PhD Interdisciplinary Studies

University of Glasgow | 2016 - present

Completing two masters successfully gave me the courage to pursue a PhD. Similarly to my second Masters thesis, I am focussing on the Maker movement and the environment. Additionally, I am considering gender aspects and their connection to technology and environmental concern. I am actively involved in the university's community and the co-founder of two university-based societies (see Successes).

MLitt Environment, Culture & Communication

University of Glasgow | 2015 - 2016

Working in a nationalpark in Germany for a year, increased my curiosity and desire to scrutinse my knowledge about how humanity interacts with the natural environment. This course shed light on a variety of aspects, from literature to political philosophy. My interest was especially sparked by a module on technology and its relationship to the environment. My Master thesis dealt with a global community of amateur technology makers and how they relate to the environment.

Degree: Master of Literature, with Merit

Module Environmental Sciences (long-distance)

Universität Rostock | 2014 - 2015

Even when I was working full-time I did not stop expanding my horizon and learning something new. My interest in the environment had developed over the years and I wanted to ensure I understand its basic scientific processes in order to base my concern on solid ground.

Final Grade: 2.0 (Excellent 1.0 - Pass 4.0)

MSc Chinese Studies

University of Glasgow | 2012 - 2013

After finishing my undergraduate degree, I continued studying China at the University of Glasgow. I specifically focussed on environmental issues and examined the political and environmental implications of China's dams on the Mekong River for itself and downstream countries. I developed a strong fondness of Scotland and the UK which led me to return to the country in a couple of years time.

Degree: Master of Science, with Merit

Chinese Language Course

Zhejiang University | 2011 - 2012

In my third year of undergraduate studies I took a leap and went to Hangzhou, China, for half a year. Even though I had studied Chinese, I had never really experienced the country and never had to communicate with native speakers. My second experience of living abroad is connected with a lot of fond memories and passing the Chinese language test HSK level 4.

HSK Level 4: 232 points out of 300 University course: 86 points out of 100

BA Music & Media (90 credits),
Regional Studies Asia & Africa (60 credits)

Humboldt University Berlin | 2009 - 2012

My passion for languages and music continued in my undergraduate studies at the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin where I discovered my love for Chinese. This quickly overtook my interest in theoretical music and media studies and shaped my future pathway.

Final Grade: 1.6 (Excellent 1.0 - Pass 4.0)

USA Exchange Year

Cheltenham High School | 2005 - 2006

When I was 16 years old, I lived in the USA for one year where I visited Cheltenham High School and lived with a local family. Despite many fond memories, this year wasn't easy and taught me self-reliance and resilience. Besides being proud that I was able to live a life away from home at that age, my fondest memory is graduating with all my friends and taking part in the graduation ceremony.

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

Gymnasium Martineum | 2001 - 2008

My first steps in education were taken in the Gymnasium Martineum, one of the two local high schools in my hometown Halberstadt. My proudest achievement are writing, directing and performing a 3h-drama , winning three journalistic awards through articles in the school newspaper "Das Martinshorn" and participating in many concerts.

Final Grade: 1.2 (Excellent 1.0 - Pass 4.0)

Living abroad has been one of the most transformative and rewarding experiences I have ever had. I have been privileged enough to participate in a high school musical in the USA and in a proper graduation ceremony; I have witnessed the Chinese New Year celebrations with a Chinese family; I have lived in the jungle of Hong Kong and taught school kids about food and where it comes from; and to top it all off, I have danced to countless ceilidhs and eaten a fried Mars bar in Scotland. In total, I have spent about 7 years of my life in countries outwith my home country and not only have this time taught me so much about the world and myself but they have also made me feel grateful for my origins and the opportunities I have been given in life.

These years away from home have, simultaneously, demanded and strengthened my self-esteem and self-knoweldge, my confidence, my independence and self-sufficiency. Dealing with a challenging situation in your own culture with your friends and family around you, is already difficult enough. Doing the same in a different country requires a whole new set of skills.

Without a doubt, living abroad has taught me invaluable lessons about myself and I wouldn't be who I am today without them.

Journalistic Prizes

My journalistic career isn't a very long nor professional one, however it is a successful one. It started with my high school newspaper in Germany for which I wrote features and columns for about two years. In those two years, I won the student price for best young journalist in my state twice. Both my articles dealt with racism and nationalistic ideologies in my home town and online. Writing these articles together with a friend was an extraordinary experience. In the first article, we exposed right-wing ideology and symbolism on a local social media platform and after our publication these profiles were taken down. The second article focussed on a memorial that was erected in my school and included former SS members. Bringing this to people's attention caused a public debate with voices coming from as far as the US. The memorial was taken down and one without names was put up instead.