top of page

Curriculum vitae

Kathrin Masuch, BSc. MSc.

urbanhuman-060.jpg

masuch[at]urbanhuman.eu

+43 (0)664 9128388

My research focuses on understanding how built and natural environments influence human behavior. As a biologist and senior scientist with a background in evolutionary anthropology, I explore the interactions between humans and their surroundings—particularly in the areas of sustainable mobility, built environments, and evolutionary aesthetics.

After completing my biology degree at the University of Vienna, I earned my Master’s in Evolutionary Anthropology, focusing on how the shape of leaves affects human attention. Beyond studying human behavior, I also contributed to research on the behavioral ecology and cognition of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) as a field assistant in South Africa.

Since 2016, I have been working as a Senior Scientist at Urban Human e.V., conducting interdisciplinary research on topics such as Healthy Buildings, Mobility, Sustainable Cities, and Usability. Additionally, I serve as Production Manager for the open-access journal "Human Ethology". My work combines empirical research with the practical application of scientific insights in fields such as architecture, urban planning, and mobility research.

My goal is to develop scientifically grounded solutions for a more sustainable and human-centered environment—through research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world implementation.

Education

2024

2024

Master of Science:  Looking at trees – how the shape of leaves affects our interest. Master thesis, Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna

Bachelor of Science, Studyprogram Biology, University of Vienna

2019

"Gender and sexuality: Applications in Society", University of British Columbia

2006

Matura (A-levels) BRG/BORG Kirchdorf a.d. Krems, Austria

List of Positions

since 2019

since 2016

since 2016​

2016-2025​

2019-2020 

2016-2019

2016-2017

2015-2016

​

2013-2014

2009-2013

​

Senior Researcher at Oberzaucher e.U.

Senior Scientist bei Urban Human, Wien

Production manager at the scientific online journal Human Ethology

Employee at the StudienServiceCenter Life Sciences, University of Vienna

FFG funded FemTech internship at Oberzaucher e.U.

Researcher at IFZ Graz

Lecturer at University of Vienna

Field Assistant "Monkeys in Space - Environmental Structure, Behavioural Ecology and Cognition", Barrett-Henzi Lab, University of Lethbridge Canada, Fieldsite: Private Game Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

Tutor for courses at the University of Vienna

Research Assistant at the "Forschungszentrum für Telekommunikation Wien - FTW"

Research

since 2020

since 2016

since 2016

since 2016

since 2014

since 2013​

since 2009

since 2006

​

Evolutionary Aesthetics

Sustainable mobility

Sustainability

Primates Behavior and adaption to climatic changes

Evolutionary Environmental Psychology

Human Behavior in urban settings

Human-Computer-Interaction, Quality of Experience, Usability

Evolutionary Human Behavior

Teaching

at the University of Vienna

​

winter term 2016   

   

 

 

 

Practical Course: Neurobiology - Visual Systems

 

Memberships

Other Activities

​

  • Host for the 2025 Summer Institute of the International Society for Human Ethology in Vienna, Austria​

Publications

University Theses

Book chapters
Journal publications

  • Schmehl, S., Masuch, K., Oberzaucher, E.. Nachhaltiges Verhalten durch Nudging – der Beitrag der Menschenwissenschaften für die Zukunft des Planeten. Österreichische Ingenieur- und Architekten-Zeitschrift OIAV, 166.

  • Masuch, K., Schwarzl, C., Einenkel, K., Weninger, M., Girsovics, V. Oberzaucher, E. (2018). Nature Catches the Eye: Human Gaze Behaviour as a Measure for Aesthetic Preference. Human Ethology Bulletin 33:2, 13-21. https://doi.org/10.22330/heb/332/013-021

  • Fröhlich P., Ries M., Masuch K., Schatz R.. Investigating the Effects of Test Clip Quality Distribution in HD Video QoE Studies. In Proc. QoMEX (Quality of the Multimedia Experience) 2012, Yarra Valley, Australia, 2012.

  • Fröhlich P., Egger S., Schatz R., Muehlegger M., Masuch K., Gardlo B.. QoE in 10 Seconds: Are Short Video Clip Lengths Sufficient for Quality of Experience Assessment?. In Proc. QoMEX (Quality of the Multimedia Experience) 2012, Yarra Valley, Australia, 2012.

  • Hossfeld T., Egger S., Schatz R., Fiedler M., Masuch K., Lorentzen C.. Initial Delay Vs. Interruptions: Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea. In Proc. QoMEX (Quality of the Multimedia Experience) 2012, Yarra Valley, Australia, 2012.

