Find Academic Supervisors

Nina OtterView profile

Assistant Professor

• Algebraic Topology
• Geometry
• Topological Data Analysis
• +4 more

Nina Otter serves as a Computational and Applied Mathematics Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Los Angeles. She previously held a postdoctoral position in the Nonlinear Algebra group at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences (MPI MiS) through December 2018. Dr. Otter also acts as an executive editor for the open-access journal Compositionality , which commenced operations in August 2018. Her research program centers on applying algebraic topology and geometric methods to analyze complex-structured data. Current initiatives include developing topological signatures for galactic morphology classification and implementing persistent homology techniques for climate data interpretation. She maintains active theoretical interests in category-theoretic approaches to group finiteness properties, bridging abstract mathematics with real-world applications across astrophysics and environmental science. Dr. Otter's primary research affiliation was with the Nonlinear Algebra group at MPI MiS during her postdoctoral tenure (2017-2018), where she contributed to interdisciplinary projects connecting pure mathematics with data science. Her editorial work at Compositionality establishes her role in advancing research on compositional structures in mathematical sciences, reflecting her commitment to open-access scholarly communication.

Matthias HaeckelView profile

Researcher

• Marine Biogeochemistry
• Early Diagenesis
• Methane in Marine Environments
• +12 more

Matthias Haeckel is a Senior Scientist at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany, affiliated with the Research Division 2: Marine Biogeochemistry and the research unit Marine Geosystems. He has held this position since 2005 and is actively involved in leading and contributing to major international research initiatives focused on marine biogeochemical cycles, deep-sea processes, and environmental sustainability. Research interests include marine biogeochemical cycles and early diagenesis, methane dynamics in marine environments (gas hydrates, cold seeps, mud volcanoes), fluid and gas transport in sediments, environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and microplastic pollution. His work integrates numerical transport-reaction and thermodynamic modeling , analysis of porewater and sediment data from global research cruises, and high-pressure laboratory experiments using Raman and NMR spectroscopy. The publication trends show a strong focus on environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, carbon dioxide storage in marine sediments, and methane hydrate systems. His recent work emphasizes sustainability, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem conservation, with a multidisciplinary approach combining geochemistry, modeling, and field observations. Feodor Lynen Postdoctoral Fellowship of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Matthias Haeckel has advised multiple PhD and Master’s students, including Schreiber, Lukas; Legoix, Ludovic; and Vielstädte, Lisa. He has secured and led numerous research grants, including MiningImpact , GEOSTOR , SUGAR , ECO2 , and MIDAS , funded by national and international agencies. His research cruises span the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans, focusing on gas hydrates, CO₂ seepage, and deep-sea mining sites. He is actively involved in teaching, offering courses such as Modeling of Biogeochemical Processes I+II and a literature seminar on Marine Geosystems within the Master’s programs in Geosciences and Marine Geosciences. He leads a research group that includes postdoctoral researchers (Deusner, Christian; Kossel, Elke) and a technician (Nau, Philipp), fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.

Kristin KnipferView profile

Research Fellow

• Leadership Development
• Organizational Learning
• Team Dynamics
• +5 more

Dr. Kristin Knipfer is a Senior Research Fellow at the TUM School of Management and Executive Director of the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning . Her research focuses on leadership as a catalyst for organizational learning and innovation, examining how leaders influence team dynamics in academic, entrepreneurial, and corporate settings. Leadership development in academia and business Organizational learning mechanisms Knowledge management systems Digital transformation in leadership education Her recent publications explore leader identity construal, narcissistic leadership impacts, and team reflection processes. She has received multiple awards including the TUM Digital Innovations in Management Education Award and the Richard A. Swanson Research Excellence Award nomination. She leads evidence-based leadership programs for academic leaders and has co-developed digital tools like the TUM Leadership Toolbox and EMMA digital leadership coach. Her work bridges theory and practice through collaborations with institutions like the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

