Marilena Heitger

"As a student representative I would like to address the topic of well being in academia and create a safe space where everybody feels seen and heard. I believe that we have to discuss difficulties openly to ensure good conditions for all of us."

Marilena is working in the Microbial Oceanography group in the Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology. Her project focuses on microbial degradation of particles in the deep sea and how this influences the global carbon cycle.

email: marilena.heitger@univie.ac.at

Department of Functional Ecology and Evolution

Djerassiplatz 1 / UBB, 1030 Vienna

Room 3.01

Emily Pigott

“I would like to serve as a student representative at VDSEE, focusing on supporting non-European students as they navigate the complexities of studying in a new country, whilst also aiming to advocate for the interests of students with learning disabilities. ”

Emily does her PhD in the Higham Lab group, in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology. Her research is focused on late Neanderthals within Eurasia, using radiocarbon dating and paleo-proteomics. 

email: emily.pigott@univie.ac.at

Department of Evolutionary Anthropology
Djerassiplatz 1 / UBB, 1030 Vienna
Room 4.064

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" 

Arne is part of the Mohandesan Lab within the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology. For his PhD, he analyzes genomic data from New Zealand’s feral Kaimanawa horses to model different population dynamics. These models can then be used to predict the impact of various conservation management decisions on the genetic diversity of this unique horse population.

email: arne.bielke@univie.ac.at

Department of Evolutionary Anthropology
Djerassiplatz 1 / UBB, 1030 Vienna
Room 5.122

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."

Jen just entered the second year of her PhD at the BioInvasions, Macroecology and Global Change Group. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on the interplay of biodiversity loss, climate change and armed conflicts.

email: jennifer.hennenfeind@univie.ac.at

Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research
Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna
Room 107