My innovative approach to academic teaching combines theoretical foundations with hands-on research and interdisciplinary collaboration. I emphasize research-oriented learning, where students are actively involved in current scientific projects early on and develop their own innovative solutions. Digital and interactive teaching methods, such as project-based learning, hybrid formats, and the use of modern technologies, foster a practice-oriented and application-driven education.

A key component of my teaching is the set of courses I offer in Human-Computer Interaction, Interactive Systems, Digital Fabrication, and Ubiquitous Computing. These courses not only provide technical knowledge but also focus on user-centered design, ethical considerations, and the societal impact of digital technologies. Furthermore, I coordinate the interdisciplinary Master’s program in Engineering Socio-Technical Systems, which is situated at the intersection of computer science, social sciences, and psychology. In this program, I teach students how to design complex socio-technical systems that are both technologically innovative and socially responsible.

Another major focus of my teaching is supervising thesis projects on research-driven topics. Together with my team, I mentor numerous students who work closely with ongoing research projects to address real-world challenges. This enables them to develop scientifically grounded solutions for the pressing issues of digital transformation.

Additionally, I place great importance on diversity and inclusion in education, fostering an inspiring learning environment that motivates and empowers students from diverse backgrounds to actively shape the digital future.

Core classes in BSc Computer Science, MSc Computer Science and MSc Engeineering Socio-Technical Systems which i teach with my team.

• Experiments and studies: Students learn to design, conduct and analyse empirical user studies, gaining early hands-on experience with a wide range of scientific methods in HCI research.
• Human-Computer Interaction: This module introduces the core concepts of HCI, with a strong focus on user-centred design, usability and UX, combined with a project-based approach that integrates design thinking with technical prototyping.
• Interactive Systems: Students learn the fundamentals of interactive systems and understand how interactive applications are designed and developed.
• Digital Fabrication / Makers Lab: In our open lab environment, students explore creative technology making using fabrication tools to build functional physical-digital prototypes.
• Pervasive and Wearable Computing: This module explores ubiquitous computing and wearables, combining technical implementation with a critical perspective on human experience and context.

My research in Human-Computer Interaction, interactive multimedia technology, and ubiquitous computing is internationally recognized and has significantly shaped the discourse on human-centered digital technologies. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications, including conference papers, journal articles, and book chapters, I have made substantial contributions to the field. My scientific impact is reflected in more than 10,000 citations on Google Scholar and an h-index of 54​.

I have received numerous prestigious awards, including Best Paper Awards and Honorable Mentions at leading international conferences such as CHI, MobileHCI, and AutoUI​. Beyond academia, my research has a strong application-oriented focus, influencing key domains such as mobility, healthcare technologies, and the design of interactive systems for everyday societal use​. In addition to my research, I have led and successfully managed over 50 national and international research and industry projects​.

As a scientific leader, I have supervised and guided 25 PhD students to completion, building an internationally renowned and interdisciplinary research team that is among the leading groups in Germany in the field of Human-Computer Interaction​. My involvement in scientific committees, including my role as Chair of the Computer Science Review Board at the German Research Foundation (DFG) and as a board member of the OFFIS Institute for Information Technology, contributes to the strategic development of computer science and digital transformation​.

My long-term vision is to shape an inclusive and socially sustainable digital future through innovative interaction technologies. Digitalization must serve people – it should support us, understand us, and empower us​

For a detailed overview of my research contributions, visit my Google Scholar profile, my DBLP profile, and my ACM Author profile. 

Over the past two decades, my expertise in multimedia, human-computer interaction, digital transformation, and responsible technology development has been widely recognized by research institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers. I have been entrusted with advisory, expert, jury, and board roles, where I help shape strategic decisions, funding priorities, and the trajectory of digital innovation. These roles allow me to contribute to scientific excellence, ensuring that technology is developed responsibly and with a strong focus on societal impact. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on both national and international levels, I actively work toward a future where digital advancements are not only innovative but also ethical, inclusive, and aligned with human needs.

