Sarah Mühlbach

Tell us about yourself (Who are you? Where are you from? What is your educational background?)

My name is Sarah Mühlbach. After my bachelor and master degrees in Agricultural Science with major in Animal Science at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany I started my PhD at the same university.

What is your area of expertise?

I’m working at the chair of animal breeding, analysing methane emissions in dairy cattle.

Where does your focus lie within your current project(s)? (related to methane)

My PhD project is about measuring methane in dairy cattle. These measurements are conducted with the new Laser Methane Detector. The research is about genetic selection for lower methane emissions and the relationship of methane to other traits like performance, fertility, health and the fatty acid composition of the milk.

What would be the added value for you of joining an international researchers network? (such as the METHAGENE network)

An international network provides the chance to stay in contact with other researchers dealing with the same topic. Presentations and discussions can help me to find new ways and aspects in my own research.

What and/or who inspired you to make a career in science?

During my master thesis I really enjoyed diving deeper into a specific topic. Afterwards I got the chance to become a PhD student. I was – and I still am – very interested in the topic of the PhD project. So I took the chance.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy mostly to do scientific research in practice / on farms. It’s great to work with the animals, to collect data and to know that this work might help the farmer or company someday.

What is your most stand-out or surprising moment in science so far?

I’m always surprised - again and again - that, when there is an answer for one question five new ones arises.