Where and what did you study before you came to Germanic and Slavic Studies at the University of Waterloo?
Before coming to Waterloo, I studied Southeast European Studies and History at the University of Jena, with a particular focus on Romanian cultural and literary history. After completing my studies, I worked for several years and realized that I wanted to return to university to pursue literary studies in greater depth.
What are your interests in German Studies?
I am especially interested in literary studies, particularly approaches that integrate perspectives from cultural studies. I am drawn to feminist narratives and migrant literature, and I find it fascinating when authors engage with multiple linguistic contexts or write in their second language.
Why did you choose the University of Waterloo?
I found the opportunity to study in a binational program very exciting. Canada, as a North American country, has a very different understanding of interculturality and migration, and I think and hope that this perspective will also be reflected in the way literature is approached in the courses.
Do you already know what you want to write your thesis on?
Not entirely, but I am considering writing about a German-Romanian female author such as Aglaja Veteranyi. Another possible topic could be anti-Romani racism and Orientalism in German-language literature about Southeast Europe.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Honestly, many things at once — all of them highly unrealistic, and I was not particularly good at any of them.
What is a fun fact about you?
This might be more tragic than fun, but I am an absolute winter hater and slightly afraid that the Canadian winter will overwhelm me. However, I keep being told that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing, so I remain cautiously optimistic.