Steering Committee
The Steering Committee plays a central role in the governance and strategic development of the Doctoral School. It brings together faculty members and student representatives to ensure balanced decision-making that reflects both academic leadership and doctoral perspectives, as well as the disciplinary diversity of ecology and evolution.
The Steering Committee is responsible for key administrative and management tasks, including the admission of PhD students, oversight of the annual budget and its allocation, and the preparation of the annual report. Beyond these operational duties, it makes strategic decisions that shape the future development of the Doctoral School, such as planning and approving events, appointing juries, resolving conflicts, and nominating and electing the External Scientific Advisory Board.
The Committee meets regularly to ensure continuous oversight and coordination. In addition, it formally serves as the study conference (Studienkonferenz) of DSPL55, fulfilling its role within the university’s academic governance structure.
PI - Representatives
Student Representatives
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Arne Bielke
“As a student representative, I would like to advocate for the individual needs of our queer students. Based on my experience in university politics, I know that LGBTQIA+ issues are often overlooked. Since I am a member of the queer community, I would be happy to serve as a point of contact, not only to address existing problems or needs but also for suggestions and ideas for improvement - not just for our queer students, but for the entire student body”
Department of Evolutionary Anthropology
Research Areas: Genome-wide Genetic Diversity, Ancestry and Inbreeding in New Zealand Feral Kaimanawa Horses
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Jennifer Hennenfeind
“As a student representative I aim to address challenges many of us face in supervisor-student relationships. I will advocate for management and communication training for PIs, while also ensuring that self-efficacy tools such as mental health resources and conflict resolution trainings are available and accessible to all students. I believe a successful PhD experience should provide students with not only technical growth but also personal development in a supportive environment. To achieve this, it's essential to regularly assess and respond to the evolving needs of students of all ethnic, economic and gender identity backgrounds."
Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research
Research Areas: Biodiversity loss, climate change and armed conflicts
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Mayline Goëb
"As a student representative, I would like to strengthen our sense of community by promoting inclusivity and open communication. I believe that connecting people from diverse backgrounds and supporting one another can help make our academic environment welcoming and enriching for everyone."
Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology
Research Areas: The role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in patterning the inner cell layer of a sea anemone embryo
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Charlotte Doebke
“As a student representative, I want to help create an inclusive and welcoming environment where diversity is valued and everyone feels heard. Open and respectful communication between students and supervisors is key to building trust and making sure students feel supported throughout their studies. I also want to strengthen structures that give all students equal opportunities to succeed.”
WasserCluster Lunz
Research Areas: Spatiotemporal Variability, driving factors of sediment methane production and ebullition in streams
