About Technical University of Munich

Carlo Russo serves as an Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, bringing extensive expertise in agrifood markets and agricultural policy. His academic credentials include a Master's degree from Michigan State University (2000) and a PhD from the University of California, Davis (2008). His research focuses on market power dynamics, agricultural support policies, and consumer behavior in agrifood markets. At TUM, he contributes to "The Economics of Agro-Food Value Chains" course, sharing expertise gained from both academic research and practical experience with cooperative associations. His publication record includes influential works on market power in agrifood markets, agricultural support policies, and consumer attitudes toward food innovation. His teaching methodology combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, helping students understand complex economic relationships in agricultural markets. His research has been widely cited, particularly his work on market power and bargaining in agrifood markets, which has received over 105 citations.

Dr. Chengguang Li serves as Professor of Strategic Management at the TUM School of Management, TUM Campus Heilbronn, where he holds the Chair of Strategic Management. His academic credentials include degrees in industrial engineering from the Technical University of Berlin, a Master of Science from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and a Master of Engineering from MIT. His research focuses on multinational enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises, and family firms, with particular emphasis on global strategy, firm reputation, and sustainability. His work has been published in prestigious journals including the Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, and Journal of Management. Before entering academia, he gained practical experience as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group and Roland Berger in Berlin, Dubai, and Munich. He currently serves on the editorial boards of several leading journals and is the initiator and host of the CEO Leadership Series at TUM Campus Heilbronn. His excellence in teaching and research has been recognized through multiple awards, including Professor of the Year 2022 (3rd place) by UNICUM under the patronage of federal ministries BMBF and BMWK

Dr. Hannes Lang serves as a Research Associate at TUM's Chair for Governance in International Agribusiness, bringing specialized expertise in ecological economics and environmental valuation. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Ecological Economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he studied under the mentorship of Professor John Gowdy. His professional experience includes significant consulting work for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), where he evaluated the economic, cultural, and ecosystem values of the Sudd wetlands in South Sudan. At TUM, his research focuses on the intersection of ecological economics and international agribusiness, examining how agricultural systems can balance economic efficiency with environmental sustainability. His teaching methodology combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications in environmental valuation and agricultural economics. His expertise spans ecological economics, ecosystem services valuation, and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to the understanding of how economic systems interact with natural ecosystems.

Professor Luisa Menapace holds the Chair of Governance in International Agribusiness at Technical University of Munich, bringing extensive expertise in agricultural economics and market structures. Her academic credentials include a Laurea in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Padua, a Master's in Agribusiness from Sacred Heart Catholic University, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Iowa State University. Her research portfolio focuses on market structures, product differentiation, and consumer behavior in agribusiness, with particular emphasis on sustainability and competition policy. At TUM, she teaches "The Economics of Agro-Food Value Chains," incorporating insights from experimental and behavioral economics. Her work has been published in prestigious journals including the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and European Review of Agricultural Economics. Her professional journey includes positions as a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Trento and assistant professor at the University of Bonn before joining TUM in 2013. Her research methodology combines theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, particularly focusing on consumer decision-making and risk perception in agricultural markets.

Ana Rivas serves as an Associate Researcher at the Technical University of Munich's Chair of Urban Structure and Transport Planning, where she specializes in sustainable urban mobility and public space activation. Her expertise combines architecture and graphic design, with a focus on transforming underutilized public spaces through experimental interventions. At TUM, she co-leads the "Street Experiments for Sustainable and Resilient Cities" course, which teaches innovative approaches to urban space transformation and sustainable mobility solutions. Her research work includes the CLEAR project (City LivEAbility by Redesign), focusing on real-life transition experiments in public spaces. Her academic background includes a BA in Architecture from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey and an MA in Graphic Design from London College of Communication. Her teaching methodology emphasizes practical application through street experiments, helping students understand how to implement and evaluate urban interventions for more sustainable and resilient cities. Her work contributes to developing innovative solutions for urban mobility challenges and public space activation

