Kristina Schmidt

Dr. Kristina Schmidt is a post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Social and Organizational Pedagogy, University of Hildesheim. She also serves as the Academic Advisor for the Master of Social Services program and is a member of the university's commission for allocating performance-related funds.

Education: Kristina earned her Diplom in Social Work from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK) in Hildesheim. She completed her doctoral studies at the Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin, with a dissertation titled "The interactive production of participation as a challenge of participatory research with people with learning disabilities", receiving the grade summa cum laude in 2023.

Research Interests: Her scholarly work centers on Dis/Ability Studies, participatory social research, and inclusive education. She explores themes such as intersectionality, self-determination, empowerment, sexual education, and the ethical challenges inherent in participatory research with vulnerable groups.

Publications: Since 2014, Kristina has authored or co-authored numerous scholarly works, including books, journal articles, and practical brochures. Her 2024 monograph "Forschen als partizipative Praxis" is a significant contribution to the field. Her collaborative works often focus on inclusive transitions, ethical symmetry in research, and barrier-free participation.

Teaching: She is actively involved in teaching, offering courses such as "Introduction to Participatory Research", "Empowerment in Social Work", and "Participation - Opportunities and barriers in the transition from school to work".

Memberships: Kristina is a founding member of PartNet (Participatory Research Network) and holds memberships in several professional societies, including the German Society for Social Work (DGSA) and Disability Studies Germany.