I studied veterinary medicine in Vienna and, after graduating, initially gained practical experience in a ruminant practice before returning to Vetmeduni to undertake my PhD.

Since 2026, I have been investigating the influence of social relationships and resource use on individual decisions and the agency of dairy cows.

This interdisciplinary research project combines ethology, animal welfare and precision livestock farming to investigate the links between social relationships, individual behaviour and animal welfare, and subsequently to identify potential social constraints on individual well-being. The findings are intended to help further develop housing systems that are more animal-friendly whilst remaining practical for sustainable dairy farming.