Ursula KlingmüllerView profile

Professor

• Systems Biology
• Signal Transduction
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Ursula Klingmüller is a Professor at Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg and Head of the Division Systems Biology of Signal Transduction (B200) at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg since 2007. She holds a Venia Legendi in Cell Biology (Heidelberg University, 2004) and Molecular Biology & Genetics (University of Freiburg, 2000). Her career spans leadership roles in systems biology, integrating computational and experimental approaches to understand cellular signaling networks in cancer and other diseases. Education: Diploma in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Virology (University of Heidelberg, 1988) Bachelor of Science (University of Bayreuth, 1985) Doctoral Thesis in Molecular Biology (Heidelberg University, 1992) Research Interests focus on systems biology approaches to signal transduction, particularly the JAK2/STAT5, AKT/ERK, and TGF-β pathways, their roles in cell proliferation, cancer invasion, and dynamic threshold regulation. Her work emphasizes computational modeling of signaling networks and their integration with clinical applications in precision medicine. Key Scientific Contributions include elucidating the context-specific dynamics of ERK phosphorylation, defining the regulatory roles of BAMBI in TGF-β signaling, and advancing personalized dose prediction models for erythropoietin therapies. Her publications reflect interdisciplinary research bridging molecular mechanisms with quantitative modeling. Scientific Awards: FEBS Anniversary Prize (1997) DAAD-Fellowship (1986) DFG-Research Fellowship (1993-1994) Election to the German Ethics Council (2016) Labs & Teams include the Systems Biology of Signal Transduction division at DKFZ, collaborations with the German Cancer Research Center, and leadership in the Master Program Molecular Biosciences at Heidelberg University. She also serves on editorial boards, including as Associate Editor for Nature Systems Biology and Applications , and chairs the Executive Women's Initiative at DKFZ.

Hilário AlencarView profile

Professor

• Differential Geometry
• Mathematics Education
• Geometric Analysis
• +2 more

Hilário Alencar is a full Professor at the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), affiliated with the Institute of Mathematics. He holds significant leadership roles, including Coordinator of the Center for Research in Computational Mathematics (CPMAT/UFAL) and President of the Commission for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Management Contract (MCTI/IMPA). Previously, he served as President of the Brazilian Mathematical Society (2009–2013; 2015–2017) and Provost of Graduate Studies and Research at UFAL (1995–2000). His research focuses on Differential Geometry , particularly hypersurfaces, curvature flows, and geometric analysis, with additional interests in mathematics education for basic education. He co-founded the PROFMAT national professional master's program in mathematics. Alencar has advised 3 doctoral and 21 master's students, emphasizing geometric analysis and applied mathematics. His recent publications (2014–2025) explore rigidity theorems, self-shrinkers, and geometric inequalities in Riemannian manifolds. Awards and Honors: Order of Scientific Merit (Commander and Grand Cross classes) University Merit Medal (UFAL 45 years) FAPEAL Merit Commendation Honorary Member of the Brazilian Mathematical Society Full Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) He leads the Computational Mathematics Research Center (CPMAT) and has coordinated major projects funded by CNPq, CAPES, and FINEP, strengthening mathematical infrastructure and education in Brazil.

Marcus HasselhornView profile

Professor

• Educational Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Learning Disorders
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Marcus Hasselhorn is Acting Director at DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Educational Research and Information and serves as a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Goethe University Frankfurt's Department 05 Psychology & Sports Science . His career spans over 25 years of leadership roles in educational research, including geschäftsführender Direktor (2012-2019) at DIPF and speaker of the Hessian LOEWE Center IDeA (2008-2019). Professor of Psychology (2007-present) at DIPF Former Director roles (2012-2019) and ongoing Scientific Board membership Leadership in Leibniz Research Network Bildungspotenziale (2013-2025) Research focuses on the ontogenesis of learning prerequisites , learning disorders , and educational diagnostics , particularly examining individual development and adaptive education for at-risk children. His recent work includes computerized learning assessment systems ( LONDI , iLearn ), language acquisition interventions ( BiSS-Transfer ), and inclusive education frameworks ( INCLASS ). Scientific engagement includes: President of German Psychological Society (2006-2008) Editorial leadership in Zeitschrift für Erziehungswissenschaft (2017-2024) Scientific Board member at IDeA Center (2008-present) Advisory roles in Mercator Institute (2013-present) and Kassel University Council (2010-present) Active in developing diagnostic tools like the Frostig Developmental Test of Visual Perception-3 and leading the BRISE initiative for early childhood education. Current projects address neurobehavioral development ( ReAL ), mental health in schools ( Mentale Gesundheit ), and language acquisition ( TRIO ).

