Kristina Beck  - PhD student at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology

Recently contributed posts:

• Getting starting with your PhD
• ​Finding a work-life balance

After tons of animal books, a variety of unusual pets (including worms, frogs etc.) and a passion for microscopy it was clear to my parents that I would become a biologist. Indeed, I decided to study biology at the LMU in Munich and was soon overwhelmed by its diversity. After two years we were supposed to specialize on a topic but I had no idea what to pick. Genetics, Anthropology, Zoology or rather Biochemistry? One evening I was watching a documentary about a research group studying the behaviour of corvids in Austria. I was so fascinated that I applied the next day to go there for an internship. Turns out I loved it! After this experience I knew this is what I want to do – investigating animal behaviour!

​I've kept studying the behaviour of different species in different countries and have since earned a degree in animal behaviour from the University of Vienna. A few months ago I jumped into my next adventure and started a PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen. There I will investigate the social behavior of wild blue tits and thus combine my childhood passions – spending time in nature and observing animals!