Mona Maria Mombeck

Mona Maria Mombeck serves as a Lecturer and Research Associate within the Faculty of Cultural Studies at the University of Paderborn. Her work uniquely bridges animal-assisted interventions with inclusive education to create holistic well-being frameworks for both humans and animals. Based at Technology Park 6 (Room TP6.0.309), she maintains active teaching and research roles while collaborating with community institutions like the Paderborn district youth welfare office.

Her research centers on Animal-Assisted Pedagogy and Human-Animal Studies, with specific focus areas including:

• School-based implementation of animal-assisted interventions for social inclusion
• Human health promotion through animal/nature contact
• Animal welfare in educational contexts
• Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) frameworks

This interdisciplinary approach integrates her background in dance/performance arts to develop embodied learning methodologies.

Recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate a clear trajectory toward evidence-based practice, with increasing emphasis on quantitative validation of interventions, teacher perspective integration, and the 'One Health' paradigm connecting human, animal, and environmental well-being. Her work consistently prioritizes practical classroom applications while advancing theoretical foundations in inclusive pedagogy.

Mombeck secures competitive research funding through the Faculty of Cultural Studies' research reserve program. Her current project on animal-assisted interventions in schools combines teacher perspective analysis with instrument development, creating tangible resources for educational practice. Teaching collaborations with youth welfare institutions provide students with direct community engagement opportunities in social work contexts.