About me
In 2018, I began my studies in Chemical and Process Engineering at TU Graz and continued with a master’s program focusing on plant engineering and process technology. I completed my master’s thesis at the Institute of Process and Particle Engineering under the supervision of Heidi Gruber-Wölfler. Titled “3D Printing of Biocatalysts and Applications in Continuous Flow,” the thesis focused on the immobilization of cyanobacteria in a cellulose–alginate mixture with the aim of establishing a continuous biocatalytic process. This project marked my first real experience with the field of biocatalysis. I am particularly fascinated by the precise and multifaceted work with enzymes—from cultivation to their integration into technical processes. I especially like the idea of combining biotechnological methods with process engineering to create sustainable and eco-friendly processes. In February 2025, I started my PhD under the supervision of Heidi Gruber-Wölfler as part of an FWF-funded project in collaboration with research partners in Austria and Germany.
Research interests My doctoral work is part of the FWF project “DESMOL2PRO”, carried out together with partners in Austria and Germany. The project focuses on developing sustainable biocatalytic processes using deep eutectic solvents (DES) in continuous flow systems. DES are seen as environmentally friendly alternatives to common solvents and can be adjusted to fit specific process needs. They improve enzyme stability and activity while also increasing substrate solubility. When used with continuous processing, they enable robust and efficient systems that follow the principles of green chemistry. My research focuses on enzyme immobilization, integration into reactors, and developing suitable methods for solvent recovery—with the main aim of making industrial biocatalysis more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Publications PURE