Benjamin Büttner serves as Deputy Chair Holder at the Chair of Urban Structure and Transport Planning at Technical University of Munich, bringing extensive expertise in accessibility planning and urban mobility. His distinguished career includes roles as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Urban Mobility, Head of the EIT Urban Mobility Doctoral Training Network, and Co-Chair of the NECTAR Accessibility Cluster. His academic credentials include a PhD in Engineering focusing on mobility costs and accessibility, complemented by research positions at the University of Melbourne and University College London. At TUM, he leads the Research Group on Accessibility Planning and teaches "Street Experiments for Sustainable and Resilient Cities," focusing on transforming urban spaces through experimental interventions. His research portfolio includes significant projects like CLEAR (City LivEAbility by Redesign) and GOAT 3.0, contributing to sustainable urban mobility solutions. His extensive publication record includes work on accessibility planning, urban mobility, and transport policy, while his teaching methodology emphasizes practical application through street experiments and urban intervention strategies.

Dr. Constantinos Antoniou serves as Full Professor in the Chair of Transportation Systems Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), bringing 25 years of experience in transportation research and innovation. His academic credentials include a Diploma in Civil Engineering from NTUA, and MS and PhD in Transportation Systems from MIT. His research portfolio spans modeling and optimization of transportation systems, data analytics, machine learning applications, and human factors in future mobility. He has authored over 450 scientific publications, including 170+ peer-reviewed journal articles, 250 conference proceedings, 3 books, and 20 book chapters. As Principal Investigator for major projects including H2020 iDREAMS and MOMENTUM, he demonstrates exceptional success in securing competitive funding. His editorial roles include Deputy Editor in Chief of IET Intelligent Transportation Systems and Associate Editor of Transportation Research – Part A. His teaching at TUM focuses on advanced transportation systems and urban mobility solutions, combining theoretical frameworks with practical applications in modern transportation challenges. His work has significantly influenced transportation systems engineering, particularly in areas of data analytics and machine learning applications for mobility solutions.

Dr. Detlef Koschny brings over three decades of expertise in planetary science and space mission management. His career spans from aerospace engineering at TU Munich to leadership roles at ESA's Planetary Defence Office. His academic credentials include a Diplom and Ph.D. from TU Munich, with research at Caltech studying impact ejecta related to dinosaur extinction theories. His professional journey includes positions as Payload Engineer at Kayser-Threde GmbH, Technical Manager for space-based cameras at Max Planck Institut für Aeronomie, and significant contributions to ESA's planetary missions and defense initiatives. Currently serving as Honorary Professor at TUM's School of Engineering and Design, he specializes in small solar system bodies and near-Earth objects. His expertise is recognized through the naming of asteroid (21686) Koschny in his honor. His research focuses on asteroid defense, meteor showers, and hypervelocity impacts, while teaching "Near-Earth Objects for Engineers and Physicists" at TUM. His work has significantly influenced planetary defense strategies and space mission planning, particularly in asteroid impact threat assessment and mitigation

Dr. Dominique Moser serves as a researcher at LMU University Hospital of Munich's Department of Anaesthesiology, specializing in Translational Research focusing on Stress and Immunity. At TUM's Space Safety program, she contributes expertise on space medicine and its implications for human health in space environments. Her research focuses on analyzing how spaceflight conditions affect human physiology, particularly stress responses and immune system function. Her work bridges the gap between space medicine research and terrestrial medical applications, demonstrating how studies of astronauts' physiological responses can benefit patients in intensive care units. As part of the Space Safety course, she collaborates with colleagues including Prof. Alexander Choukér and Prof. Peter zu Eulenburg to teach about the medical challenges of human spaceflight, stress responses in space, and the transformation of cells in microgravity environments. Her teaching methodology emphasizes the practical applications of space medicine research for both astronaut health and Earth-based medical treatments

Dr. Laurie Garrow serves as Professor at Georgia Tech's Schools of Civil and Aerospace Engineering, where she directs the Air Transportation Lab and co-directs the Center for Urban and Regional Air Mobility. Her expertise spans aviation operations, travel demand modeling, and airline passenger behavior, supported by her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Northwestern University. Her professional experience includes four years at United Airlines' Revenue Management Group, where she developed pioneering PNR-based no-show models. Her research contributions have earned numerous prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and the ASCE Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize. As the first woman and first two-term President of AGIFORS (2020-2023), she has significantly influenced aviation operations research. Her teaching at TUM focuses on advanced transportation systems and airline operations, combining theoretical frameworks with practical industry applications. Her work has been widely recognized, with over 30 supervised graduate students and extensive media coverage in outlets including CNN, BBC, and the Wall Street Journal. Her research continues to shape understanding of travel behavior and airline operations through innovative discrete choice modeling applications.

