Melina Kienitz

I am fascinated by social insects and the complex ways in which their behavior, ecology and evolution are shaped by interactions. My research focuses on mutualism, chemical communication and behavior, particularly how these dynamics influence the evolutionary strategies of both plants and insects.

I am currently studying mutualism between Vachellia trees and Pseudomyrmex ants, investigating the role of ants in plant wound care. Previously, I studied the behavior and perception of Bombus terrestris to better understand insect perception and interactions with the environment.

2025–onwards

PhD-Student Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, Germany

Associated Young Researcher of the Hector Fellow Academy

2022–2025

M.Sc. Biology, Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Regensburg, Germany

2022–2023

Research assistant Regensburg, Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Regensburg, Germany

2017–2022

B.Sc. Biology, Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Regensburg, Germany