Meet our
TRF Cohort 2026
Jule Marie Bündgen
Jule Marie Bündgen is currently completing her Master’s degree in Business and Economics at TU Dortmund University, after earning her Bachelor of Science in the same field. During her studies, she gained international experience through a semester abroad at Karlstad University and a year abroad at Georgia Southern University in the United States. Alongside her studies, she worked in public health administration during the COVID-19 pandemic and gained experience in Human Resource Management at Materna.
At university, Jule is actively involved in supporting first year students and participating in the DLab program, which focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and international collaboration. As a Transatlantic Ruhr Fellow, she will be interning at the German American Chamber of Commerce in New York City, where she is excited to gain insight into transatlantic business and innovation.
Nikolas Hendrik Neuhöfer
Nikolas Hendrik Neuhöfer is a fourth semester student of political science at University of Duisburg-Essen. Alongside his studies, he works as a parliamentary assistant to a State Senator in North Rhine-Westphalia and previously participated in the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program.
As a Transatlantic Ruhr Fellow, he will be at Lehigh University, where he looks forward to gaining insight into the American university system, strengthening his professional English skills, and contributing to transatlantic dialogue.
Kathrin Morochnyk
Kathrin Morochnyk is pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Communication Science and Anglophone Popular Culture at University of Duisburg-Essen, with a focus on digital marketing, public relations, and international communication. She has gained experience through roles in public relations at the university, an internship at D.SPORTS Düsseldorf, and international study experience in the UK.
As a Transatlantic Ruhr Fellow, Kathrin will be interning at Lafayette College, supporting the Sustainability team. She looks forward to contributing to sustainability initiatives while further developing her international communication skills.
Lucia Marie Johanneves
Lucia Marie Johanneves is pursuing a Master’s degree in Work Organization and Industrial/Organizational Psychology, following a Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology, at Ruhr University Bochum. Alongside her studies, she serves as a board member of the student consultancy Campus for Company and is actively involved in university governance through the student council.
As a Transatlantic Ruhr Fellow, Lucia will be interning with the German Academic International Network, where she will contribute to corporate communications and the organization of a conference for researchers and academics in San Francisco. She looks forward to gaining experience in international communication as well as project and event management.
Leidy Sulla Palomino Ayvar
Leidy Sulla Palomino Ayvar is in her second semester of the Master’s program in Globalization, Transnationalization and Governance at Ruhr University Bochum. She has gained experience working at the university’s International Office, supporting international students, and is currently involved in development cooperation through the Import Promotion Desk, a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
As a Transatlantic Ruhr Fellow, Leidy will be interning at Lafayette College in the area of sustainability. She looks forward to strengthening her communication skills, gaining insight into sustainability practices in the United States, and working in an international team.
Jasmin Ahmeti
Jasmin Ahmeti has gained professional experience through internships at Deloitte Germany, where she developed an interest in project management and organizational processes.
As a Transatlantic Ruhr Fellow, she will be interning at the Civic Engagement Commission in the United States, where she will support project coordination and initiatives that promote civic engagement and community involvement. She is particularly interested in understanding how such initiatives are structured in an international context and looks forward to further developing her communication and intercultural skills.
Natalie Schmidt
Natalie Schmidt is pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainable Innopreneurship at University of Duisburg-Essen. She is actively involved in entrepreneurship related events and volunteers as a Campus Scout, supporting prospective students. She is currently spending a semester abroad in Poland.
As a Transatlantic Ruhr Fellow, Natalie will be interning at the German Research Foundation in New York, where she looks forward to gaining experience in marketing within a research environment and further developing her skills in innovation and international collaboration.
Isabel Lenz
Isabel Lenz is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Ruhr University Bochum. Alongside her studies, she has gained experience in personnel consulting and student consulting, and serves as chairwoman of the student consultancy Campus for Company. She has also completed a semester abroad at La Sapienza University in Rome, strengthening her intercultural communication skills.
As a Transatlantic Ruhr Fellow, Isabel will be interning at Adelphi University, supporting the Office of International Studies in areas such as event planning, program evaluation, and student programming. She looks forward to gaining insight into U.S. higher education while further developing her skills in international communication and organizational work.
Elif Özgöz
Elif Özgöz is a pre service teacher studying German and Social Sciences with a focus on German as a Foreign Language. She has teaching experience with international students across different proficiency levels and has conducted research on language learning. In addition, she organizes projects for international students and is involved in a socio political book club, where she contributes to discussions and moderation.
As a Transatlantic Ruhr Fellow, Elif aims to intern at the Goethe-Institut, where she is interested in supporting educational and cultural programs. She looks forward to gaining insight into the international implementation of language education and further developing her skills in intercultural communication and project coordination.
Tom Wecke
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