Dr. Thomas Reiter brings exceptional expertise from his career as a European astronaut and space operations leader. His academic credentials include an aerospace engineering degree and honorary doctorate from the University of the German Armed Forces in Munich. His astronaut career features two landmark missions: the 179-day Euromir 95 mission and the Astrolab mission to the International Space Station, accumulating a European record of 350 days in space. At TUM, he teaches comprehensive courses in Space Exploration and Space Safety, sharing insights from his extensive experience in human spaceflight. His leadership roles include serving as DLR Executive Board member for space research and technology, and as ESA's Director of Human Spaceflight and Operations, where he managed Europe's ISS contributions and satellite operations. His teaching methodology combines theoretical knowledge with practical spaceflight experience, helping students understand both technical and operational aspects of space missions. His expertise spans spacecraft operations, spacewalking, and international space cooperation, making him a uniquely qualified instructor in space safety and exploration

Eline Schoonjans serves as an instructor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), specializing in cost accounting and business decision-making. Her course portfolio at TUM includes comprehensive programs in cost accounting fundamentals, focusing on product costing, decision-making strategies, and profit-loss calculations. Her courses have attracted over 7,174 learners globally, maintaining high student satisfaction rates. Her teaching methodology emphasizes practical applications of cost accounting principles, helping professionals develop skills in product costing, profitability analysis, and business decision-making. Her expertise spans various aspects of cost accounting, including activity-based costing, marginal costing, and strategic cost management. Her course content is structured to benefit both beginners and young professionals with business experience, providing them with essential tools for improved business decisions. Her approach combines theoretical foundations with practical examples from various industries, helping students master cost allocation, profit calculation, and strategic decision-making processes.

Guenter W. Hein is a respected Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he contributes to the field of engineering management and systems engineering. His academic career is marked by a commitment to advancing knowledge in areas such as project management, decision-making processes, and the integration of technology within organizational frameworks. Professor Hein's research often focuses on the intersection of engineering and management, aiming to develop innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness in various industries. He is known for his engaging teaching style and dedication to mentoring students, fostering their development into skilled professionals capable of addressing complex challenges in engineering and technology management. Through his work, he continues to play a vital role in shaping future leaders in the field.

Professor Gunther Friedl serves as Dean of the TUM School of Management and holds the Chair of Management Accounting at Technical University of Munich, bringing unique expertise in both physics and business administration. His academic credentials include degrees from TUM (physics) and LMU Munich (business), followed by a Ph.D. (2000) and habilitation (2004). Under his leadership since 2010, the TUM School of Management has achieved Triple Crown accreditation and grown to over 6,000 students. His research focuses on corporate governance, executive compensation, performance measurement, and business valuation, published in prestigious journals including the European Journal of Operational Research and Research Policy. His teaching excellence is recognized through multiple awards, including the TUM Prize for Excellence in Teaching (2013), UNICUM Professor of the Year (2012), and the Best Textbook Award from the German Academic Association for Business Research. At Coursera, his Cost Accounting Specialization has enrolled over 12,000 students globally, with courses maintaining consistently high satisfaction ratings. His expertise is regularly featured in major media outlets including Financial Times and Handelsblatt, and he serves on several boards including the Deutsche Schutzvereinigung für Wertpapierbesitz.

