I’m a researcher working in the field of high-energy astrophysics, specifically gamma-ray astronomy. High-energy photons probe the most violent phenomena in the Universe and astrophysical particle accelerators in the Milky Way and other galaxies.

My studies focus on the question how high-energy particles shape their environment, from colliding wind binary systems to massive stellar clusters and starburst galaxies. I’m the head of the H.E.S.S. group at DESY, Zeuthen and am currently the Instrument and science operations coordinator of the H.E.S.S. experiment. One of my strong interests is in the technical development and operation of transient systems to follow-up and study astrophysical explosions and transients in gamma rays. I’m also involved in the next-generation Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA).

Moreover, I’m enthusiastic about Education & Outreach as well as support of junior scientists in career development.

Outreach coverage includes multimedia animations of GRB190829A (w/o sound) and Eta Carinae with Science Communication Lab and Alva Noto, or an article in the femto magazine (issue 03|2016, pp. 14-29, in german and english). Sometimes, I write for the Astroparticle blog – for instance about the discovery of an astrophysical neutrino in coincidence with a gamma-ray flare from an active galaxy (in german).

My papers on ADS

Beside my professional interests I’m quite a music, boardgame and movie nerd.