Constructor Talks Alumni: Dr.Conny Scheitz, President Beyond The Pond Alumni Association e.V.

How do you move from academia into entrepreneurship, and how do you know when it’s time to change direction?In this episode of Constructor Talks, Dr. Hauke Holtkamp (Class of 2005) reflects on his journey from studying electrical engineering and computer science to building a startup in the data protection space and now exploring new opportunities in AI. He shares what it means to navigate uncertainty, recognize the right moment to pivot, and adapt to changing markets - from GDPR-driven demand to the emerging role of AI in human interaction.The conversation also looks back at how the interdisciplinary and international environment at Constructor University shaped his perspective and approach to problem-solving.Follow Constructor Talks for more conversations with researchers, alumni, and industry experts.

What is happiness, and how can something so subjective be studied, measured, and compared across societies?In this episode of Constructor Talks, Prof. Hilke Brockmann, Professor of Sociology at Constructor University and co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Happiness, Quality of Life, and Subjective Wellbeing, shares insights into the science of wellbeing and its growing importance for research and public policy. Drawing on global data and interdisciplinary perspectives, she explains what shapes our sense of happiness and why it matters for society as a whole. Follow our channel for more conversations shaping the future of science!

Colonizing outer space may be closer than we think. Challenges are of course plentiful - and one of the biggest is manufacturing in space.In this new episode of Constructor Talks, Dr. Yilmaz Uygun, Professor of Logistics and Chair of the Supply Chain Management program at Constructor University, explains how 3D printing could enable tools, spare parts and infrastructure to be produced beyond Earth, using raw materials found on the Moon, planets or even asteroids.The research behind these ideas started at Constructor University and eventually led to the creation of Nebulaform, a startup developing space manufacturing technologies that has been accepted into the European Space Agency incubator program.It is a fascinating example of how university research can evolve into innovation with real-world impact.Subscribe to our channel to stay updated with new Constructor Talks episodes!

In this episode of Constructor Talks, CU Head of Alumni & Career Services Ilya Kompasov is joined by Dr. Cornelia Scheitz, President of the Alumni Association. They discuss the scope and responsibilities of the Alumni President role, as well as key initiatives and milestones achieved during Dr. Scheitz’s tenure. The conversation highlights the importance of alumni leadership and engagement within the Constructor University community.

In this episode of Constructor Talks, we sit down with Prof. Klaus Boehnke, Professor of Social Science Methodology at Constructor University, to explore what decades of research can tell us about diversity and social attitudes.Prof. Boehnke shares the story behind the newly published 2025 Diversity Barometer, a comprehensive nationwide study on social diversity in Germany commissioned by the Robert Bosch Stiftung, how it is measured, why it matters, and what the latest findings reveal about Germany’s shifting perspectives on diversity. From statistical insight to real-world implications, this conversation offers a nuanced look at a topic often simplified in public debate.Listen to the full episode to discover what changed, what stayed the same, and what these trends might mean for the future.

In this episode of Constructor Talks, we speak with Prof. Dr. Andrea Koschinsky, Professor of Geosciences at Constructor University and one of the leading voices in geochemistry. Andrea explains what geochemistry is, how her passion for the environment shaped her career, and why global climate conferences often face challenges. She also shares insights from her research in the Amazon estuary, one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth and a critical connection point between rainforest and ocean. We also look behind the scenes of GEOTRACES, the international program mapping the chemistry of the world’s oceans, and hear about life and research aboard the German research vessel Meteor. If you’re interested in Earth systems, climate science, biodiversity, or ocean exploration, this episode offers a fascinating look at how geochemistry helps us better understand our planet.

Constructor Talks is the new podcast from Constructor University, where curiosity meets creation. In each episode, we explore how scientific discovery shapes the way we live and communicate with one another. We go beyond headlines to uncover the “why” behind research: questions that spark new ideas, the people questioning the status quo, the challenges they face, and the subjects that could potentially affect the planet for decades to come. Because science isn’t just facts and numbers - it’s a living human story. Our mission is to reconnect people with science, rebuild trust, and spark curiosity again. By listening to these conversations, anyone can discover how everyday technologies and life-changing innovations all begin with questions posed by bold humans.