Where and what did you study before you came to Germanic and Slavic Studies at University of Waterloo?
I received my Bachelor's degree in Translation and Interpretation from the University of Mainz; my working languages were German, English, and Modern Greek. I then completed the Joint MA in Intercultural German Studies at the University of Waterloo and the University of Mannheim, where I wrote my Master's thesis on gender in contemporary German literature and film.
What are your interests in German Studies?
My interests lie at the intersection of culture and gender studies, specifically on the interplay between cinema and public discourse in portraying women.
Why did you choose the University of Waterloo?
I chose the University of Waterloo initially because of its reputation as a leading research university as well as the German department's focus on interculturality, owing to the joint MA with the University of Mannheim which I completed prior to joining the PhD.
Why did you choose this program?
I owe much of my decision to rejoin the German department at UW to pursue a PhD to my mentor and MA supervisor, Prof. Skidmore, who detected my love for academic research even before I did and nudged me in the right direction.
Do you already know what you want to write your thesis on?
I am planning on writing my dissertation on contemporary German films directed by women and how they construct their female characters.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A mermaid.
What is something people wouldn't guess about you?
My favourite genre is sci-fi!