With a deep curiosity for how biological systems function–from ecosystems down to microorganisms and cellular processes–my fascination with the marine environment began during my master’s research on boreal deep-sea sponges and deepened through my PhD work on tropical corals. I am now thrilled to be working at the Natural History Museum of Vienna as part of the transnational RESTORESEAS research project, where I investigate the host-associated microbiome of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa. My research aims to characterize these microbial communities, understand their role in the ecological resilience of the corals, and contribute insights to inform the restoration of these cold-water reefs.