Four Teachers Were Honored with the University’s Teaching Award

Professor Dr. Simone Paolo Ponzetto is holder of the Chair of “Information Systems III: Enterprise Data Analysis”. He was awarded this year's teaching award for the mandatory module on Information Systems IV. In this course, Ponzetto teaches the basics of the complex field of data science, with a focus on natural language processing. He uses real-life examples to support his theoretical impulses in his lectures. For an even greater learning effect and to prepare students for the future world of work, students use the Python programming language in the tutorials to put the contents into practice. With his open manner, Ponzetto creates an excellent learning atmosphere, in which he is eager to discuss course content with his students.

Professor Dr. Marc Debus is Professor of Political Science, Comparative Government at the School of Social Sciences. His teaching is characterized by a vivid combination of theoretical concepts and current examples. Debus teaches quantitative-analytical methods in such a realistic and concrete way that students understand why different political systems were established. In doing so, he fosters the students’ enthusiasm about interpreting and analyzing daily political events. At the same time, he encourages the students' curiosity and pioneering spirit by giving them the freedom to apply the quantitative-analytical toolbox to unpublished data and to actively participate in research projects.

Professor Dr. Thorsten Meiser is Professor of Research Methods and Psychological Assessment at the School of Social Sciences. His courses consistently receive top marks in teaching evaluations. The lectures are didactically well designed and explain the complex content in an understandable way. Students can use audio recordings to follow up and have the opportunity to ask questions on-the-go. With his verve, humor and commitment, Thorsten Meiser manages to convey the complex statistical procedures to the students and to get the audience excited about the subject matter.

Dr. Ross Ogilvie, postdoctoral researcher at the Chair of Geometric Analysis, was honored for his innovative concept for the course on “Riemannian Geometry”. Ogilvie uses custom-made 3D models with whiteboard markers, writable beach balls or digitally editable 3D models for students to make complex formulas visible and thus promote learning success. With his creative examples, he also inspires students in bachelor’s programs for his course for master’s students and opens up new mathematical perspectives for everyone in accordance with their individual level of knowledge. Thanks to his holistic view beyond his own course, Ogilvie offers students a unique opportunity to acquire new knowledge and apply it in other areas.