Professional Summary

Biologist, National Geographic Photographer and Science Writer
Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Pécs

For more than twenty years, I have been engaged in university-level teaching,
science communication, and talent development. My work focuses on making science
accessible to broader audiences and on integrating visual storytelling with
scientific research.

Talent Development and Leadership

September 2025 – present
President of the János Szentágothai Honors College, Faculty of Sciences,
University of Pécs.

The institution is a nationally accredited Center of Excellence for Talent
Development, where I support and mentor interdisciplinary student projects
and coordinate external collaborations.

Teaching and Professional Experience

2012 – present
Honorary Associate Professor, University of Pécs

Teaching areas:
Behavioral biology, virology, nutrition science, photography,
visual communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.

Course Development (Selected)

• Sell Yourself! – presentation skills and communication development
• Skull Evolution – behavioral biology and anatomical drawing methods
• Creative Adventures – art-based manual skill development
• Grow It Yourself – project-based ecological course

Photography and Media Activity

As a National Geographic photographer, I create visual narratives on scientific,
conservation, and human-centered topics. My publications and lectures aim to
communicate scientific content in a clear, visually compelling manner.

Education

• PhD – Phylogenetics and Taxonomy, University of Pécs, 2007
• MSc in Biology – Ecology specialization, University of Debrecen, 2000

Professional Fields

Public speaking, behavioral biology, nutrition science, virology,
graphic design, photography, folk art

Languages

• English
• Latin

Selected Publications

• Niemi Mari et al. (2021): Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19.
  Nature 600, 472–477.
• Szabó et al. (2022): Olive Oil Improves While Trans Fatty Acids Further Aggravate
  the Hypomethylation of LINE-1 Retrotransposon DNA in an Environmental Carcinogen Model.
  Nutrients 14(4):908.
• Tomesz et al. (2022): Changes in miRNA Expression Patterns after
  7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene Treatment in Mice.
  Cells 11(6):1020.
• Hegedüs et al. (2022): The Utilization of Physiologically Active Molecular
  Components of Grape Seeds and Grape Marc.
  International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23(19):11165.
• Moskát et al. (2002): Adaptations by Great Reed Warblers to Brood Parasitism:
  A Comparison of Populations in Sympatry and Allopatry with the Common Cuckoo.
  Behaviour 139, 1313–1329.
• Szentpéteri & Mónus (1999): Epipactis degenii spec. nov., a new Epipactis species
  from Greece.
  Journal of the Europäischer Orchideen 31(3), 644–651.

Teaching and Research Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is rooted in practical, experience-based learning.
In talent development, I emphasize independent thinking and a
transdisciplinary approach. I believe that creativity and science are
mutually reinforcing forces.