Gerda Heck

Gerda Heck is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, Egyptology and Anthropology and the Center for Migration and Refugee Studies (CMRS) at The American University in Cairo. Previously, she held academic positions at the University of Cologne, European Viadrina University Frankfurt/Oder, Georg August University Göttingen, and the Weissensee School of Arts in Berlin, Germany.

Her research focuses on the intersection of migration, urban spaces, and border regimes. She examines transnational migrant networks, self-organizing practices, and the role of religion in migration contexts. Her work also explores innovative concepts of citizenship beyond the nation-state. Employing ethnographic and qualitative methodologies, she has conducted fieldwork across multiple continents including Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Key research interests include:

• Migration and Border Regimes
• Urban Studies
• Transnational Migration
• Migrant Networks and (Political) Organizing
• Religious Practices and Migration
• New Concepts of Citizenship
• Ethnography
• Qualitative Empirical Research

Dr. Heck has participated in international research projects such as "Global Prayers – Redemption and Liberation in the City" (2010-2013) and "Transit Migration 2: A Research Project on the De- and Re-Stabilizations of the European Border Regime" (2016). She is an active member of kritnet: Network for Critical Migration- and Border-Regime Research.