Martina KeilbachView profile

Researcher

• Social and Cultural History of Modern Europe
• History of the Welfare State in Europe
• Gender Studies
• +2 more

Martina Keilbach is a Research Associate at Leipzig University, affiliated with the Global and European Studies Institute (Leipzig Research Center Global Dynamics) and the Research Institute for Social Cohesion. She currently serves as academic coordinator of the Graduate School for Global and Area Studies since 2016 and heads the career development program at the Research Institute for Social Cohesion since 2020. Her educational background includes a doctorate (magna cum laude) in Comparative Cultural and Social History from Leipzig University (2009), preceded by studies in Sociology and German Studies at Leipzig University (1995-1999) and Heidelberg University (1991-1995). Dr. Keilbach's research centers on the social and cultural history of modern Europe, with emphasis on welfare state evolution and gender dynamics. Her work bridges historical analysis and sociological theory to examine European societal transformations, particularly focusing on institutional development and identity formation within transnational contexts. She has supervised doctoral programs in humanities and social sciences at Leipzig University since 2002, contributing significantly to graduate education through her leadership in the Graduate School for Global and Area Studies and Research Institute for Social Cohesion. Her administrative roles focus on enhancing academic career pathways and fostering interdisciplinary research collaboration.

Andreas HuthView profile

Researcher

• Ecological Modeling
• Vegetation Dynamics
• Biodiversity Modeling
• +4 more

Andreas Huth is a prominent researcher at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany, where he works within the Department of Ecological Systems Analysis. His research focuses on developing and applying computational models to understand complex ecological systems, with particular emphasis on vegetation dynamics, biodiversity patterns, and environmental interactions. Huth is actively involved in several major research initiatives including the FORMIND project, which simulates forest growth using individual-based vegetation models, and contributes to the UFZ's research program on Smart Models and Monitoring. Huth's research interests span ecological modeling, vegetation dynamics, biodiversity assessment, and environmental system analysis. He specializes in developing sophisticated computational frameworks that integrate atmospheric, ecological, and spatial data to model complex environmental processes. His work often involves coupling different modeling approaches, such as connecting atmosphere and vegetation radiative transfer models to study cloud-vegetation interactions. Huth is particularly interested in understanding spatial patterns in ecological systems, species-habitat relationships, and the impacts of environmental change on biodiversity. His methodological expertise includes agent-based modeling, individual-based modeling, and developing digital twin technologies for environmental systems. Analysis of Huth's recent publications reveals a strong focus on integrating different modeling approaches to address complex environmental questions. His work demonstrates a progression from basic ecological modeling toward more sophisticated integrative frameworks that connect atmospheric processes with vegetation dynamics, and social systems with ecological outcomes. A notable trend is his increasing involvement in digital twin technology for environmental systems, particularly for biodiversity monitoring and prediction. His research spans multiple scales - from microbial ecosystems to continental-scale species distributions - while maintaining a consistent methodological thread of spatially explicit modeling and causal analysis in complex systems. Huth collaborates extensively with researchers across the UFZ and internationally, as evidenced by his co-authorship on numerous interdisciplinary publications. While specific awards are not mentioned in the available information, his consistent publication record in high-impact journals and leadership in major modeling initiatives like FORMIND indicate significant recognition within the ecological modeling community. His work has practical applications for environmental policy, conservation planning, and climate change adaptation strategies. Huth is an active member of the Ecological Systems Analysis research group at UFZ, which develops and applies computational models to investigate key mechanisms in ecological systems. He contributes to several major research platforms including FORMIND (an individual-based vegetation model for species-rich forests) and participates in the UFZ's broader research initiatives on environmental monitoring and sustainable technologies. His work is integrated within the UFZ's research program on Smart Models and Monitoring, which aims to develop innovative approaches for understanding and predicting environmental change.

Michael SchartView profile

Professor

• Foreign Language Teaching Methodology
• Didactics of German as a Foreign Language
• Empirical Teaching Research
• +6 more

Michael Schart is Professor of Methodology and Didactics of German as a Foreign Language at Friedrich Schiller University Jena since 2021. Previously, he held academic positions at Keio University (2007-2021), University of Wuppertal (2018), University of Waterloo (2017-2018), and several Japanese institutions. His research focuses on empirical teaching research, CLIL, task-based language teaching, and reflective teacher training. Doctorate (2002) in Philosophy from Friedrich Schiller University Jena DFG Fellowship (1997-2000) at Justus Liebig University Giessen Master’s in German as a Foreign Language (Jena, 1996) Intensive Japanese Language Studies at Reitaku University (1992-1993) Schart’s research emphasizes action research, classroom interaction, and curriculum development for German language instruction. He has led projects on virtual classroom dynamics (2020/21), task-based teaching at beginner levels (2007-2009), and program evaluation at Keio University (2003-2007). His work bridges qualitative methodology with practical pedagogy. Recent publications address CLIL implementation, feedback mechanisms, and digital learning environments. He co-edits journals InfoDaF and KONTEXTE , and leads the research center FLUSS for teacher professionalization in German as a foreign language education.

