top of page

Roy Ebel

Evolutionary Biologist | Vertebrate Zoologist | Digital Morphologist

Profile

Every structure, large or small, tells a story. I integrate advanced imaging techniques and comparative methods to uncover hidden relationships in the form, function, and evolution of terrestrial vertebrates. What fascinates me most about my work is that it reveals overarching patterns and contributes to our understanding of biodiversity.

​

I possess nine years of practical experience in natural history museums across Europe and Australia, with active involvement in their research, collection management, and public engagement. I thrive in interdisciplinary environments. My approach to science communication combines innovative visualisation techniques with relatable narratives to make research accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.

Education

PhD Candidate in Ecology & Evolution

Australian National University & Museums Victoria, Australia

​(2021–present)

  • Researching reptile body armour using μCT imaging

  • Supervised by Jane Melville and Scott Keogh

  • Scheduled completion: February 2026​

​​Master of Science: Organismic Biology & Evolution

Humboldt University of Berlin & Natural History Museum Berlin, Germany

​(2018-2020)

  • Graduated with grade 1.0 (=100%, High Distinction), ranked 1st in cohort

  • Supervised by Johannes Müller and Nadia Fröbisch​​

​Bachelor of Science: Biology

Humboldt University of Berlin & Natural History Museum Berlin, Germany

​(2014–2018)​

  • Graduated with grade 1.4 (=93%, High Distinction), ranked 1st in cohort

  • Supervised by Johannes Müller

Professional Experience

Higher Degree Research Student

Museums Victoria, Australia

​(2024–present)

  • Led μCT-based studies with herpetological specimens

  • Assisted in fieldwork, including specimen collection, preservation, and registration

  • Engaged in science communication and public outreach initiatives

  • Designed a strategic project to enhance scientific and public value of collections

​

Sciences Collection Assistant

Museums Victoria, Australia

(2024–present)

  • Contributed to flood recovery of natural history specimens

  • Use of information management systems for museums (EMu, MVWISE)

  • Improved data integrity and specimen preservation

  • Inspired WHS focused protocol improvements

​

Casual Academic

Australian National University

(2022–2024)

  • Delivered tutorials and grading for “Data Science for Biologists”

  • Developed μCT-based teaching materials, including virtual and 3Dprinted models

​

Visiting Researcher​​​

Natural History Museum Berlin

(2017–2023)

  • Led μCT-based studies on vertebrate morphology

  • Worked extensively with herpetological specimens

  • Developed novel visualisation and quantification techniques

  • Led scientific workshops and public outreach initiatives

​​

Teaching Coordinator in Theoretical Biology​

Humboldt University of Berlin

(2017–2020)

  • Managed 250 tutorial placements across multiple award-winning modules

  • Coordinated a team of 12 staff members to ensure smooth teaching delivery

  • Oversaw the organisation and grading of examinations

  • Developed new teaching and assessment formats during the COVID-19 pandemic

​

Coordinator, Skills and Methods Programme

Humboldt University of Berlin

(2016–2020)

  • Managed 350 tutorial placements in the university’s largest first-year support programme

  • Created teaching content and coordinated 40 tutors across departments

  • Planned and executed large-scale projects including international field trips

​

Intensive Care Nurse & Clinical Instructor

Vivantes Hospital Group, Berlin​

(2007–2021)

  • Delivered critical care for patients with life-threatening conditions

  • Operated advanced medical equipment including respirators and dialysis systems

  • Applied clinical precision and governance in high-stakes environments

  • Facilitated the uptake of innovation in treatment and prevention

  • Trained staff in occupational safety and health

​

Grants and awards (Σ ~AUD 550,000)

Peter Rawlinson Prize for best PhD presentation (runner-up)

Australian Society of Herpetology Meeting, 2022 – Mylor, South Australia

​

Humboldt Prize for Best Master’s Thesis (2021)

Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, ~AUD 3,000

​

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Stipend
Scholarship (2020)

Australian National University, ACT, ~AUD 150,000

​

Australian Government RTP International Fee-Offset Scholarship (2020)

Australian National University, ACT, ~AUD 200,000

​​​

Promotional License Provisioning for VGSTUDIO MAX (2020)​

Volume Graphics Heidelberg, Four-year license valued at ~AUD 100,000

​​

Faculty Prize for Excellence in Teaching (2018)

Awarded for coordination of the Skills and Methods Programme, Faculty of Life Sciences,
Humboldt University of Berlin, ~AUD 5,000

​​

Scholarship for Academic Merit and Social Responsibility (2017)

Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes, ~AUD 40,000
(German national academic foundation and most prestigious scholarship provider)​

​

Undergraduate Scholarship for Academic Excellence (2015)

Stiftung Begabtenförderung Berufliche Bildung, ~AUD 50,000
(German national academic foundation supporting gifted students)

bottom of page