Dr. Leonna Szangolies

My name is Leonna Szangolies. After spending time abroad during my studies in biology, I am now a proud fellow of the PNB working in the Nature Conservation group of Prof. Florian Jeltsch at the University of Potsdam. In my current research project, I am exploring the mechanisms underlying species coexistence and ecosystem functioning by scaling up from the individual dynamics of animals—including their metabolism and behavior—to community dynamics and biodiversity patterns. The support by the PNB Individual Grant program allows me to fundamentally study these topics both experimentally and theoretically through the implementation of an individual-based simulation model. My personal focus lies on addressing how species coexistence might generally be impacted by climate change leading to the development of important efficient conservation strategies. In the near future, I am planning on staying in academia further sharpening my research profile in the fields of ecology and biodiversity conservation.