Kerstin Koch

Professor Kerstin Koch is a Professor of Biology and Nanobiotechnology at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve, Germany, where she also serves as head of the Microscopy Center. With a PhD from the University of Bonn (1998) and Habilitation completed in 2006, she has established herself as a leading researcher in biomimetics and plant surface structures.

Her academic career includes positions as Assistant Professor (2001-2006) and Associate Professor (until 2007) at the University of Bonn, followed by a visiting professorship at Ohio State University (2008), before joining Rhine-Waal University in 2009. She maintains active professional memberships in German Biokon e.V. and BIOKON International, and serves as an associate editor for the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology.

Professor Koch's research focuses on the origin and functions of micro- and nanostructures on biological surfaces, with particular expertise in solid-liquid interfaces at superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces. Her work investigates molecular self-assembly processes, the architecture of plant waxes, self-healing properties of biological coatings, and the development of biomimetic surfaces through replica techniques. This research bridges fundamental biological understanding with practical engineering applications, creating innovative solutions inspired by nature.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent productivity and impact across biomimetics and surface science. Professor Koch has authored or co-authored numerous high-impact papers that explore the relationship between surface structure and function, with research spanning from fundamental studies of plant surface structures to applied biomimetic material development. Her work shows a clear progression from basic research to practical applications.

• Active member of German Biokon e.V. (Bionik Kompetenznetz)
• Founding member of BIOKON International since 2009
• Associate editor of the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology
• Regular presenter at international conferences worldwide

As an educator, Professor Koch has supervised numerous students and has been involved in graduate education through programs like the Graduate School Bionics at the University of Bonn. Her teaching integrates biological principles with engineering applications, preparing students for interdisciplinary careers at the intersection of biology, nanotechnology, and materials science.