On my way from classical biology to molecular biology during my undergraduate education at Kiel University I focused on microbiology. Integrating zoological and clinical courses during my graduate education, I switched from classical microbiology to a broader field, including molecular physiology, genetics, microbiology, immunology and infection biology. I proceeded to my Master’s thesis at the Zoological Institute of Kiel University in Prof. Bosch's group. There, I worked on the impact of retinoic acid and retinoic acid signaling on the developmental cycle of the moon jelly Aurelia aurita and on differentially regulated genes of its life stages. After finishing my Master´s degree, I decided to make use of my broad education to work in a field, where I could integrate most of my professional background. Therefore, I joined Prof. Rupp's group at the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein for a position as doctoral researcher. In this group, working on the influence of the microbial community on pathogenicity of genital tract infecting C. trachomatis, I am able to integrate my knowledge of microbiology, infection biology, immunology, physiology and genetics in one project and to continue with my education.