Find Academic Supervisors

• Interior Design
• Furniture Design
• Space Planning
• +3 more

Martin Wiedmer is an Associate Lecturer at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (HSLU), part of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). He has been teaching Interior Design in the Bachelor's program since 2017 and leads continuing education courses in Design and Materialization in Existing Buildings. His professional background spans over 20 years in interior design, including roles as a furniture designer, shopfitting developer, and workspace designer. He also runs Affin Atelier in Bern, focusing on office and workspace design, emphasizing spatial perception, furnishing, and lighting. Education: Apprenticeship in interior decoration, followed by a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (FHNW). His research interests include effective learning environments, particularly in continuing education at PHLU, where he explores conditions for sustainable learning outcomes. He integrates these insights into his teaching to foster student autonomy and responsibility. He has been involved with PHLU’s educational programs since 2019, emphasizing pedagogical innovation. No scientific awards or publications are explicitly listed in the provided text.

• Regional and Community Development
• Strategic Planning
• Urban and Regional Economics
• +4 more

Ivo Willimann is a Lecturer at the Institute of Business and Regional Economics (IBR) within the Lucerne School of Business at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. His professional journey includes roles as a project leader at the Zentrum für angewandte Ökologie Schattweid (1996-2002) and as a freelance researcher at IBR (2002-2003) before joining the faculty in 2003. He specializes in regional development, strategic planning, and eco-human interactions. Education: Dipl. Natw. ETH (Natural Sciences Diploma from ETH Zurich) Research Interests: Regional and community development strategies Demographic trends and their urban implications Zoning policies and housing shortages Digitalization impacts on regional economies Policy tools for sustainable urban planning Key Projects: Wohnkalkulator: Housing demand prediction tool Strategic planning for municipalities like Triengen and Luzern Analysis of second-home utilization in tourism regions Studies on municipal mergers and administrative efficiency Grants & Advising: Consulted on over 20 municipal strategic plans Developed decision-support tools for regional governments Active in federal policy research projects Labs/Teams: Leads the IBR's Regional Economy Competence Center (IBR RO), collaborating with government agencies and NGOs on applied research projects.

• Housing Research
• Urban and Quarter Research
• History and Theory of Architecture
• +3 more

Richard Zemp is an Associate Lecturer at the Institute of Architecture IAR at Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (HSLU T&A). His professional background includes architectural practice in São Paulo and Zurich, academic research, and editorial work. He holds a master's degree in Architecture from ZHAW and a postgraduate degree in History and Theory of Architecture from ETH Zurich. His research focuses on housing, urban and quarter research, architectural theory, psychology, and the intersection of writing and research in architecture. Key projects include Baukultur konkret , Wohnen 4.0 , and Rethink Density , exploring urban density, spatial interaction, and innovative living concepts. He co-authored award-winning publications such as Atlas des Dazwischenwohnens (2022) and Vokabular des Zwischenraums (2020), recognized with DAM Architectural Book Awards. His teaching includes supervision of master's theses and courses on space utilization and architectural writing. As a research associate at the Competence Center Typology & Planning in Architecture (CCTP), he collaborates on projects addressing urban quality, shared living spaces, and participatory design. Recent research emphasizes spatial appropriation beyond private dwellings and the psychological impact of facade spaces in dense urban environments.

