Marie-Sophie Rohwäder

Q1: What first drew you to ecology, and how did that path lead you to a PhD?

It actually started back in high school in Germany. In my geography class we spent a lot of time talking about climate change and about how urban and regional planning can help create more sustainable futures. That sparked my interest in how we manage our environment.

That curiosity led me to study Geoecology, which takes a very holistic approach to understanding the Earth. It’s an interdisciplinary field that combines geography and ecology to look at the complex interactions between living organisms and their physical environment – things like soils, climate, hydrology, and landscape ecology.

It was a great foundation, but over time I realized I wanted to focus even more on the living organisms within ecosystems and how they interact with each other. That led me to pursue a Master’s in Ecology and eventually a PhD focusing on biodiversity, which is the variety of all living things, including their genetic diversity and the diversity of ecosystems.

Q2: What was the focus of your doctoral research?

My research looked at landscape fragmentation and how it affects biodiversity. Fragmentation, which is when habitats are broken into smaller pieces, is often considered extremely harmful to species, similar to habitat loss. Because of that, conservation strategies tend to prioritize protecting large, continuous areas while smaller habitats are sometimes overlooked and can be quickly lost.

There’s actually a long-standing debate in conservation biology called the SLOSS debate, which stands for Single Large Or Several Small. In other words, is it better to protect one giant park or many smaller, scattered green spaces?

Our research found that small patches can actually be incredibly important for biodiversity and serve their own unique roles. Ideally, we want a mix: large intact habitats along with smaller habitat “islands.”

One thing that made my research unique is that I looked at animal personalities. We often treat every member of a species as if they behave exactly the same, but that’s not really the case. Many species show consistent behavioral differences, with some individuals “bold” risk-takers and others more cautious or “shy.” I think anyone who has owned a dog or cat can relate to that! Scientists have also documented it in birds, mammals, fish, and even insects.

Using computer models, I studied how these different personalities can help species survive in fragmented landscapes. For example, a bold animal might be more willing to cross open or unfavorable areas to find new habitat, while more cautious individuals help keep the population stable when predation risk is high. Having that diverse mix of personalities helps animal populations be more resilient.

Q3: Now that you’ve finished your PhD, what are you hoping to do next? 

I’m really excited to pivot into applied conservation here in Massachusetts. After years of theoretical modeling, I want to see how that science can be put into action on the ground.

I’m especially fascinated by some of the restoration work happening across the state, like restoring old cranberry bogs back into functioning wetlands or reconnecting rivers by removing old dams. Massachusetts has also set new biodiversity goals, and I’d love to contribute to those in a meaningful way.

On a more personal level, I’ve also been diving into the local ecosystem. I’m currently working toward a wetland scientist certificate through UNH and participating in Mass Audubon’s Conservation in Action program. My family and I absolutely love their sanctuaries and educational programs.

I’ve also started volunteering with The Trustees’ Nest Box Monitoring Program. With breeding season coming up, I’m excited to get out into the field and help monitor native birds like Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows.

Q4: You’ve just been appointed to the Conservation Commission. What made you want to serve?

When I first moved here, I was curious about how local environmental laws and permitting actually work in Massachusetts. That’s how I discovered the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions and decided to complete their training program.

Back in Germany we don’t really have a citizen-led board quite like this, so the course opened up a whole new perspective on community involvement.

I think it’s really powerful to have a board that gives residents a voice in protecting their natural resources. Serving on the commission felt like a very direct way to get involved in my town’s community and local politics while also helping protect our urban wetlands, especially along the Charles River, which provides such important green space for Watertown.

Q5: What do you hope to bring to the Commission in terms of perspective or expertise?

I hope to bring an appreciation for the “small stuff.” My PhD research focused on how small habitat patches – the kinds we see all over urban areas like Watertown, including things like pollinator gardens – can actually be incredibly powerful in supporting biodiversity.

People sometimes think a small strip of land or a tiny wetland isn’t worth protecting, because it isn’t a huge forest. But my research showed that these smaller habitats act as vital “stepping stones,” helping wildlife with different personalities move through urban environments.

So I’d really like to bring that perspective – that even our smallest conservation efforts can have a meaningful impact.

Q6: What brought you from Germany to the U.S.?

My partner Johann had already been working remotely for an American company for quite some time, and I had always wanted to experience living in another country. So when the opportunity came up for his employer to relocate us, we decided to take the leap and move here as a family.

It was a really exciting adventure, especially seeing the kids learn a new language and make new friends. At the same time, it was a heartbreaking experience, because we left behind a very close network of family and friends in Berlin.

Q7: As a newcomer, what has stood out to you about living here?

Coming from Berlin, the sense of community and friendliness here really stood out to me. I know Massachusetts residents sometimes have a reputation for not being the friendliest. We’ve heard about the “Masshole” stereotype! But compared to the bluntness of Berlin, people here have been incredibly kind and welcoming.

Watertown especially has this really nice small-town feeling that made us feel at home almost immediately.

Q8: What do you especially like here — and what do you miss from home?

We all fell in love with the seasons here. Berlin has seasons too, but they in no way compare to here. We’ve also noticed we get more sunshine here, which still makes us very happy every time we see a bright blue sky.

I especially love the New England nature, particularly all the wetlands. We've been out hiking and paddling a lot.

We find that Massachusetts and Watertown specifically offer an amazing amount and variety of activities for kids. Since moving here our kids have been doing so many things, from soccer, ice skating, gymnastics, dance, or band, to great educational programs through Mass Audubon.

Of course, we miss our family and friends back home. And maybe it’s a bit cliché for a German, but I also really miss our bakeries! I also miss how easy public transit is in Berlin. I do like the MBTA, but I feel like it needs a circle line.

Q9: Any thoughts you’d like to share with the Watertown community?

We’ve been – and  still are – blown away by the public schools here. It’s clear that Watertown invests a lot in its children’s education, and we’re lucky to benefit from the recent renovations and modernization.

But beyond the beautiful buildings, we were especially struck by the warm welcome our family received. The support from everyone – the teachers, ESL staff, Watertown Youth Soccer and the Boys & Girls Club – has been incredible.

I especially want to thank the classroom teachers, particularly Ms. Donato, who has been so supportive of our kids. As a newcomer, that kind of kindness makes all the difference in feeling at home. We’re just really grateful to be part of such a welcoming community.