Celebrating Lukas: Scoping Review Published in Water Security!
The GoHelP lab is thrilled to recognize Lukas Weissenberger, a former Global Research Intern whose impactful work during his 2022 internship exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Lukas, originally from Germany, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at the Otto Suhr Institute of Political Science at the Free University of Berlin. His academic journey includes two Bachelor's degrees—one in Forest Management and Environment, and another in Political Science with a minor in Geography. This diverse academic background, spanning both the social and natural sciences, fuels Lukas’s passion for addressing complex global challenges, particularly in the realms of gender equality, queer theory, and environmental sustainability.
During his 12-week internship, funded by DAAD and Mitacs Canada, Lukas joined the GoHelP lab to contribute to the project "Water Security & Gender-Based Violence: The Intersectionality of the Sustainable Development Goals." Under the guidance of Professor Susan Elliott, he conducted a comprehensive scoping review exploring how gender roles and norms shape water vending systems worldwide. His research revealed the significant influence of cultural, social, and economic factors on gender dynamics in water access, emphasizing the need for equity-focused approaches in water security. Lukas’s hard work and dedication culminated in a 2024 publication in Water Security —an extraordinary milestone for a researcher at the start of his career!
Beyond his academic achievements, Lukas immersed himself in Canadian culture. From experiencing the natural wonder of Niagara Falls to participating in a sustainability workshop in Elora, he stated his time in Waterloo was both "professionally and personally rewarding".
Lukas’s success highlights the GoHelP lab’s commitment to fostering opportunities for emerging researchers to tackle critical global issues. We are excited to see Lukas continue to advance impactful research at the intersection of gender, environment, and policy. Well done, Lukas!
Explore Lukas’s published work in Water Security on Science Direct: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasec.2024.100186
