worked in Tanzania, and I wanted to work there too, because I was fascinated by their (old-fashioned) slide shows. Yet, I did not know exactly what I would do.
Who would you like to meet for a coffee?
Ai Weiwei
What does a typical working day look like for you?
During the semester: A mix of meetings, coaching sessions with MSc and PhD students and teaching. During the semester break: field work with project partners and PhD students in West Africa and South Asia. This is the most exciting part of the job.
Who is your scientific role model?
A French agro-botanist (Pierre Hiernaux) who has worked extensively in West Africa on livestock-rangeland interactions. I admire his deep social-ecological and process knowledge.
