What fascinates you about being an HAW professor?

I am fascinated by the strong connection between practical orientation, teaching and research. Guiding young students to become experts with heart, hand, and mind is a great job.

What do you particularly appreciate about the HSWT?

The Weihenstephan campus is a beautiful place to teach and learn. It radiates everything that characterises HSWT for me: it is green, natural, and at the same time, very well maintained. It has a great atmosphere and promotes community. The consistent focus on the topics of sustainability and climate protection corresponds to my personal set of values. I appreciate the team-oriented cooperation between students, staff and colleagues within this framework, which aims at a positive future.

What was your personal path to the HAW professorship? Where did you gain practical experience outside the University of Applied Sciences?

After my studies, I gained over 25 years of experience in Landscape Architecture and Participation before becoming a professor. Initially, I worked as a freelancer when my three children were young. In the past twelve years, with my partner Jascha Rohr, I have built up and managed the "Institut für Partizipatives Gestalten GmbH" we founded. In addition to conceptual and content-related project, educational and research work, I gained leadership experience here and learned to accompany other people's daily learning processes. I already had my first teaching experiences during my studies and have since regularly passed on my (experiential) knowledge in workshops and seminars.

What challenges have you successfully mastered during your time as a professor?

I have been a professor since September 2020. That means I went straight into virtual teaching due to COVID-19. Technically, that was and is not a problem since I have often travelled virtually beforehand. I have not yet been able to get to know most students and many colleagues face-to-face and in direct contact. That's a pity, but it works surprisingly well despite everything.

What is your most important recommendation to women interested in this profession?

Believe in yourself, your individual path and actively create an environment that supports your development. I notice perpetually that many women tend to consider their achievements, and thus opportunities, much weaker than they are. That leads to them not applying at all, despite their suitability! Therefore I recommend you: Develop a healthy assessment of your abilities, get into the application process and stay on the ball!