Sonja Hassold

Dr. Sonja Hassold is a Lecturer at ETH Zurich's Department of Environmental Systems Science (D-USYS), specializing in plant systematics and conservation biology. She holds a PhD in Plant Ecological Genetics from ETH Zurich (2011–2015), an MSc in Biology (2007–2009), and a BSc in Biology (2004–2007), all from ETH Zurich. Her research focuses on molecular identification of tropical timber species, particularly Malagasy rosewoods, and conservation strategies for biodiversity hotspots like Madagascar. She has led botanical excursions since 2006 and co-founded Botanik Exkursionen (www.botanikexkursionen.ch). Hassold also advises on sustainable consumption through RINGANA and teaches systematic botany at ETH Zurich's D-USYS and D-ARCH programs. Her work emphasizes DNA barcoding for CITES compliance and integrates satellite data for forest degradation monitoring in protected areas.

Teaching Roles:

• Systematic Botany for Master in Landscape Architecture (D-ARCH)
• Production of Crops and Forage (D-USYS)

Research Interests:

• Molecular tools for species identification
• Conservation genetics of endangered timber species
• GIS-driven forest monitoring
• Sustainable resource consumption policies

Key Contributions:

• Established reference collections for Madagascan rosewoods
• Pioneered DNA barcoding protocols for CITES-listed species
• Evaluated forest degradation in Masoala National Park using global datasets

Labs/Teams:

• Plant Ecological Genetics Lab (Postdoc, 2015–2017)
• Botanik Exkursionen (Co-Founder, 2015–present)