Ph.inally D.one! Congratulations to all 2025 PhD graduates

Doctoral programmes at H-BRS are either run in partnership with universities or – since 2022 – as part of the NRW Doctoral College (PK NRW), which grants universities of applied sciences the right to award doctoral degrees independently.
A number of recent PhD graduates took the opportunity to engage in personal discussions with Vice-President Johannes Steinhaus and the team at the Graduate Institute, offering fascinating insights into their journey to a PhD.
The following section presents the completed PhDs of the ‘Class of 2025’:

Dr. Iman Awaad

In her doctoral thesis, Iman Awaad investigated the ability of service robots to respond flexibly to changing environments. The focus was on developing methods for the autonomous substitution of objects – that is, a robot’s ability to find alternative solutions when an expected object is not available. The work makes an important contribution to the robustness and suitability for everyday use of robotic systems.
The PhD was carried out in collaboration with the University of Osnabrück. It was supervised by Prof. Dr Gerhard Kraetzschmar (H-BRS) and Prof. Dr Joachim Hertzberg (University of Osnabrück), later joined by Prof. Dr Paul G. Plöger. The thesis was awarded a ‘magna cum laude’ and received the H-BRS Research Award in 2025.

Dr. Thomas Neifer

Thomas Neifer’s research focused on data-driven business models and the creation of shared value between companies and their customers. His work analyses how data-based services can be strategically designed to achieve sustainable competitive advantages.
The PhD was undertaken in collaboration with the University of Siegen and supervised at the H-BRS by Alexander Boden and Gunnar Stevens. 

Dr. Julian Rech

Julian Rech conducted research in the field of materials science, focusing on polymer composites. His doctoral thesis examines the targeted reinforcement of materials using dispersive phases and contributes to the development of high-performance materials for industrial applications.
The doctoral research was carried out in collaboration with Tomas Bata University in the Czech Republic and supervised by Bernhard Möginger. 
 

Dr. Angela Turck

In her doctoral thesis, Angela Turck analysed the interplay between biodiversity conservation and economic use in nature reserves. Particular emphasis was placed on the perspectives of agricultural businesses and the incentive structures for sustainable practices.
The doctoral project was supervised by Wiltrud Terlau at the H-BRS and was carried out in collaboration with the University of Bonn within the context of sustainability research. The thesis combines ecological issues with socio-economic analyses, thereby making an interdisciplinary contribution to sustainable development.
 

Dr. Sandra Wrzeziono

Sandra Wrzeziono investigated the role of patients in decision-making processes within the healthcare system. Her work focuses on how institutionalised patient participation can be structured and what impact it has on the quality and legitimacy of decisions.
The doctoral thesis was supervised by Remi Maier-Rigaud at the H-BRS and carried out in collaboration with the University of Cologne. The work forms part of health and social science research on participation.
 

Dr. Samer Chaaraoui

Samer Chaaraoui developed a predictive control system for hybrid energy supply solutions that combine photovoltaics, diesel generators and battery storage. One application was in the healthcare sector in Ghana, where a reliable energy supply is a key challenge. The work demonstrates the potential of application-oriented research to solve global infrastructure problems.

The PhD was conducted as part of the NRW Doctoral College (PK NRW) and, due to its interdisciplinary nature, was supervised by a team comprising members from two departments at H-BRS and two departments of the PK NRW: Primary supervisor Stefanie Meilinger represents the ‘Sustainability and Resources’ department, whilst secondary supervisor Sebastian Houben belongs to the ‘Computer Science and Data Science’ department. 

Dr. Emre Ünal

Emre Ünal’s research focused on the laser-induced initiation of explosives and their sensor-based monitoring. The aim was to gain a better understanding of controlled reaction processes under defined conditions.

The PhD was carried out in collaboration with Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and was awarded a ‘summa cum laude’ grade. The thesis was supervised by Prof. Dr Peter Kaul (H-BRS) and Prof. Dr Thomas M. Klapötke (LMU Munich).

Dr. Matthias Muhr

Matthias Muhr developed an innovative measurement system for investigating the mechanical sensitivity of explosives. Through the use of more precise measurement methods, his work contributes to improved safety assessment and handling of such substances.
The PhD was also carried out in collaboration with Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and was completed with a ‘summa cum laude’ distinction. The supervision was provided by Prof. Dr Peter Kaul (H-BRS) and Prof. Dr Thomas M. Klapötke (LMU Munich).

Dr. Usha Singh

Usha Singh completed her PhD on issues relating to workplace health promotion in the context of modern working environments. Her research combines human resource management with approaches from occupational psychology and examines, in particular, the impact of work breaks on employees’ performance, well-being and long-term health. Drawing on empirical studies, she demonstrates how carefully designed breaks can be used as an effective intervention within organisations.
The doctoral research was conducted in collaboration with the University of Duisburg-Essen and supervised at the H-BRS by Prof. Dr Theo Peters. Singh was a fellow of the H-BRS Graduate Institute (Reiner Clement Fellowship).

Dr. Oghenekome Umuerri

In his doctoral thesis, Oghenekome Umuerri examined decision-making behaviour in the financing of small businesses in Africa. He completed his doctorate in collaboration with Jacobs University in Bremen. At H-BRS, he was supervised by Prof. Dr Jürgen Bode in the Department of Economics.