Sezen KayhanView profile

Researcher

• Production Studies
• Cinematic Spaces
• Urban Media
• +3 more

Dr. Sezen Kayhan is a researcher at the Institute for Film, Theatre, Media and Cultural Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since April 2022. She earned her joint doctorate in Film Studies and Visual Culture from the University of Antwerp and Koç University in 2020, focusing on Istanbul's screen production and urban transformation. She supervises the IMACS International Master in Cinema Studies program and leads the research project Against Screen's Extractivism: Slow Production and Spectatorship . University of Antwerp (PhD in Film Studies, 2020) Koç University (PhD in Visual Culture, 2020) Her research explores Production Studies, Cinematic Spaces, Urban Media, Turkish Cinema, and Speculative Fiction. She analyzes how media production intersects with urban change, international co-productions, outdoor cinemas, and the political dimensions of television series and documentaries. Her 15 most recent articles span Ecocinema, Urban Media, Turkish Television, and Media Theory. Topics include Istanbul's screen spaces, cross-cultural film reception, ecological dystopias, and the political economy of media industries. These works reflect her expertise in Production Studies and Urban Cinematic Landscapes. Kayhan is affiliated with the European Network for Cinema and Media Studies (NECS), Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS), and Women in Film. She teaches PrS. Film Practice: Urban Narratives and Media Imaginaries in the Summer 2025 semester. Contact: skayhanm@uni-mainz.de | Office: Media House, Wallstr. 11, Mainz | Office hours: Thursdays 12-1pm (Room 00-236) or by email appointment

Lisa SchmidtView profile

Professor

• Nursing Science
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Chronic and Life-Limiting Conditions
• +10 more

Prof. Dr. Lisa Schmidt is a Professor at the Nursing Science Department of Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences , affiliated with the College of Social Work & Health . Her research focuses on qualitative research methods , chronic and life-limiting conditions , and interprofessional collaboration in care settings. PhD in Nursing Science, Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Vallendar (2021) M.Sc. in Public Health, Hochschule Fulda (2013) Diploma in Nursing, Fachhochschule Frankfurt am Main (2010) Her recent publications span AI in long-term care , competency communication in nursing , and methodological approaches to dementia care . She leads projects like DAVOS (depression in elderly care) and APW dual Plus (nursing education development). She is a member of the German Society for Pflege (DGP) and co-leads the FUTURE AGING research center. Current Projects: DAVOS : Collaborative care models for depression in elderly homes APW dual Plus : Enhancing vocational-nursing education DATI-pilot : Digital assistive technologies in caregiving Her work emphasizes person-centered care , digitalization in healthcare , and interdisciplinary training programs , with applications in geriatric , mental health , and public health policy contexts.

Thomas KunzView profile

Professor

• Migration and Intercultural Relations
• Critical Discourse Analysis
• Social Exclusion and Inequality
• +5 more

Thomas Kunz is a Professor at the College of Social Work and Health, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, specializing in Social Work and Education in the Context of Social Inequality. His research focuses on migration, interculturality, critical analysis of integration concepts, societal exclusion, racism, right-wing populism, and qualitative social research methods. Education: PhD (Doctorate) from Goethe-Universität Frankfurt a. M. Professional Experience: Professor since 2011; held prior roles at Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (2007-2008), Institute for Social Work (2004-2006), and Frankfurt’s Office for Multicultural Affairs (2000-2003). His research explores how media constructs migrant identities, challenges integration narratives, and analyzes national belonging. He contributes to academic discourse on migration policy, intercultural competence, and social exclusion. Recent articles address digitalization in post-pandemic education, language sensitivity in academia, and media portrayals of migrants. He supervises BA thesis projects and collaborates with institutions like the International Family Center and Duisburger Institut für Sprach- und Sozialforschung. His work includes editing journals, serving on integration award juries, and developing indicators for migrant integration programs.

