معرفی
PD Dr. Florian Menzel is a Professor and Group Leader at the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. His research focuses on chemical ecology, evolutionary biology, and insect conservation, particularly investigating cuticular hydrocarbons in ants and their roles in communication, climate adaptation, and ecosystem functions. He leads a multidisciplinary team exploring how multifunctional traits like hydrocarbons mediate biotic interactions, desiccation resistance, and species coexistence in changing climates.
- Education:
- PhD (2006-2009): University of Würzburg, fieldwork in Malaysian Borneo
- Postdoc (2011-2018): Heisenberg Fellow, University of Mainz
- Replacement Professor (2018-present): Evolutionary Animal Ecology
Research interests include the evolution and function of cuticular hydrocarbons, ant behavior, and conservation initiatives like the Interactive Insect Campus. Collaborations span institutions globally, addressing topics from spider-prey interactions to genomic basis of hydrocarbon diversity.
Publications highlight studies on ant acclimation, hydrocarbon physics, and biodiversity threats. Current projects involve PhD students investigating CHC biophysics, genomics of hydrocarbon pathways, and conservation education.
Outreach efforts include public engagement through campus habitat creation and pollen metabarcoding to track historical flora changes.
