5 Questions to Dr. Nicole Rudolph-Mohr

What are your responsibilities at the Department of Physics?

As the Academic Advisor for Studies and Teaching, I focus on making our physics programs more manageable for students and improving the quality of teaching.

I work with curriculum committees to review and refine our programs, ensuring that modules and concepts are effective and student-friendly. This often leads to adjustments that make the programs easier to navigate.

I also design and organize professional development opportunities for our lecturers, aiming to enhance the student experience.

Since Freie Universität is system-accredited and our programs have a quality seal, I also oversee quality management within the department.

You initially wanted to be a researcher. Why did you switch to teaching issues?

Like all university researchers, I had teaching duties at the University of Potsdam, where I developed lectures related to my research. These were well-received by students, and I found that I loved sharing knowledge and interacting with them.

Without formal training in teaching, I began to educate myself in higher education didactics to improve my lectures. Students appreciate good teaching, and that motivated me to focus more on it.

Now, I’ve taken it a step further. In my current role, I can work more systematically to improve study programs.

What’s your key approach when working with students?

I always aim to meet students at eye level – without judgment and in a way that makes me approachable.

Why did you initiate an open consultation hour for physics students?

I wanted to create a safe space where students can talk openly about their career concerns without fear, and also share their feedback on the program or teaching. This kind of open, trusting dialogue is valuable for both the students and the department.

What do you enjoy about your job?

Apart from the content I enjoy working on, the department gives me the flexibility I need as a mother of three young children. It’s incredibly helpful that I can easily work from home when my kids are sick. Plus, my colleagues are kind and supportive, making it a pleasure to come to the office.