• Macroeconomics
• Innovation Economics
• Disruptive Innovation
• +4 more

Simon Zemp serves as Head of Program and Lecturer at the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, with additional appointments in economics and business administration across the university's business school and continuing education divisions. His work bridges academic research and practical application in digital governance and economic policy. He holds a Dr.rer.pol. (doctorate), mag.rer.pol. (master's), and lic.rer.pol. (licentiate) in economics from the University of Fribourg, establishing foundational expertise in economic theory and institutional analysis. Zemp's research centers on digital transformation dynamics, emphasizing disruptive innovation in public administration and cognitive decision-making under uncertainty. He investigates how organizations develop adaptability through cognitive restructuring and competence building, particularly in volatile regulatory environments. His scholarship connects macroeconomic principles with agile methodologies, exploring intersections between institutional economics, behavioral psychology, and digital strategy implementation. His publication trajectory reveals an evolution from urban economics and banking regulation toward cognitive dimensions of digital change. Early work analyzed municipal finance and financial market structures, while recent research focuses on competence development in digital convergence and cognitive limits in risk assessment—highlighting consistent engagement with real-world economic challenges through both academic and practitioner outlets. As a member of the Friconomy research network since 2002 and leader of the Interdisciplinary Thematic Cluster on Digital Transformation of the Working World, Zemp directs the CAS Digitalization of Public Administration and 'Smart Steps' continuing education programs. His role in the city council of Sursee (2002-2017) further demonstrates applied policy engagement.

• Regional Economics
• Data Analysis
• Knowledge Economy
• +3 more

Silke Zöllner is a Lecturer at the Lucerne School of Business (HSLU), part of the Institute of Business and Regional Economics (IBR), specializing in Regional Economy. She holds a Master of Science in Business Administration (HTW Chur) and a Bachelor of Science in Human Geography (University of Dalarna, Sweden). Her research focuses on regional economic development, data analysis methodologies, knowledge economy dynamics, and industrial policy. Notable projects include studies on 3D printing adoption in Switzerland, manufacturing sector trends, circular economy transitions, and energy-efficient building retrofitting strategies. Her work integrates quantitative methods with spatial analysis, addressing topics such as innovation networks, municipal building consultancy systems, and policy evaluation. She has contributed to collaborative projects like the European Manufacturing Survey and the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch advisory program. Key publications include works on regional economic networks, servitization in manufacturing, and data literacy for designers.

• Urban Development
• Sociocultural Development
• Spatial Planning
• +3 more

Isabel Herrle is a Research Associate and SNF Doctoral Candidate at the Institute for Sociocultural Development, Lucerne School of Social Work, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Her research focuses on urban development, particularly participation mechanisms 'from below' and 'from above.' She holds an M.Sc. in Urban Design (2024, HafenCity University Hamburg) and a B.A. in Cultural and Spatial Sciences (2020, Leuphana University Lüneburg). Professional Experience includes roles as a doctoral researcher in the SNF-funded project 'Urban Development: Participation 'von unten' und 'von oben'', project assistant at SUPERURBAN Hamburg, and teaching assistant at HafenCity University Hamburg. She has also contributed to spatial development projects, such as 'Wissen Bauen 2025' and 'ScienceCity Hamburg Bahrenfeld,' and held editorial internships at BauNetz Berlin. Her work bridges urban planning, cultural studies, and participatory methodologies, emphasizing socio-spatial transformation and inclusive urban policies. Current research explores intersections of grassroots activism and top-down governance in city development.

• Databases
• Big Data Management
• Data Science
• +3 more

Michael Kaufmann is a Lecturer and Project Manager at the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology, part of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. He has held this position since 2016 and has extensive experience in academic and industry roles, including roles as a Board Member of the FMsquare Foundation and Coordinator of the Research Team Data Intelligence. His academic journey includes a Habilitation in 2023 from FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany, focusing on 'Emergent Knowledge Engineering in Big Data Management,' and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Fribourg in 2012. His research and teaching focus on databases, big data management, and data science, with notable contributions to database security, fuzzy logic applications, and semantic analysis. He has led numerous research projects, including IFZ FinTech, Netted Letters, and MinimalTools, exploring topics such as decision intelligence and data quality assessment. His work often bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in industries like tourism, finance, and social media analytics. Despite his prolific output, no specific academic awards or student advisees are explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. Education highlights include a Habilitation thesis on big data management frameworks and a PhD on inductive fuzzy classification in marketing analytics. His teaching spans specialized courses like Database Modeling, NoSQL Systems, and Data Science. Professional experience prior to academia includes roles as a Business Analyst, Data Architect, and Data Warehouse Analyst at firms like PostFinance and Mobiliar. Key research projects include analyzing tourism hotspots using travel blog data, GDPR-compliant social network analysis, and developing interactive research environments. His publications emphasize practical applications of databases and machine learning, with a focus on ethical AI frameworks and scalable in-database analytics. Kaufmann’s work often integrates interdisciplinary methods, such as combining fuzzy logic with marketing analytics and natural language processing for knowledge extraction.

