Elections 2024
Voting Instructions for the DRC Election
Dear PhD and MD candidates,
We are pleased to announce the results for the Doctoral Researchers' Council! After a record-breaking number of candidates, the following individuals have been elected as our newest Council members:
Samuel Carien
Philip Claus
Johanna Heckmann
Pia Wittmann
Congratulations to all the successful candidates! We’re excited to work together to strengthen our community and drive impactful initiatives forward. You can find the new members' profiles below.
To those who weren’t elected this time, thank you for your enthusiasm and effort. Your engagement is what makes our community thrive, and we encourage you to stay involved.
Best regards,
Your DRC
Samuel Carien
Bonjour! I am Samuel, a French Ph.D. student from the Institute for Molecular Infection Biology.
Convinced that Science is social and creative by essence, I founded an art club allowing master’s and Ph.D. students from IMIB, HIRI, and RVZ organizations to express themselves. On a university scale, I co-organized the Eureka Symposium 2024 as a committee member. I also participated in the “Employer-Branding Kampagne” at Julius-Maximilian University which aims to improve its attractiveness.
Together with the DRC members, I aim to strengthen the bonds between the different institutes across Würzburg, through innovative activities, and to support students with empathy.
Philip Claus
Hi, my name is Philip, and I am a second-year PhD student in experimental visceral surgery at the University Clinic, focusing on the intestinal immune system after gastric bypass. Before starting my PhD, I studied veterinary medicine at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, where I gained experience in organizing activities.
I am passionate about fostering collaboration, supporting fellow candidates, and sharing insights from my interdisciplinary background. By joining the DRC, I aim to bring these experiences to the team, enrich our doctoral journey, and strengthen our network. I look forward to contributing my creativity and enthusiasm!
Johanna Heckmann
Hi, I’m Johanna. I’m originally from Munich and started my academic journey studying physics in Heidelberg before transferring to medical school in Würzburg, where I’m now in my fifth year. After completing a research stay at the Yale Center for Systems and Engineering Immunology, I recently began my medical doctoral thesis, supported by the GSLS MD Excellence Program. My current research focuses on computational neuroscience, exploring the relationship between hippocampal connectivity, inflammation, and mental well-being.
I’m passionate about fostering interdisciplinary exchange, which is why I greatly appreciate the GSLS’s inclusive approach that enables engagement in a collaborative environment across disciplines. I’m excited about the opportunity to join the DRC and help build a strong, interconnected network for all students passionate about life sciences. With my background in both physics and medicine, I bring a unique perspective and am confident that I can contribute valuable insights to the council and the broader GSLS community.
Pia Wittmann
My name is Pia Wittmann, and I am in my first year of a PhD in Biomedicine after completing my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Würzburg. I am working in Prof. Beilhack’s group at the Department of Medicine II, focusing on testing a new immunotherapy for tumors.
I am eager to join the DRC after gaining experience as chair of the Biomedicine Student Council from 2020 to 2023, where I worked to revive its activities after COVID-19. This role also helped me learn about university politics and develop a passion for connecting with students at different stages of their studies.
