You’ve completed your PhD – what does that mean for you personally?
I’ve reached a milestone in my life and my professional career! I decided quite early on in my studies that I’d like to pursue a career in research. Completing my PhD provides a solid foundation for this in the coming years and opens up further opportunities.
What is your thesis about?
Code reviews are an important and widely used procedure in the quality assurance of software products. My thesis examines how experts and novices differ in their eye movements when conducting a code review. Using state-of-the-art eye-tracking technology, I was able to demonstrate that experts employ advanced strategies. These can be divided into different phases, which are distinguished from one another by characteristic eye movements.
What was a highlight or a special experience in connection with your PhD?
First and foremost, I would mention the many different conferences I was able to attend. One EARLI conference from 2018 in particular stands out in my memory. At this event, I had the opportunity to present one of my studies at the venerable University of Cambridge.
Likewise, the many researchers I had the chance to meet (and with whom I am still in contact) were a major highlight of my PhD.
What are your plans for your future career?
I would like to continue working in research in the future. I am therefore currently looking for a postdoctoral position and am involved in planning new projects.
What advice can you give to future PhD students?
A PhD is more of a marathon than a sprint. There are many ups and downs. You shouldn’t let setbacks discourage you; instead, see them as opportunities.
Why did you choose OTH Regensburg for your PhD?
I began my PhD as part of the EVELIN project, which focused on the experimental improvement of software engineering education. I was extremely drawn to this interdisciplinary field between education and software engineering (and still am).
