I hold a MSc in Biology and a PhD degree within the disciplines of population and forensic genetics and conservation biology. Having worked at the Copenhagen Zoo since I obtained my PhD degree in 2012, I have helped grow and shape the genetic profile, building robust in-house expertise and strong International collaborations with universities, the zoo and conservation community, fostering fundamental and applied research supporting species conservation. Most of my research centers around unravelling how traditional genetics and genomics can enhance the success and sustainability of both in- and ex-situ population management. I oversee the Zoo´s genetics lab where we use different DNA methods to understand and help conserve species. We also routinely apply different genetic techniques to detect and monitor e.g. pathogens in our animal collection. In the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) I am engaged on several levels, from advising populations or taxon groups to being member of committees and working groups. In addition, as founder and chair of the EAZA Biobank Working Group, I am steering the development of the Biobank for the European and Middle Eastern zoo and aquarium community. Being actively involved in species conservation, I am a member of several IUCN specialist groups and work on species conservation strategies and action plans across the globe.