{"id":17222,"date":"2024-09-24T09:42:30","date_gmt":"2024-09-24T07:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.idiv.de\/staff\/simone-cesarz\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T13:56:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T11:56:26","slug":"simone-cesarz","status":"publish","type":"staff-manager","link":"https:\/\/www.idiv.de\/de\/staff\/simone-cesarz\/","title":{"rendered":"Simone Cesarz"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Dr. \n Simone \n Cesarz <\/h2>\n

Laborleiterin<\/p>\n

\n Experimentelle Interaktions\u00f6kologie <\/path><\/svg><\/a> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Affiliationen<\/h4>\n

\n Universit\u00e4t Leipzig <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Adresse<\/h4>\n
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Puschstra\u00dfe 4
04103 Leipzig<\/p>\n

Raum: B.00.10<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Kontakt<\/h4>\n
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E-Mail: simone.cesarz@idiv.de<\/a><\/p>\n

Telefon: +49 341 9733174<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n

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Scientific career<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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CV for download<\/a><\/p>\n

Since 2014:<\/strong>
\nHead of laboratory in the lab of Prof. Dr. Nico Eisenhauer, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig University, Germany<\/p>\n

2013:<\/strong>
\nHead of laboratory in the lab of Prof. Dr. Nico Eisenhauer, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Germany<\/p>\n

2008-2012:<\/strong>
\nPhD at the Georg August University of Goettingen under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Stefan Scheu and Prof. Dr. Matthias Schaefer.
\nTitle:\u00a0„Plant species and global change agents as driving factors of rhizosphere processes and soil nematode communities“<\/em>\u00a0funded by the Ministry of Science and Culture of Excellence „Functional Biodiversity Research“<\/p>\n

2006-2007:<\/strong>
\nDiploma at the Georg August University of Goettingen under\u00a0 the supervision of Prof. Dr. Matthias Schaefer: „Untersuchungen zum Einfluss der Baumartendiversit\u00e4t auf die Regenw\u00fcrmer (Lumbricidae) eines Laubmischwaldes: Zusammensetzung der Gemeinschaft und Effekte der Qualit\u00e4t der Bodenstreu auf die Entwicklung<\/em>“<\/p>\n

2001-2006:<\/strong>
\nStudy of Biology at the Georg August University of Goettingen<\/p>\n

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Research Interests<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Science<\/h3>\n

I am an experimental soil ecologist interested in understanding how species loss affects ecosystem functioning. To address this question, I combine nematodes as indicator organisms with measurements of microbial respiration, allowing me to link changes in soil communities to ecosystem processes. This integrative approach enables me to work across a wide range of systems and topics, including grassland and forest soils, tree canopies, and the ecological effects of light pollution.<\/p>\n

My research is complemented by expertise in fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analyses, which provide insights into microbial community structure as well as biomass estimates of fungi and bacteria. I also frequently integrate measurements of extracellular enzyme activity and water-stable soil aggregates to better capture soil functional responses.<\/p>\n

Currently, one of my main research interests is the use of molecular techniques to identify nematodes. In addition, I am developing and applying nematode mock communities as experimental tools to explore soil food-web complexity and its links to ecosystem functioning. This includes targeted manipulation of both horizontal (diversity within trophic levels) and vertical (trophic structure) diversity to better understand how soil food webs regulate ecosystem processes.<\/p>\n

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Expertise<\/h3>\n

In my role as laboratory manager and through close collaboration with the working group leader Nico Eisenhauer, I have gained extensive experience in the design and implementation of biodiversity and global change experiments, particularly in grassland and forest ecosystems. I am familiar with a broad range of experimental approaches as well as with diverse administrative and organizational procedures associated with managing complex research projects.<\/p>\n

My methodological expertise includes a wide range of soil biological techniques, such as nematode extraction and identification, microbial biomass and activity assays (including FAME\/PLFA and extracellular enzyme assays), and earthworm community assessment. I have extensive knowledge of soil organisms, with a particular focus on nematodes and earthworms, and a strong understanding of their ecological roles in soil food webs.<\/p>\n

In addition, I bring strong statistical and data-analytical expertise, including methods from community ecology, food-web metrics, multivariate statistics, and structural equation modelling. I regularly apply these tools to link biodiversity patterns with ecosystem processes.<\/p>\n

I also have substantial experience in field and laboratory supervision, including coordinating technical staff, supervising BSc, MSc, and PhD projects, and teaching experimental work in both field and laboratory settings.<\/p>\n

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Teaching<\/h3>\n

I am involved in teaching Master\u2019s-level courses in Soil Ecology, where I contribute expertise on soil functions, soil fauna extraction methods, microclimate, and statistical analyses. In addition, I train future biology teachers by introducing simple, classroom-compatible ecological methods and by teaching taxonomic skills during field excursions.<\/p>\n

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Involvement & Service<\/h2>\n

I am actively involved in shaping a diverse, collaborative, and supportive research environment at iDiv. I currently co-lead the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee<\/strong>, whose vision is to foster an iDiv community in which individuals from different backgrounds, genders, cultures, and personal circumstances feel welcomed, supported, empowered to contribute, and truly valued.<\/p>\n

In addition, I am a driving force behind the iDiv Lab Meeting Group<\/strong>, a cross-working-group forum dedicated to laboratory-related topics such as safety protocols, infrastructure and construction updates, problem-solving, organizational issues, and general information exchange. This platform helps ensure smooth lab operations while strengthening communication and collaboration across groups.<\/p>\n

I am strongly committed to promoting a positive and respectful work environment and to upholding good scientific practice. This includes organizing and facilitating workshops on topics such as supervision, harassment prevention, and publication pressure. I have also served on the iDiv Council<\/strong> in the past and continue to take on active service roles within the iDiv community.<\/p>\n

In recognition of my mentoring activities, I received a Supervision Award in 2025<\/strong>, which reflects my commitment to responsible, transparent, and supportive supervision.<\/p>\n

Beyond formal responsibilities, I enjoy contributing to the culture and cohesion of our working group. This includes bringing creativity, humor, and music into academic life\u2014for example through karaoke, games, and cover songs at PhD celebrations, maintaining traditions such as the EIE soundtrack<\/strong> for departing members, and supporting the much-loved iDidit Award<\/strong> for \u201cunfortunate combinations of people and circumstances.\u201d These lighthearted moments serve as a reminder that learning from mistakes is an essential and shared part of scientific life.<\/p>\n

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My current externally funded projects:<\/strong><\/h2>\n