Katharina Zmelik

Katharina Zmelik is a Professor at the Pedagogical University of Upper Austria (PH OÖ), specializing in Biology with a focus on ecology, botany, vegetation ecology, and sustainability education. She contributes to research funding coordination and leads the ÖKOLOG sustainability representative role, while also advancing the development of teaching and learning gardens through participatory planning.

• Education: MSc in Biology (University of Vienna, 2007), specialization in Vegetation Ecology & Conservation Research.
• Academic Roles: Professor at PH OÖ (2015–present), Lecturer at University of Vienna (2014–2015), Research Assistant at University of Vienna (2008–2015).

Research Interests center on

• Ecology: Vegetation dynamics, conservation biology, and biodiversity in transboundary regions.
• Environmental Education: Integrating sustainability into school curricula and teacher training.
• School Gardens: Participatory planning and its role in fostering ecological literacy.

Recent Projects highlight her work on

• Teaching and Learning Gardens: Collaborative design with students and stakeholders.
• Third-Party Funding Support: Assisting researchers in grant acquisition.
• ÖKOLOG Program: Sustainability leadership in educational institutions.