Practice

I have built extensive practical experience through my work in the public sector in Germany. For over a decade, I worked as a civil engineer and manager at the Structure and Approval Directorate North (SGD Nord) and the Supervisory and Service Directorate (ADD) for the state of Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany). My roles combined technical expertise, project leadership, administrative coordination, and direct engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.

From 2012 to 2016, I worked at SGD Nord in the field of hydraulic engineering and flood risk management. I was responsible for supervising and supporting river restoration and construction projects along watercourses, from the initial idea to project completion and funding.

From 2016 to 2018, I completed a two-year civil engineering traineeship ("Baureferendariat") at SGD Nord. During this program, I rotated through all levels of water management administration (municipal, state, federal, and European Union) gaining broad hands-on experience. I received additional training in management, leadership and organization, administrative law, procurement, construction planning and design, and waterways management, and successfully passed the state examination.

Starting in 2018, I led the Groundwater and Water Supply team at SGD Nord as a manager. In this role, I supervised a team of civil engineers, coordinated water management initiatives across several districts, and provided technical guidance and project oversight.

In 2021, during the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in Germany, I served as a project manager in the crisis team of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, leading the development of a digital situation map for emergency operations. Following this, I worked for six months at the state disaster management authority, where I contributed to improving disaster response and information systems. For my leadership and service during the flood disaster, I was awarded the Medal of Honor by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. 

Throughout my career, communicating and collaborating with diverse groups, including citizens, engineering firms, municipalities, emergency services, and scientists, has been a core part of my professional practice.