Tina Gunhold

Organizational assistant

I studied Biology at the University of Vienna, where I specialized in Cognitive Biology. During my Master's studies, I had the privilege of working under the supervision of Friederike Range. Our collaboration gave me the incredible opportunity to not only witness the early development of the Wolf Science Center (WSC) but also to take part in hand-raising the first four wolf puppies in Grünau—an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impact on me.

In addition to my academic work, I spent three years as a project manager at the Department of Neurobiology and Cognition Research (University of Vienna), followed by seven years as the lab manager of the marmoset facility at the Department of Cognitive Biology (University of Vienna). I also pursued further training, completing a distance learning program in Animal Psychology and a dog trainer certification course with Turid Rugaas and Anne Lill Kvam.

Thanks to our shared professional environment, I remained closely connected with Kurt Kotrschal, Friederike Range, and Zsófia Virányi throughout my doctoral studies—focused on "Social Learning and Traditions in Common Marmosets"—and during my ten-month research stay in Brazil. These connections allowed me to continue participating in key events at the WSC, such as the relocation of the first wolves from Grünau to Ernstbrunn and the arrival of the new wolf puppies. I always had a sense that our paths would cross again—though I hadn’t expected it would be through a role at the WSC.

After defending my PhD in May 2014, I began seeking a position in scientific management. Friederike was aware of my search, and as fate would have it, I was offered the role of General Manager at the WSC. In this role, I served as the liaison between the center’s leadership, management team, trainers, scientific staff, students, the Wildpark Ernstbrunn, and relevant public authorities. I was responsible for a wide range of administrative and operational duties, including financial management, personnel coordination, and support for the tourism manager.

Following the births of my sons in January 2016 and July 2020, I transitioned into a supporting role as “Organizational Assistant” to the management team. The WSC has always held a special place in my heart, and I am deeply grateful to remain part of the WSC family to this day.