• Review Board for Computer Science of the German Research Foundation (DFG): Elected member (Fachkollegiatin) of the German Science Foundation (DFG) board of reviewers in Computer Science (2016-2024). Spokesperson of this board 2020-2024.
• Member of the Board of Directors of the OFFIS Institute for Information Technology: Strategic responsibility for the direction of the research institute and spokesperson for the resarch divisions Society and Production. Member since 2013.
• Member of the Board of Trustees of the Research Center for Information Technology in Karlsruhe (FZI): Appointed expert on the Board of Executive Directors in the Board of Trustees, who the principles for the work of the FZI and offer advice regarding long-term strategic orientation, the effective design of technology transfer and the safeguarding of scientific excellence.
• Member of the Advisory Board of Neumüller CEWE COLOR Foundation: The Advisory Board monitors and supports the Neumüller CEWE COLOR Foundation and provides advice to other bodies of the foundation, such as the Executive Board.
• Member of digitalRat.niedersachsen: Appointed expert member of the committee digitalRat.Niedersachen of the state of Lower Saxony to advise the state government on overarching issues and the strategic direction of digitalization. Appointed in 2017 and in 2023.
• Head of the Business Model Innovations working group of Germany’s Platform for AI: Head of the Working Group Business Model Innovations of the Germany’s AI Platform (PLS) founded by Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). This working group identifies and analyses new business models on the basis of artificial intelligence as well as the economic potential of self-learning systems. Since 2019.
• Member of CEWE’s digitization advisory council: Member of the Advisory Council for digitalisation that provides support and assesses new technologies for CEWE.

Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to promoting gender equality and diversity in science and technology. Over the years, I have actively organised and participated in numerous events, workshops and mentoring programmes aimed at empowering women and underrepresented groups in STEM. I have initiated and led key initiatives to foster an inclusive academic and professional environment, ensuring that diverse perspectives shape the future of digital innovation.

A recent milestone in my efforts is the "25 in 25" gender equality strategy, through which we successfully doubled the percentage of female scientists at OFFIS – Institute for Information Technology. This initiative demonstrates that targeted measures and structured support can create lasting change in traditionally male-dominated fields. Within 5 years the institute has doubled its representation of women researchers and scientific boards and committees. 

Beyond institutional strategies, I am dedicated to mentoring female students and researchers, helping them navigate academic and professional challenges, and building strong networks of support. Through my involvement in expert panels, funding bodies, and policy-shaping committees, I actively advocate for diversity, equal opportunities, and sustainable career paths for women in technology and science. 

Throughout my career, I have taken on leading roles in the scientific community, shaping the fields of human-computer interaction, multimedia systems, and digital transformation. I have served as a chair, reviewer, editor, and jury member, contributing to the advancement of research and fostering collaboration within the global scientific community. Through my work in conferences, professional committees, and advisory boards, I strive to drive innovation, support emerging research areas, and promote diversity in computing sciences.

Conference and Workshop Leadership

I have actively shaped the scientific discourse by chairing and organizing major international conferences and workshops. I have taken leading roles in key events such as CHI, MobileHCI, AutomotiveUI, and ACM Multimedia over the last decade, helping to define research directions and foster collaboration across disciplines. As a member of the steering committees for conferences like AutomotiveUI and MobileHCI, I contribute to setting long-term research agendas. Additionally, I am actively driving new research areas such as Human-Centered AI and Work, and Sustainability in Digital Transformation.

Reviewer, Program Committee Member, and Editorial Board Member

I have been an active member of program committees for leading international conferences, ensuring the quality and direction of research in my field. Over the years, I have contributed to conferences such as ACM CHI, ACM MobileHCI, ACM AutomotiveUI, and ACM Multimedia by reviewing submissions, shaping technical programs, and fostering impactful discussions. In addition to my work in program committees, I play a key role in academic publishing in journals an magazine, in several special issues, in my role as Associate Editor in Chief of IEEE Multimedia and as a member of the editorial board of i-com. Through these editorial responsibilities, I help maintain the highest standards of scholarly publishing, support rigorous peer review processes, and contribute to shaping the future of research in human-computer interaction and multimedia.