1980 
Diploma in biology and chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Diploma Thesis: "Vegetation Development and Plant Ecology on a Chemical Waste Heap"
1980 - 1984
PhD student, University of Halle, Institute of Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Prof. Schubert, PhD: "Phyto-Ecological Studies in Urban Areas - A Case Study of Halle and Halle-Neustadt"
1984 - 1992
Postdoc and Senior Researcher at the Institute of Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg
1992 - 1996
Senior Researcher at the Department of Community Ecology of the UFZ - Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle
since 1996
Head of Department of Community Ecology of the UFZ - Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle