Bavarian Red Cross
Since joining the Bavarian Red Cross in 2018, my journey has been a fulfilling blend of active emergency medical services, disaster relief efforts, and leadership in information and communication technologies. This experience has not only honed my skills in crisis intervention and patient care but also in managing and securing critical IT infrastructure essential for efficient emergency response.
In the realm of Crisis Intervention and Disaster Relief, my role has evolved from providing immediate medical assistance to taking on leadership responsibilities during large-scale emergencies. My experiences range from local incidents, such as major fires and accidents, to national disasters like the floods in Rhineland-Palatinate in 2021. My involvement has also extended to international crises, including on-the-ground efforts in response to the Ukraine conflict, where I contributed directly to relief operations. These diverse situations have not only tested but significantly honed my skills in emergency management, enabling me to play a pivotal role in our mission to save lives and alleviate the impacts of disasters. By incorporating cybersecurity measures, we ensure the protection of sensitive information and maintain secure communication channels, crucial for effective coordination in the most challenging circumstances.
Initially working full-time in emergency medical services, I have since transitioned to a voluntary capacity, dedicating my time as needed to continue aiding those in emergency situations. My training as a paramedic has been foundational to my role, enabling me to provide vital medical care and support during various operations. This shift to voluntary service allows me to maintain my skills sharp and continue contributing meaningfully to community well-being, leveraging my extensive practical experience to assist and train others in lifesaving procedures.
As the deputy district head of the Information and Communication unit, my responsibilities encompass the maintenance and upgrading of radio hardware and software, crucial for the seamless operation of our communication systems. This role involves the programming and teaching the use of Bavaria's newly introduced digital pagers, as well as the management of TETRA radio technology, tailored to support the communication needs of our extensive network of over 400 regional members. Additionally, I oversee a variety of IT services, such as inventory and scheduling programs, alongside emergency management software, underscoring the essential nexus between technology and emergency response. Emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity, my duties also include ensuring the integrity and security of our communication networks, a vital component for maintaining operational effectiveness and safety.
Student Representation
My involvement in student representation has spanned multiple roles, each offering unique challenges and opportunities to effect change within the university landscape. From engaging with state-level educational policies to facilitating smoother operations within my faculty, my experience has been both broad and deeply impactful.
As an elected delegate to the Bavarian State Students' Council, representing my university alongside another delegate, I've participated in monthly meetings to discuss and decide on political topics impacting universities and student bodies across Bavaria. In collaboration with the State Ministry of Science and Arts and other governmental institutions, we've influenced legislation, funding distribution, and other critical decisions. My tenure has seen notable achievements, such as transforming a state-wide student assembly into the officially recognized State Students' Council under new higher education laws, advocating for the "Deutschlandticket"—a discounted nationwide transportation ticket for students—and assisting new universities in establishing their student representation structures.
In my capacity as a member of the Speakers' Council, the highest executive student body composed of six members from the entire university, I've been actively involved in decisions and regular meetings with the university's president and chancellor. This role allowed me to contribute to amendments in the basic regulations and other procedural documents, impacting the university's governance directly. My leadership in creating a paid bureaucratic position for the student representation office also highlights my experience in job definition, recruitment and management.
As a member of the Faculty Council, alongside another student representative, I serve as a vital link between students and professors within my faculty. Our regular sessions are crucial for discussing and implementing changes to study curricula and module handbooks, ensuring that our academic offerings remain up-to-date and aligned with educational standards. Furthermore, my role extends to participating in a committee tasked with the allocation of the faculty's financial resources, a critical aspect of academic planning and quality enhancement. This dual representation on the council enables us to more effectively influence funding decisions, directly impacting the quality and direction of our educational programs. By facilitating open communication between professors and students, we aim to proactively address or mitigate any potential issues or difficulties, fostering a cooperative and dynamic academic environment.
My responsibilities extend further into administrative roles, such as the Access Rights Coordinator, where I oversee the access rights for students across all university locations, ensuring legal and practical implementation of zones and permissions. Additionally, in the Appointment Committee, I'm actively involved in the selection process for new professors, overseeing job postings, preliminary selections, trial lectures, and the final candidate selection for professorial positions. These roles underscore my commitment to improving the university environment for students and staff alike, leveraging my skills in organization, negotiation, and strategic planning.
Chaos Computer Club / backspace e.V.
My involvement with the Chaos Computer Club and Backspace e.V. highlights a dedicated journey towards enhancing cybersecurity awareness and technological empowerment. As an active participant and supporter of the annual Chaos Communication Congress, my role extends beyond the realm of an attendee. Volunteering as an "Angel", I take on essential responsibilities such as being a hall manager and therefore managing the flow of attendees, ensuring the smooth operation of this pivotal event. Every four years, this extends to the Chaos Communication Camp, where my contributions help shape an environment conducive to learning and collaboration. Additionally, my background as a paramedic allows me to serve within the congress's Chaos Emergency Response Team (CERT), providing crucial medical support and ensuring the safety of all participants.
Elevating my commitment to the cybersecurity community, I have been appointed as the ERFA chairperson for the Bamberg district. In this capacity, I collaborate with other chairpersons to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity in Germany, fostering discussions that aim to advance our collective security and knowledge.
My engagement with Backspace e.V., a vibrant hacker-/makerspace, has been equally rewarding. Teaching individuals how to utilize technology, from operating 3D printers and laser cutters to mastering their software, has been a fulfilling aspect of my membership. Additionally, I've supported and led various projects, including the "Freifunk" initiative, which involved setting up a gateway detailed in the projects section of this webpage. This effort not only expanded my technical prowess but also contributed to providing the community with access to free and unrestricted internet, reinforcing the importance of digital freedom and inclusivity.
Volunteer Fire Brigade Bamberg
In my role with the Bamberg volunteer fire brigade, my contributions complement my experience as a paramedic with the Bavarian Red Cross, further enhancing my knowledge and leadership skills within emergency response scenarios. My certification as a breathing apparatus carrier allows me to actively participate in frontline firefighting operations, not just from the exterior but also within structures, directly combating fires. This, coupled with my truck driving license, empowers me to operate the brigade's largest response vehicles, providing substantial support during missions. As the IT coordinator for the brigade, I have spearheaded numerous projects, one of the most significant being the enhancement of our alerting system which you can find here under "Digital Advancement in Emergency Response".