  • Sackl A., Masuch K., Egger S., Schatz R.. Wireless vs. Wireline Shootout: How user expectations influence Quality of Experience. In Proc. QoMEX (Quality of the Multimedia Experience) 2012, Yarra Valley, Australia, 2012.

  • Egger S., Schatz R., Masuch K., Strohmeier D.. Draft P.STMWeb. Contributed to ITU-T work group SG12, Geneva, Switzerland, 2012.

  • Schatz R., Egger S., Masuch K.. The Impact of User Fatigue and Test Duration on the Reliability of Subjective Quality Ratings. Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, 59(10), 2012.

  •  Baldauf M., Fröhlich P., Masuch K., Grechenig T.. Comparing Viewing and Filtering Techniques for Mobile Urban Exploration. Journal of Location Based Services, 4(4), 2011.

  • Schatz R., Egger S., Masuch K., Scherer S.. Gain from Strain? Measuring the Influence of User Fatigue on the Quality of Subjective Ratings. In Proc. Third International Workshop on Perceptual Quality of Systems (PQS), Dresden, Germany, 2010.

  • Schmehl, S., Masuch, K., Oberzaucher, E. (2024). Wer wissen will, was Menschen tun, muss sie dabei strukturiert beobachten. In: Hammerl, M., Schwarz, S., Willführ, K.P. (Eds.) Evolutionäre Sozialwissenschaften – Ein Rundgang. Springer VS, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-43624-7_11

  • Masuch, K. (2020). Wie die Umgebung uns und unser Verhalten prägt. In: Buxbaum, P., Oberzaucher, E. & Wegerer M. (2021). Gebäudesoftskills: Die neue Dimension im Bauen zwischen Praxis – Wissenschaft – Kunst, 13-15. IBO Verlag, Wien. ISBN 879-3-900403-51-5

  • Masuch, K. (2017). Wie die Evolution unsere Platzwahl in öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln beeinflusst. In: Oberzaucher, E. (2017). Homo Urbanus. Ein evolutionsbiologischer Blick in die Zukunft der Städte, 54-57. Springer, Heidelberg.  ISBN 978-3-662-53837-1

Invited Talks

  • Masuch, K.. Licht und Schatten – Evolutionsbiologische Überlegungen zum Wohnen von morgen. Keynote. Fenster-Türen-Treff 2025, March 2025, Salzburg, Austria

  • Masuch, K.. Erkenntnisse aus europäischen Studien - Healthy Homes Barometer von 2015 bis 2023. Healthy Buildings Day Niederösterreich, November 2024, St. Pölten, Austria.

Conference Talks

  • Masuch, K. , Schmehl, S., Oberzaucher, E.. How applied ethology helps to change mobility behavior. International Society of Human Etholgy, July 2024, Arcata, CA, USA.

  • Oberzaucher, E., Masuch, K., Schmehl, S.. Change the world with Human Ethology – Science outside academia. International Society of Human Etholgy, July 2024, Arcata, CA, USA.

  • Masuch, K., Prager, K., Böhm, P.M., Schmehl, S.F., Riggs, E., Zinck, M., Batres, C., Fisher, M.L., Oberzaucher, E.. Fighting the Pandemic – A Crosscultural Study of Compliance in Mask Wearing. Gemeinsamer Soziologiekongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Soziologie und Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Soziologie, August 2021, online meeting.

  • Masuch, K., Prager, K., Böhm, P.M., Schmehl, S.F., Riggs, E., Zinck, M., Batres, C., Fisher, M.L., Oberzaucher, E.. Are conscientious people really the minority? Compliance in face mask wearing behavior in a cross-cultural study. International Society of Human Ethology, July 2021, online meeting.

  • Polt, M.-H., Fisher, M.L., Batres, C., Schmehl, S.F., Masuch, K., Böhm, P.M., Oberzaucher. E.. Sexual dimorphism in spatial behavior. International Society of Human Ethology, July 2021, online meeting.

  • Schmehl, S., Masuch, K., Engelbogen, T., Oberzaucher, E.. Look, don’t ask – when asking questions can lead you astray. International Society of Human Ethology, July 2021, online meeting.

  • Masuch, K., Schmehl, S., Oberzaucher, E.. He writes a lot, she gets to the point – sex differences in bathroom graffiti. 7th biannual Summer Institute of the International Society of Human Ethology, August 2019, Zadar, Croatia.

