Primary fields of research

Molecular ecology, population genetics and evolution of fungi with emphasis on biotrophic symbionts and parasites. Among the studied fungi are Fusarium, Penicillium, various Oomycota (Peronosporamycota) as well as the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in Glomales and fungi associated with insects. We use rad-sequencing, microsatellites, SNPs, DNA sequencing in to generate markers for these studies. The project (BioMark) is using population genomics to associate genetic markers and phenotypic traits of Phytophthora infestans (Potato late blight) to predict emerging epidemics. Molecular diversity and population genetics of AMF fungi in agricultural fields and natural vegetation is studied from variation in various gene sequences. Evolutionary and demographic models based on coalescence and MCMC Bayesian statistics are used to explain fungal diversity and distribution patterns. Hierarchical joint species modeling and co-occurrence networks implemented in analysis of microbial community data.

Short presentation

Education

1984 Master of Science (Cand.scient.) in biology, University of Copenhagen

1985 Practical and theoretical training as high school teacher in biology

1989 Ph.D. (Lic.scient) at Institut for Sporeplanter.

Professional/Work Experience:

1982 Masters student at Department of Agricultural research, Risø national Laboratory

1985 Teacher, Frederiksund Amtsgymnasium

1986 Research fellow at Department of Mycology, University of Copenhagen

1986 Visiting scientist at Soil Microbiol. Dept., Rothamsted Experimental Station, England

1989 Post-doctoral fellow, Danish Natural Research Council, University of Copenhagen

1990 Consultant for the EC Commission DG XI Developing guidelines for directives on release of genetically modified organisms. Employed at Department of Ecology and Molecular biology, Section for Microbiology, Danish Agricultural University

1991 Assistant Professor, Department of Mycology

1994 Associate Professor Department of Mycology

2000 Professor Department of Mycology

Other:

1987-1991 Consultant for Chr.Hansen BioSystems. Development of mycorrhizal based products for plant production.

1988-2004 Danish representative in COST 8.10, 8.21 and 8.38 actions

1995- Member of the European culture collection, BEG (Bank of European Glomales).

1998-2001 Head of department of mycology, Botanical Institute

2000-2007 Member of the study board for Biology

2002-2005 Coordinator for the Bachelor degree in industrial science (Science Faculty, University of Copenhagen)

2003-2006 Member of the board in Thomsen BioScience A/S. Development of PCR based detection devices for biological warfare.

2005-2007 Head of the study board for Biology

2005-2006 Member of the board for Biological Institute

2006-2010 Consultant for Novozymes Biologicals, France (Registration of microbial products on the European market)

2007-2010 Member of the MSc study board, Faculty of Science

2010- Representing higher educations in Denmark on the Biology/Biotechnology board in the Ministry for education.

2010-2019 Deputy head of Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen

2014-2015 Consultant and advisor for the Norwegian ministry for education NOKUT, evaluating

Norwegian University programs in biology.

2016 Consultant for the European Baccalaureate Unit

2016- Member of the curriculum group for Danish High Schools, Danish Ministry of Education