1984 – 1997 Studies in law at the University of Bielefeld; 2nd state examination in law; doctorate
Studies in history of art and archaeology at the University of Münster; pre-diploma examination (Vordiplom)
1982 Studies in French language at Paris-Sorbonne University
1978 Higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), Bielefeld

Professional career
Since Dec 2008 Head of Division “Nanotechnology, advanced materials and OECD Chemicals Policy” at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety
2005-2008 Head of Division “Cabinet and Parliament” at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety
2003 Head of the Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia to the Federation, Berlin
2001-2003 Head of Minister’s Office at the Finance Ministry of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf
Science Assistant at the national parliament, Düsseldorf, Department head in Detmold district government, (Ministry for the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia,Düsseldorf)
1994 Head of legal department of the reestablished Erfurt University (Ministry for Science and Art, Free State of Thuringia)