1. your doctorate is complete - what does that mean for you personally?
The doctorate is an important milestone in my academic career. It has strengthened my professional skills - independent research, academic writing and presentations - and forms a solid foundation for future projects and further interdisciplinary collaboration. At the weekend, I held my printed book in my hands for the first time. It's a really great feeling to have completed this long-term project.
2 What is your dissertation about?
In my study on AI-supported participation planning for people with (impending) disabilities, I investigated how well social work is prepared for the use of AI. What visions exist for the use of algorithmic decision support systems (DSS) in participation planning? What ethical, social and professional implications arise from the use of AI in participation planning? I analysed these aspects on the levels of technology, decision and profession and also developed options for action to address the future use and design of AI in social work. My work thus structures the incipient discussion about AI-based DSS in social work and enriches the hitherto primarily theoretical and partly ideological discourse with empirical results.
3. what was a highlight or special experience in connection with your doctorate?
My highlights included the first scientific lecture and the continuous presentation of my theses and results to an expert audience. The development of a collegial network in which I was able to discuss details of my topic in depth was particularly valuable. I felt that I had developed real expertise in my subject and topic.
4. what plans do you have for your professional future?
It is important to me that scientific findings are not only published in the academic field, but also find their way into application. With my current position at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI in Karlsruhe, I will remain loyal to science as well as its transfer into practice and politics.
5. what tips can you give future doctoral candidates?
I was very motivated by joining an interdisciplinary writing group that met regularly to work together. My tip: don't be afraid to ask for help - even if you're looking beyond your own nose - and seek advice from people who have already completed their doctorates in order to benefit from their experience.
6 Why did you choose OTH Regensburg for your doctorate?
I am connected to the university through my first supervisor and doctoral supervisor Prof Dr Karsten Weber. I got to know him during my Master's degree at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and I was very pleased that he was also willing to supervise my doctoral thesis.
LINKS
- Published dissertation: https://www.nomos-shop.de/de/p/ki-gestuetzte-teilhabeplanung-fuer-menschen-mit-drohender-behinderung-gr-978-3-7560-3544-1
- ORCID-Nummer: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7131-5005
- Employee page at Fraunhofer ISI: https://www.isi.fraunhofer.de/de/competence-center/neue-technologien/mitarbeiter/schneider.html
- Website for the MAEWIN project (2018-2022, NRW Digital Society Research Training Group): http://graduiertenkolleg-digitale-gesellschaft.nrw/promotionstandem-5-maschinelle-entscheidungsunterstuetzung-in-wohlfahrtsstaatlichen-institutionen-nutzungsoptionen-implikationen-und-regulierungsbedarfe-maewin/
