My path to the TH Lübeck: From the chemistry laboratory in Bavaria to the dean’s office in Lübeck
I come from Bavaria and come from a classic working-class household. After secondary school, I trained as a chemical laboratory technician, worked, went back to school, was the first in my family to graduate from high school and studied physics at the University of Munich. I did my doctorate at the Max Planck Institute in Martinsried. Back then, I was really hooked on research – and I’m still fascinated by what can be made visible with X-rays.
After completing my doctorate, my path took me to the European Synchrotron Radiation Source (ESRF) in Grenoble and later to Hamburg, where I designed systems as a scientist and worked with international teams. It was an inspiring time – excellent research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and I learned how communication supports research. I often worked on the system myself with engineers and technicians.
I am fascinated by the interface between physics, technology and application. For me, research means collaboration – with colleagues from chemistry, biomedicine or computer science. The most exciting ideas often arise at these interfaces because perspectives intersect.
A colleague finally gave me the idea of taking up a teaching position at the TH Lübeck. Then I realized: teaching suits me! Since 2012 I have been a professor of X-ray technology and nuclear physics/radiation protection in beautiful Lübeck.
My tasks: passing on theory and practice, designing the university
I find working at a university of applied sciences to be an ideal combination of theory and practice. For me, being appointed to a HAW is ideal for people who understand the world not only theoretically but also practically and who want to pass on this knowledge.
Here I train young people to become engineers – a professional group that is indispensable in both science and business. Without good engineers, people can come up with lots of good ideas, but someone has to build a usable device out of them!
It is important to me that students learn not only to master formulas, but also to understand connections. I want to arouse their curiosity and encourage them to think for themselves – even where there is no ready-made solution. A good engineer is characterized by both critical thinking and practical knowledge.
As dean of the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, I particularly value the opportunity to initiate developments, open up creative possibilities and take on responsibility.
Academic self-administration is a privilege for me – it gives us scope for creativity, which we use responsibly in a team with colleagues, management and the executive committee.
My team: A mix of familiar and new colleagues
In my work I am at an interface between long-term companions and constantly new groups. In the dean’s group, I regularly exchange ideas with colleagues from other departments – a view outside the box that is very valuable to me. Decisions are discussed together and cooperation is clearly consensus-oriented.
My research and working groups are also constantly changing. In recent years I have accompanied scientific staff and doctoral students who work here for a few years and then move on – just like I did back then. This creates a special mix: a familiar core team with whom I have worked for a long time, and at the same time always new people who bring fresh perspectives.
This dynamic is a big win for me. It keeps me awake, broadens my horizons and makes working at a university come alive.
My everyday work: Easy to plan between lecture hall, laboratory and campus life
During the lecture period I spend a lot of time in the lecture hall and the laboratory. I convey theory and practice equally – both belong together.
As dean, I plan my everyday work carefully in order to combine teaching, research and organization. You need structure and presence, but that’s exactly what makes the job so exciting. No two days are the same.
For me, a university is more than a place of learning. It is a space for development, for responsibility and for the question of how we bring technology and knowledge into society in a meaningful and sustainable manner.
My favorite place: coffee at the kiosk, peace and quiet by the lake
My favorite place on campus in the morning is the kiosk at the last stop. I like to go there before work starts – Thorsten has good coffee, and professors, students, laboratory engineers and colleagues from the administration meet here. It is an information exchange for business and private matters; many things can simply be clarified better in a conversation.
After work I head to the lake landscape near Ratzeburg. One of my favorite places is the Garrensee near Ziethen in the Salemer Moor nature reserve – a quiet place where your thoughts can calm down and sometimes new ideas arise.
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Profession? Vocation! You too can become a professor at the TH Lübeck!
Would you also like to conduct practical research, teaching and design? Then would you like to become part of our team? Vocation! Your path from practice to a professorship at the TH Lübeck and pass on your very own passion and expertise. Several W2 professorships are currently advertised: Job offers | Technical college Lübeck