Katrin Sommer

Prof. Dr. Katrin Sommer is a full professor (W3) of Chemistry Education at the Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and heads the Chair of Chemistry Education. She also serves on the Board of the Professional School of Education (PSE) and leads the Graduate School of Educational Studies. Additionally, she is the head of the Alfried Krupp Student Laboratory of Science at RUB.

Education:

• 1990–1995: Studied Chemistry and Biology for secondary school teaching at the University of Leipzig (1st State Examination).
• 1995–1997: Teacher traineeship at Gymnasium Engelsdorf (2nd State Examination).
• 1997–2000: Doctorate in Chemistry Education at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; dissertation on food chemistry in education.
• 2001–2004: Habilitation in Chemistry Education at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; teaching qualification confirmed in 2004.

Research Interests:
Her research centers on teaching and learning with model experiments, out-of-school learning with a focus on knowledge acquisition, and validation of school experiments. She explores how experimental methods in chemistry can be effectively integrated into curricula and how authentic scientific experiences can be delivered to students and families.

Publications:
Prof. Sommer has authored or edited multiple books and over 150 journal articles. Her work spans from theoretical frameworks in chemistry education to empirical studies on student learning and engagement in both formal and informal settings.

Awards:

• 2001: Manfred und Wolfgang Flad-Preis from the German Chemical Society (GDCh)
• 2016: Polytechnik-Preis from the Polytechnische Gesellschaft Frankfurt am Main

Teaching & Supervision:
She leads seminars and internships in chemistry education, oversees doctoral and master's theses, and is actively involved in teacher training programs. Her courses include topics like lesson planning, experimental design, and scientific communication.

Labs & Outreach:
As head of the Alfried Krupp Student Laboratory of Science, she facilitates hands-on chemistry experiences for schoolchildren and families, promoting early engagement with scientific practices and inquiry-based learning.