1982 - 1987

Study
Pädagogische Hochschule in Potsdam (today University of Potsdam),
Teacher of Geography and Mathematics 

1987 - 1990

Postgraduate Study 
Pädagogische Hochschule in Potsdam 
Research and teaching in Human and Economic Geography

Dissertation
18.12.1990, Dr. phil. (doctor philosophiae)

Thesis:
"Investitionstätigkeit und Gebietsstruktur - untersucht am Beispiel des Bezirkes Potsdam"
(Investment Activity and Regional Structure - considered on the example of Potsdam District)

1990 - 2000  

Scientific Assistant at the Institute of Geography of University of Potsdam 
(former Pädagogische Hochschule Potsdam, temporary renamed in Brandenburgische Landeshochschule)
Research and teaching in Human and Economic Geography
Participation in research projects
Work on habilitation thesis
Research grant from DFG German Research Foundation for research work in the regions of Lake Neusiedl / Fertö and Vienna-Danube floodplains

2000 - 2003

Contract Teacher at University of Potsdam, Institute of Geography
Advanced Training at IFM (Institut für Managementberatung GmbH) in Potsdam: Basics und Java-Programming
Work on habilitation thesis

Habilitation
(postdoctoral university degree with lecture qualification)
26.9.2003, Dr. rer. nat. habil.

Habilitation thesis:
"Das Konfliktfeld Erholungsnutzung - Naturschutz in Nationalparken und
Biosphärenreservaten" (The Field of Conflict Recreational Use – Nature Conservation in National Parks and Biosphere Reserves)

Habilitation lecture:
"Revitalisierung bei schleichendem Funktionsverlust - Entwicklungspfade ostdeutscher
Mittelstädte" (Revitalisation during creeping Loss of Function – Development Paths of Eastern Germany Medium-sized Towns)

Publication of habilitation thesis:
ZIENER, Karen (2003): Das Konfliktfeld Erholungsnutzung - Naturschutz in Nationalparken 
und Biosphärenreservaten, Aachen, 460 Seiten.

2003 - 2007

Scientific Assistant at Alps-Adriatic University of Klagenfurt, Institute of Geography and Regional Studies
Research and teaching in Human and Economic Geography
Participation in interdisciplinary research projects and proposals for research funding,
in cooperation with colleagues from University of Vienna and the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences in Vienna
Contract teacher at the Alps-Adriatic University of Klagenfurt, Institute of Geography and Regional Studies.

ab 2008

Freelance Geographer
Participation in interdisciplinary research projects at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU),
Participation in research projects at the Alpen-Adria-Universität of Klagenfurt,
Lecturer at the Alpen-Adria-Universität in Klagenfurt, 
Lectures at the Palacký University in Olomouc and the Masaryk University in Brno (ERASMUS, Geoinovace Project),
Teachings at Pädagogische Hochschule Kärnten/Viktor Frankl Hochschule (University College of Teacher Education) (from 2013),
Reviews for journals and research proposals,
Presentations and publications.