• Sex Education
• Diversity in Social Work
• Prevention of Sexual Abuse
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Stefan Timmermanns is a faculty member at the Department of Social Work and Health at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences. He holds a professorship in Sex Education and Diversity in Social Work since 2016. University of Bonn - Degree in Secondary Education (1990-1997) University of Cologne - Doctoral Studies in Educational Sciences (1998-2003) His research focuses on sex education, diversity in social work, prevention of sexual abuse, gender-sensitive pedagogy, and LGBTQ+ youth issues. He integrates practical experience from youth associations, child protection agencies, and AIDS help organizations into his work. His publications and projects analyze LGBTQ+ youth well-being, gender norms in education, and systemic approaches to diversity. Key themes include early childhood sexual education, anti-discrimination policies, and balancing proximity/distance in social work. He has served on expert panels for the German Federal Ministry of Health regarding conversion therapy bans and contributes to various LGBTQ+ education initiatives.

Romain DanneauView profile

Researcher

• Quantum transport
• Low temperature solid state physics
• Mesoscopic physics
• +9 more

Romain Danneau is a permanent scientist and Project Leader at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), affiliated with the Institute for Quantum Materials and Technologies (IQMT) and previously the Institute of Nanotechnology (INT). His research focuses on quantum transport in graphene and carbon-based nanostructures, with an emphasis on mesoscopic physics, superconductivity, and device applications. He leads a research group dedicated to the electronic properties of graphene, supported by internal and international collaborations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. His research interests include quantum transport, low-temperature solid-state physics, mesoscopic systems, graphene, carbon nanotubes, proximity-induced superconductivity, topological effects in condensed matter, and low-noise microwave measurements. His work bridges fundamental physics and applied nanoelectronics, particularly in designing and characterizing quantum devices operating at millikelvin temperatures. The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong trend in hybrid superconducting graphene devices, multiterminal Josephson junctions, quantum interference, and the manipulation of Cooper pairs. Key subfields include Andreev reflection, ballistic transport, spin-valley coupling, Floquet engineering, and phase-coherent phenomena. His recent work increasingly explores topological aspects and non-local quantum effects in graphene-based systems. Australian Research Council Discovery Project Award Fellowship (2005) Invited professorship from Sejong University, Seoul, Korea (2012) Grant for large equipment from KIT-DFG (2011) Grant for small equipment from KIT-DFG excellence initiatives (2009) Romain Danneau has supervised students such as Christian and Julien, who completed theses on graphene microwave transistors and proximity-induced superconductivity, respectively. He has secured significant funding from the DFG, EU (FP7 programs), and KIT-DFG initiatives, including grants exceeding €450,000 for equipment and collaborative projects. His leadership in the EU Tempus IV XNEM project highlights his role in developing nanoscience education in the MENA region. He leads the Graphene team at INT/IQMT, which benefits from advanced infrastructure such as a cryo-free dilution refrigerator (BlueFors LD250) with a 12 T magnet, enabling millikelvin measurements. His group collaborates internationally and focuses on both fundamental quantum phenomena and device applications in graphene and 2D materials.

Jürgen GieslView profile

Professor

• Program Verification
• Automated Deduction
• Termination Analysis
• +12 more

Jürgen Giesl is a Professor at the Teaching and Research Area Computer Science 2 within the Department of Computer Science at RWTH Aachen University , Germany. He leads research in programming languages, formal verification, automated deduction, and term rewriting systems. Research Interests: Automated Termination and Complexity Analysis of Programs Dependency Pairs and Term Rewriting Systems Verification of Probabilistic and Integer Programs Static Analysis and Symbolic Execution Model Checking and Constrained Horn Clauses Development of Automated Tools (AProVE, LoAT) His recent research, reflected in the latest publications, focuses on termination and complexity analysis for probabilistic programs, polynomial loops, and integer programs, using advanced techniques such as dependency pairs, loop acceleration, and semiring semantics. He also contributes to SMT solving and transitive relation learning for infinite-state model checking. Scientific Awards: Best Tool Paper Award at iFM 2017 Silver Medal (Second Best Paper) at SEFM '16 Best Paper Honourable Mention at IJCAR 2024 Best Student Paper Honourable Mention at IJCAR 2024 Advising and Grants: Giesl has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, including prominent researchers such as Fabian Frohn, Jens Hensel, Nils Lommen, and Marcel Hark. He leads a large research group focused on automated verification and has contributed extensively to international verification competitions. His work is supported by ongoing research grants and collaborations with leading institutions in formal methods. Labs and Teams: He leads the Programming Languages and Verification research group at RWTH Aachen, which develops and maintains the AProVE and LoAT tools. These tools are central to automated termination and complexity analysis and are regularly submitted to international competitions such as TERMCOMP and VBS.