• Child and Youth Welfare
• Economic Social Assistance
• Adult Protection
• +2 more

Daniel Krucher serves as Lecturer and Project Manager at the Lucerne School of Social Work, leveraging over 25 years of frontline experience in social services. His expertise spans child protection, economic assistance programs, and community-based social integration initiatives. Krucher's scholarly work focuses on spatial approaches to social work, examining how community resources and neighborhood-based strategies can strengthen self-help capacities. His publications analyze cultural shifts toward empowering vulnerable populations through locally embedded support systems. As Academic Program Leader (2015-2025), he has developed curriculum frameworks integrating theoretical knowledge with practical implementation skills for social work professionals addressing complex welfare challenges.

Johannes KüngView profile

Lecturer

• Sociocultural Development
• Urban Planning and Development
• Participatory Democracy
• +3 more

Johannes Küng is a Lecturer and Project Manager at the Institute for Sociocultural Development at Lucerne School of Social Work (HSLU). He also serves as the Exchange Programme Coordinator and has been actively involved in urban development initiatives in the Zurich metropolitan region. His work focuses on participatory processes, sociocultural animation, and equitable neighborhood development. Küng holds a Master of Science in Social Work (2025) and a Bachelor of Science in Community Development (2017), both from HSLU. His academic background includes a semester exchange at Chicago's College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA). Professional expertise spans urban and neighborhood development, project management, participatory democracy, and organizational development. Key research interests include integral project methodologies, participatory spaces, and the role of aesthetics in sociocultural practices. He has pioneered initiatives like the Suave Coffee project, redefining economic equity in global supply chains. Current engagements include leadership roles at the Plattform GSR and the Fachpool Soziokultur network.

Dominic RohnerView profile

Professor

• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Political Economy
• Development Economics
• +5 more

Dominic Rohner is a Professor of Economics at the Geneva Graduate Institute, holding the André Hoffmann Chair in Political Economics and Governance. He co-directs the Hoffmann Centre for Global Sustainability and serves on the faculty at the University of Lausanne (on leave). His research focuses on political economy, development economics, and conflict prevention, with a geographic emphasis on Africa and Europe. Rohner has received prestigious awards, including an ERC grant and the SNIS International Geneva Award. He is an Associate Editor at the Economic Journal and leads the CEPR Conflict Prevention Network. Education: PhD in Economics from the University of Cambridge. Research affiliations: CEPR, CESifo, OxCarre, HiCN. Key thematic expertise includes peacebuilding, democracy, environmental sustainability, and global governance. Recent work highlights include his book *The Peace Formula* (2024), analyzing economic drivers of peace, and studies on conflict mediation, climate-security links, and experimental cash transfers in Niger. Media coverage spans global outlets like BBC, *The Economist*, and *Le Monde*. Rohner advocates for long-term peace strategies over short-term political fixes, emphasizing democratic institutions, economic opportunities, and security guarantees. Awards include the 2021 International Geneva Award for his PNAS article on globalization and conflict. Grants include the ERC-funded 'Policies for Peace' initiative. He collaborates with institutions like the World Bank and contributes to policy dialogues through edited volumes on nation-building and climate governance.

Frédéric Robert-NicoudView profile

Visiting Professor

• Economic Geography
• Urban Economics
• International Trade
• +3 more

Frédéric Robert-Nicoud is a Visiting Professor of Economics at the Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM), University of Geneva. He has held faculty positions at the London School of Economics (LSE) and HEC Lausanne, alongside visiting roles at institutions like CEMFI, Princeton, and CORE. His research focuses on Economic Geography, Urban Economics, International Trade, and Applied Microeconomics, with notable contributions to spatial sorting, tech clusters, and trade theory. Education: Holds a PhD in Economics from LSE (2002), an MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (LSE, 1999), an MA in International Relations (HEID, 1996), and a BA in Economics from the University of Geneva (1994). Research emphasizes urban spatial structures, transportation infrastructure impacts, and climate change adaptation. He served as Editor of the Journal of Economic Geography and Associate Editor of the Review of International Economics, and is a CEPR Fellow and SERC Affiliate. Currently advises the Société du Grand Paris on the Grand Paris Express project, contributing to major transportation infrastructure planning. Key research themes include optimal urban population distribution, trade effects on unemployment, and technology-driven agglomeration. His work bridges theoretical models with policy applications, influencing urban and regional development strategies.

• Laser Technology
• Ultrafast Lasers
• Optical Coherence Tomography
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Bojan Resan is a Lecturer in Laser Technology at the FHNW Institute of Product and Production Engineering, part of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland. He teaches Optical Engineering in the Master of Science in Engineering program and contributes to courses in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Systems Engineering. His research focuses on ultrafast lasers, optical systems design, and laser micromachining, with notable work on femtosecond laser development and optical coherence tomography. Resan holds a PhD in Optics from CREOL/College of Optics and a Marie Curie Senior Scientist Fellowship. Education: PhD in Optics (2004–2008), Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers/College of Optics, Orlando, FL, USA Master Degree in Optics (2001–2004), CREOL/College of Optics, Orlando, FL, USA Master Degree in Photonics and Imaging (1997–1998), ENSPS Strasbourg/Institute d’Optique, France Dipl. Ing. in Physics (1997), University of Zagreb, Croatia Resan’s research interests span ultrafast laser systems, laser micromachining, and optical coherence tomography. His work emphasizes high-repetition-rate lasers for industrial applications and novel laser technologies for precision engineering. Recent projects include the development of compact, low-cost ultrafast lasers and wafer-scale grating compressors. He has authored over 27 journal articles, holds 7 US patents, and contributed to the SwissFEL facility’s laser characterization. His scientific accolades include the Marie Curie Senior Scientist Fellowship. Resan advises Master and PhD students and supervises research projects on laser beam shaping, dual-comb LiDAR, and machine learning-driven optical alignment. Key collaborations include NanoArgovia (NanoLase project), Eurostar (GigaMicro), and Innosuisse-funded initiatives. His labs focus on advancing laser technologies for manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and precision engineering.

Silvia SbaragliView profile

Professor

• Mathematics Education
• Didactics of Mathematics
• Geometry Teaching
• +4 more

Silvia Sbaragli is a Professor of Mathematics Education at the Department of Education and Learning / Higher Education School of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) in Locarno, Switzerland. She serves as head of the DdM Competence Center (Mathematics Teaching Competence Center) and director of the SUPSI Master of Arts in Mathematics Education program, while also editing the journal Didattica della Matematica. Dalla ricerca alle pratiche d'aula (Mathematics Education: From Research to Classroom Practice). University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI): Professor of Mathematics Education (2014-present) University of Bolzano: Research and teaching position (2000-2012) University of Salerno: Two-year research project (2003) University of Bologna: Collaborator with Department of Mathematics (1995-present) Dr. Sbaragli received her Mathematics degree from the University of Bologna in 1995, followed by a postgraduate course in Mathematics Education, Diploma di abilitazione in Matematica (SSIS), and PhD in Mathematics Education. She holds teaching qualifications for elementary and high school mathematics and physics. Her research focuses on practical applications of mathematics education theory with emphasis on developing mathematical reasoning through hands-on approaches. She investigates how students develop spatial reasoning through geometry activities, alternative calculation methods that leverage embodied cognition (like finger counting), and the integration of argumentation skills into mathematics instruction. Her work consistently bridges theoretical research with classroom practice, particularly in elementary and secondary education settings. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on making mathematics accessible and engaging for all students. Her research consistently addresses inclusive practices, transversal skill development, and the connection between physical manipulation and mathematical understanding. She demonstrates particular expertise in translating complex mathematical concepts into developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Dr. Sbaragli's significant contributions to the field have been recognized through: Research grant award (2003) Giorgio Bagni Prize for an article in mathematics education (2010) National scientific qualification as associate professor in Italy (2013) As director of the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, she shapes the next generation of mathematics educators while leading multiple research initiatives including 'Feeling good about mathematics,' 'MaMa Platform for Equity in Primary Education,' and 'Let's learn Italmatica with Bea and Leo.' Her editorial work on the DDM journal creates a vital platform for sharing research and classroom practices among mathematics educators. Dr. Sbaragli leads the DdM Competence Center which serves as a hub for research, professional development, and resource sharing for mathematics educators across Switzerland. The center develops innovative teaching approaches, provides continuing education for practicing teachers, and conducts research on effective mathematics instruction. Through her leadership, the center has become a nationally recognized resource for mathematics education excellence.

Rossana Falcade PincoliniView profile

Lecturer

• Mathematics Education
• Educational Technologies
• Semiotic Mediation
• +3 more

Rossana Falcade Pincolini is a Lecturer at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Italian Switzerland (SUPSI), affiliated with the Department of Education and Learning within the Higher School of Pedagogy. She holds a PhD in Mathematics Education (2006) from Université Joseph Fourier (Grenoble) and the University of Turin, with a thesis focusing on semiotic mediation and Cabri-géomètre in mathematics teaching. Her professional roles include: Leading courses in Mathematics Didactics, Epistemology, and Educational Technologies at SUPSI since 2010 Teaching Mathematics III/IV and Technology Integration for future kindergarten/primary teachers Conducting labs on mathematical machines and technology integration Her research emphasizes new technologies in mathematics education, semiotic mediation, and early childhood spatial development. Projects include analysis of standardized math tests and MINT education networks. She co-authored works on spatial representation in young children and historical educational documentation. Research affiliations include the Laboratorio media e MINT (MEM) at SUPSI, focusing on educational media and STEM pedagogy.

Sandra EckertView profile

Lecturer

• Remote Sensing
• Spatial Data Analysis
• Invasive Plant Species Monitoring
• +5 more

PD Dr. Sandra Eckert is a Lecturer and Research Associate at the University of Bern's Institute of Geography, affiliated with the Land Systems and Sustainable Land Management department. Her research focuses on remote sensing and spatial data analysis applied to coupled human-environmental systems, with thematic interests in invasive species management, land use dynamics, deforestation, and biodiversity conservation. Methodologically, she specializes in advanced image processing and species distribution modeling. Her fieldwork spans Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Madagascar), Southern Africa (Mozambique), and beyond (Madagascar, Lebanon, Argentina). Recent projects include the R4D Woody Weeds initiative addressing invasive plant impacts in Eastern Africa and the AFGROLAND study on agro-food-energy dynamics in Africa. Education: PhD in Geography / Remote Sensing Research interests prioritize spatial monitoring of invasive species like Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara, land degradation assessment, and deforestation spillover effects from extractive industries. Recent work highlights Madagascar's environmental challenges linked to mining investments and Kenya's land use conflicts from agricultural expansions. Publications (2024-2020) analyze deforestation patterns, invasive species management, and socio-environmental impacts of large-scale land acquisitions. Collaborative projects with institutions like the Wyss Academy for Nature and CDE explore sustainability pathways in complex landscapes. Advising and grants include interdisciplinary teams addressing land policy, ecosystem services, and climate resilience. Active in global research networks like the Global Land Project and CDE policy briefs on land governance. Labs/Teams: Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Wyss Academy research groups, and international collaborations with Universities of Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Mozambique.