Professor , University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes leaders representing various identities, voices and perspectives. List any identities, voices and perspectives you would bring, including but not limited to nationality, regional representations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and anything else you feel comfortable sharing.

I bring a deeply rooted global perspective to AGU. My international viewpoint is shaped not only by growing up and now living and working in Germany but also by having lived and worked in the US and the UK, alongside active research engagements across four continents. As a global citizen, I understand the nuances of different cultures and needs, and am equipped to bridge the North American, European, and broader international scientific communities.

Because I still consider myself an early career scientist, I understand the unique challenges and aspirations of the next generation. I am committed to representing this crucial voice, ensuring our section provides the resources and visibility, and environment needed for early career researchers to thrive.

Finally, I bring a highly applied, community-focused perspective. My work actively engages with the diverse communities and practitioners who leverage near-surface geophysics to solve practical problems. By knowing the needs of these end-users, I will advocate for initiatives that highlight the societal impact of our science, ensuring our research remains deeply connected to the communities that rely on it.

Volunteer experience that you feel relates to this position:

My volunteer experience within AGU’s Near-Surface Geophysics (NSG) section has prepared me for the President-Elect role. Key positions include: NSG section Secretary (2023–2024); Fall Meeting Program Committee (Member: 2021–Present; Chair: 2023–Present); Executive Committee Member (2018–Present); Outstanding Student Presentation Awards (OSPA) Coordinator (2018–2024). These roles have provided me with a detailed understanding of our section's operations, scientific programming, and student membership needs.

Section presidents and presidents-elect serve as members of the AGU Council and lead their sections. The AGU Council is a diverse forum of perspectives that meets throughout the year to provide input to the AGU Board, staff, and other parts of the organization. Three communities within the Council - committee chairs, section leaders, and students and early career scientists - serve different roles in AGU and bring unique viewpoints to ongoing discussions.

This role aims to catalyze community and build AGU as envisioned by the strategic plan. This leadership position is a dual role: helping to advance AGU’s strategic plan as a member of Council; and leading your section. How would you support the Board, staff and other sections to achieve AGU’s vision, values, mission, and goals? How will you engage with members of your section to execute AGU’s strategic plan?

As a Council member, I will support the Board, staff, and broader AGU community by championing two core pillars of the strategic plan: promoting an inclusive scientific culture and partnering broadly. My background living in the US and Europe, combined with my active engagement in the European Geosciences Union (EGU) and the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), perfectly positions me to help AGU forge concrete cross-society collaborations. Furthermore, as an early career scientist, I will advocate for policies that remove barriers for young and international researchers.

Within the Near-Surface Geophysics section, my engagement will focus on AGU’s goal to catalyze solutions to societal challenges. NSG is inherently solutions-oriented. I will actively engage our members to bridge the gap between academic research and the end-users who leverage our science for real-world impact.

Building on my experience as NSG Fall Program Chair and past OSPA Coordinator, I will create interactive forums to give members a direct voice in section governance. I will intentionally create visibility and leadership opportunities for our early career scientists and international members. By empowering our community to build global partnerships and connect with applied practitioners, I will ensure the NSG section is a driving force behind AGU’s mission.