Professor Holly Claudia Ott serves as Professor of Production Management at Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences, where she leads the International Bachelors of Wood Technology program and has earned consecutive Teaching Awards for Best Lecturer (2022-2023). Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia, complemented by twelve years of industry experience in semiconductor production and supply chain management with global companies including Siemens, Motorola, IBM and Infineon. As a senior lecturer at TUM since 2012, she received the 2015 Teaching Innovation Award for developing the successful MOOC "Lean and Six Sigma: Qualitative Tools for Quality and Productivity". Her career includes a full professorship in industrial engineering at a state-accredited private university in Bayern (2014-2020) and teaching positions across Singapore, USA, and Germany since 2009. Her current research focuses on digitalization for SMEs in the wood industry, supply chain optimization, and CO2 emissions reduction through horizontal collaboration. Her expertise spans production management, quality systems, and sustainability initiatives, particularly in developing new contractual solutions for the wood supply chain in southeast Bavaria. As a board member of Wir bauen auf heimisches Holz e.V., she continues to influence sustainable practices in the wood industry.

Professor Klaus Drechsler serves as Full Professor of the Chair for Carbon Composites at Technical University of Munich and Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology (IGCV). His academic journey began with studies in aeronautic and aerospace engineering at the University of Stuttgart, where he earned his doctorate in 1991 on fiber materials with three-dimensional textile reinforcement. His career spans leadership roles at Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, DaimlerChrysler, and EADS before joining TUM in 2009. At TUM, he leads comprehensive courses in digitalization across aeronautics, space research, and aerospace industry, which have attracted over 10,994 learners globally. His courses maintain exceptional student satisfaction with a 4.7/5 rating. His research focuses on materials science, structural mechanics, and fiber-reinforced materials, earning him numerous accolades including admission to the National Academy of Science and Engineering acatech (2018) and the SAMPE Fellow Award (2008). As Lead Scientist of the Global Aerospace Campus, he has developed innovative e-learning programs reaching thousands of learners worldwide

Dr. Luis Rodrigues serves as Professor at Concordia University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in control systems and machine learning applications for aerospace systems. His research contributions include over 120 journal and conference publications, focusing on piecewise affine control systems and their applications in aerospace engineering. His book "Piecewise Affine Control: Continuous Time, Sampled Data, and Networked Systems" has become a significant reference in the field. His work on quadrotor choreography for real-time artist-in-the-loop performances earned the Unmanned Systems journal's best paper award for 2018-2019

Marcus Witter serves as an instructor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), specializing in cost accounting and business decision-making. His course portfolio includes three comprehensive programs: "Basics of Cost Accounting: Product Costing," "Cost Accounting: Decision Making," and "Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation," which have collectively enrolled over 12,000 students globally. His teaching methodology emphasizes practical applications of cost accounting principles, helping professionals develop skills in product costing, decision-making strategies, and profit analysis. His courses focus on making company cost structures transparent while teaching methods for recording and calculating costs effectively. His expertise spans various aspects of cost accounting, including product costing systems, overhead cost allocation, and strategic decision-making processes. His approach combines theoretical foundations with practical examples from various industries, helping students master cost allocation, profit calculation, and business decision-making strategies.

Mogan Ramesh is an accomplished educator and consultant at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he has been a key member of the ProLehre team since 2018. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Philosophy of Science and Technology, which he studied across institutions in Aachen, Pittsburgh, and Munich. In his role, Ramesh serves as the primary contact for both the TUM School of Management and the TUM School of Governance, focusing on enhancing teaching practices through workshops that promote student engagement and effective communication. His dedication to fostering a culture of excellent teaching is evident in his efforts to develop both digital and analog educational materials that support learning skills. Ramesh is also an instructor on Coursera, where he teaches the course "Welcome to Munich," aimed at orienting new students to the German higher education system. Through his innovative approaches and commitment to educational excellence, Mogan Ramesh plays a vital role in shaping the learning experiences of students at TUM.

Nathalie Koblischke serves as an instructor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), specializing in international student orientation and cultural integration. Her course "Welcome to Munich" has enrolled nearly 10,000 students and maintains excellent student satisfaction ratings. The course provides comprehensive guidance for international students transitioning to study in Munich, covering essential topics from university selection to cultural adaptation and practical living arrangements. Her teaching methodology emphasizes practical information about student life, university systems, and city navigation, helping international students understand German academic culture and administrative requirements. Her expertise includes guiding students through the complexities of studying abroad, from accommodation searches to language preparation and cultural integration. Her course combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights about living and studying in Munich, helping students evaluate their study options and prepare for successful academic experiences in Germany.