Mareike Tabea Mittag, MSc
PhD student
Environment & Biodiversity – University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, A-5020 Salzburg
Tel.: +43 (0) 662 / 8044-5621
E-Mail:
My journey into ecology probably began unconsciously at a very early age. At that time, it was simply the pure enthusiasm for the beauty of nature. Today, it is coupled with a fascination for systems and the dynamics of interactions, effects, and mechanisms in natural ecosystems.
Through my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, I have been confronted with ecological challenges and have decided to work on my knowledge and understanding of the environment. Since 2020, I have been dedicated to ecosystem research, eager to make contributions as a student, scientist, and science communicator.
My Master’s degree in ecology and evolution provided me with a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between abiotic changes, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions. It is exciting to explore the complexity and interconnectedness of nature.
As part of Dr. Jana Petermann’s group within the Community Ecology and Biodiversity Research Unit, I am currently investigating food webs among plants, herbivores, and predators, their stoichiometry, and functions as part of the Forest Biodiversity Experiment project in China.
CURRICULUM VITAE
HONOURS / SCHOLARSHIP
Marie Andeßner-Award | Awards for Diploma and Master’s theses
2025
Promotion, visibility and recognition for outstanding young female scientists
Scholarships for the promotion of scientific theses | University of Salzburg
2022
Funding & Performance-based Scholarships
EDUCATION
PhD Student in the Research Field of Community Ecology & Biodiversity | Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria
Since 04.2023
MULTITROPH – MultiTrophic Interactions in a Forest Biodiversity Experiment in China; Plant-arthropod food webs, stoichiometry and functions.
MSc in Ecology and Evolution | University of Salzburg
2020 – 2023
Master thesis “LTLDE: Long Term Lichen Diversity Experiment – Myco-, photobiont and microbiome associations – Lichen guilds in crustose lichens share a similar photobiont- and microbiome composition along an elevational gradient.”.
B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences | University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
With specialization in Biogeophysics and Environmental Changes.
2016 – 2020
Bachelor Thesis: “Detailed examination of the ReKliEs-DE climate projections for Baden-Württemberg, with particular emphasis on agricultural aspects.”
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Lab | University of Salzburg
2022
Areas of focus: Lichen symbiosis along environmental gradients, symbiotic interactions and introduction to lichen DNA extraction.
Humboldt Reloaded Project | University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
2019
Project: Phytoremediation – Which plants and fungi are suitable for remediating heavy metal-contaminated soils?
FURTHER EXPERIENCE
Teaching | University of Salzburg
2025 – 2026
Temporary replacement during sabbatical leave for the following course:
– Community Ecology and Global Change | Master course WS 25/26
– Biodiversity – Climate – Environment | Bachelor course WS 25/26
Paramedic Red Cross | Austria
Since 2020;
Head of Training (Unit-level) since 2025
Tutor | Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Evolution & Systematics of Plants at the Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Austria.
2022
Student Assistant | Department of Nutritional Psychology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
2018 – 2019