  • Böhm, P.M., Schmehl, S., Masuch, K., Tiller, A., Batres, C., Fernandez, A.M., Fisher, M., Oberzaucher, E.. Cultured Laterality: Foot Laterality Around the Globe and in Art Depictions. 7th biannual Summer Institute of the International Society of Human Ethology, August 2019, Zadar, Croatia.

  • Schmehl, S., Böhm, P.M., Masuch, K., Tiller, C., Fernandez, A.M., Fisher, M., Oberzaucher, E.. Which seat to take, which one to offer? Seat choice in mixed dyads –  a cross-cultural study. 7th biannual Summer Institute of the International Society of Human Ethology, August 2019, Zadar, Croatia.

  • Masuch, K., Böhm, P.,M., Köllner, J., Zingale, S., Oberzaucher, E.. Looking at Trees – Leaf Shapes and Preferences. International Society of Human Etholgy, August 2018, Santiago de Chile, Chile.

  • Masuch, K., Oberzaucher, E., Schmehl, S.. Soziologie findet Stadt. Symposium at the Österreichischer Kongress für Soziologie, Dezember 2017, Graz, Austria.

  • Masuch K., Schatz R., Egger S., Holzleitner I., Oberzaucher E. Grammer K.. The Duration Effect in Rating Studies – Quantity Instead of Quality? Summer Institute, International Society of Human Ethology, July 5th – July 9th 2011, Prague Czech Republic.

Poster presentations

  • Masuch, K., Böhm, P.,M., Köllner, J., Zingale, S., Oberzaucher, E. (2018). Looking at Trees – Leaf Shapes and Preferences. Poster presented at the 30th annual meeting of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

  • Masuch, K., Schwarzl, C., Einenkel, K., Weninger, M., Vsevolods, G., Oberzaucher, E. (2017). Nature Catches the Eye: Human Gaze Behavior As a Measure For Aesthetic Preferences. Poster presented at the 17th annual meeting of the Menschliches Verhalten aus Evolutionärer Sicht Liste, Ulm, Germany.

  • Masuch, K., Schwarzl, C., Einenkel, K., Weninger, M., Vsevolods, G., Oberzaucher, E.(2017). Nature Catches the Eye: Human Gaze Behavior As a Measure For Aesthetic Preferences. Poster presented at the 6th biannual Summer Institute of the International Society of Human Ethology, Boise, Idaho, USA.

  • Masuch, K., Schwarzl, C., Einenkel, K., Weninger, M., Girsovics, V. Oberzaucher, E. (2017). Nature Catches the Eye: Human Gaze Behaviour as a Measure for Aesthetic Preference. Poster presented at the 29th annual meeting of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society, Boise, Idaho, USA.

  • Masuch, K., Mühlegger, M., Sackl, A., Egger, S., Schatz, R., Oberzaucher, E., Grammer, K. (2012). What you get is what you see? Pretending facts in applied rating studies. International Society of Human Ethology, August 13th – 17th  2012, Vienna Austria. 

  • Masuch K., Schatz R., Egger S., Holzleitner I., Oberzaucher E., Grammer K. (2011). The Duration Effect in Rating Studies – Quantity Instead of Quality? Human Behavior and Evolution Society, June 29th – July 3rd 2011, Montpellier France.

  • Masuch K., Baldauf M., Fröhlich P., Oberzaucher E., Grammer K. (2010). Sex Differences in Orientation Using Mobile Urban Exploration Tools. International Society of Human Ethology, 1st – 5th August 2010, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Manuscripts in Preparation, Submitted and in Review

  • MASUCH, K., SCHMEHL, S., OBERZAUCHER, E. (in prep). Look, don’t ask – when asking questions doesn’t answer the question.

  • OBERZAUCHER, E., MASUCH, K., & SCHMEHL, S. (in prep). Risk taking behaviour and risk perception in public space.

  • SCHMEHL, S., MASUCH. K., & OBERZAUCHER, E. (in prep). My very own bubble: Personal space is the driving force behind seat choice in public transport.

  • SCHMEHL, S., DEUTSCH, S., SCHRAMMEL, J., & TSCHELIGI, M. (in prep). Sex does Matter: Effects of Experimenters Sex on Usability Evaluation. 

  • MASUCH. K., OBERRAUCH, S., RATZENBÖCK, S., WALTENBERGER, L., SCHMEHL, S., & OBERZAUCHER, E.(in prep). Communication via bathroom graffiti: Sex differences in content and territoriality.

© 2021 by Elisabeth Oberzaucher

bottom of page