I completed my studies at the University of Bamberg and the University of Edinburgh with a PhD.

I then worked for many years as an exhibition researcher, e.g. at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. During this time I was also invited to be an expert on a television documentary about the German-American piano maker Henry E. Steinway.

I have written articles on the history of German emigration to the United States from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

Since 2002 I have been working as a freelance genealogist and author of family chronicles for the company "Pro Heraldica". "Pro Heraldica" is the most successful and well known genealogy company in Germany. 

I have worked for large international companies such as AncestryProGenealogists and Treethorpe Limited.

I  conduct research for individual clients from Europe, USA, Canada and Australia.

In 2020, I was an expert at RootsTech's Coaches Corner in Salt Lake City and in 2024, I did virtual consultations for RootsTech visitors. (FamilySearch)

I have also done research for the US version of the TV series "Who Do You Think You Are?" and consulted on book projects. 

I'm a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).