Alexandra Schmidt-Wenzel

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Schmidt-Wenzel is a Professor of Age Pedagogy at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, leading the Master's program in Social Work (Focus on Family) and directing the trauma education continuing education program. She holds a doctorate in Educational Science from TU Berlin (summa cum laude) and has extensive experience in higher education didactics, family research, and social work pedagogy. Her work bridges theory and practice through research-led teaching initiatives and community-based projects.

Education: Completed Magisterstudium in Educational and Media Studies at TU Berlin (1994–2001), followed by doctoral studies (2003–2007) supported by the Hans Böckler Foundation. She has held research positions at institutions including the Brandenburg Study Quality Network and the International Academy for Innovative Pedagogy.

Research focuses on familial learning cultures, trauma education for child welfare, and qualitative methods. Key projects include the 'MEINE FAMILIE, CORONA UND ICH' study on family resilience during the pandemic and the EQUIP initiative for early childhood education quality improvement. Her work emphasizes practical application of research in social work training and institutional practices.

Awards include the Barbara Budrich Dissertation Prize (2007/2008). Current initiatives involve digital simulation games for higher education and collaborations on childhood history exhibitions. She advises on social welfare policy and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications since 2005.

Professional activities include roles as liaison lecturer for the Hans Böckler Foundation and leadership in projects addressing youth welfare, intercultural education, and family resilience in shrinking cities. Her teaching emphasizes inquiry-based learning and professional development for social educators.