Meet our
TRF Cohort 2025
Samet Besyaprak
Samet is currently pursuing a degree in Educational Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen, specializing in the Sociology of Education. As part of his academic journey he spent time in San Antonio as a Fulbright Scholar. Alongside his studies he works as a student assistant in the university’s Working Group on Childhood Research, and during his time as a TRF Fellow he will be interning at the Goethe-Institut/GAPP. Beyond academia Samet is an educational activist, moderator and anti-discrimination trainer committed to promoting social justice. His dedication to educational equity was recognized by the Allianz Foundation, which honored him with the “Movers of Tomorrow” award in the People category, celebrating his impactful work across Germany.
Moritz Brinkforth
Moritz is in the final semester of his master’s program in Psychology, specializing in Work, Organizational, and Business Psychology at Ruhr University Bochum. He also holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. By combining both disciplines, he aims to help shape the workplaces of the future through interdisciplinary research. In an increasingly interconnected world, he believes it is essential to address challenges from multiple perspectives. Connecting researchers and practitioners across disciplinary boundaries is a central motivation in his career.. Alongside his studies, Moritz is active in the student council for psychology and co-organized a major academic conference for students. During his time as a TRF Fellow, he will be interning at GAIN.
Hadis Förster
Hadis Förster is a communications professional with hands-on experience in journalism, corporate communications, and storytelling. As part of the CEO Office at Siemens Digital Industries Software, she shaped leadership communications across social media platforms.She holds a degree in German and English studies from Ruhr University Bochum and has led editorial work at Fighting Words in Dublin and at the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger in Cologne. Her work focuses on accessible content, change communication, and the role of narrative in digital transformation.Drawing on her international perspective, Hadis is committed to expanding her multicultural expertise and gaining insights into international leadership within the cultural, public, and corporate sectors. During her time as a TRF Fellow, she will be interning at the Society of Illustrators.
Chander Lal
Chander Lal is currently in the final year of his Master’s degree in Sales Management at Ruhr University Bochum. Alongside his studies, he works in the Business Development department at Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s leading football clubs. Through his academic training and role as a working student, he has gained hands-on experience in business strategy, sales excellence, and business development. Passionate about the intersection of sports and business, he enjoys exploring innovative business models and data-driven approaches. In his free time, he loves to travel and values cultural exchange as a source of both personal growth and professional inspiration. After graduation, he aims to pursue a career in strategic consulting or business development. During his time as a Fellow, he will be interning at the German American Chamber of Commerce New York (GACC NY).
Ria Arakkel Marokky
Ria Arakkel Marokky is in the final stages of her Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Duisburg-Essen. During a semester abroad in South Korea, she gained international experience and developed a strong appreciation for diverse perspectives. She believes that diversity drives innovation and long-term success. Ria is looking forward to gaining practical experience through an internship at NYC CEC in New York City, where she values the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and playing badminton. Her goal is to pursue a marketing career that blends creativity with strategic thinking.
Carolin Neuroth
Carolin Neuroth is in the final year of her bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Duisburg-Essen. She has a strong interest in economic research and is currently working as a student assistant at the Chair of Econometrics at her university. Previously, she worked as a student assistant at the Research Data Center Ruhr at the RWI–Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, where she gained her first insights and practical experience in the field of research. During an exchange semester at NHH Bergen in Norway, she acquired valuable international experience. This summer, Carolin is looking forward to interning at the German Research Foundation (DFG) in Washington, D.C.
Karolina Odorska
Karolina Odorska is a master’s student in Industrial Engineering as well as Business Administration and Economics at TU Dortmund University.She has gained international academic experience studying in Italy and Australia and has previously completed short-term internships in France and Italy. Professionally, she has worked in product management in the automotive industry and currently supports research and teaching as a research assistant in organizational development and change management. With an interdisciplinary background and a strong interest in meaningful public sector work, she looks forward to gaining practical insights into civic engagement and participatory governance during her internship at the NYC CEC.
Mohammad Nasir Steldermann
Nasir is pursuing a Master of Education at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Before entering academia, he gained professional experience in public healthcare and federal law enforcement. In addition to his studies, he works as a research assistant in the Department of North American Studies and actively engages in extracurricular activities focused on intercultural dialogue, transatlantic studies, and sustainability education. He has gained international experience through an internship at a boarding school in Singapore and through interdisciplinary academic collaborations across Europe.Convinced that food is the flagship of any culture, he enjoys nothing more than indulging in unfamiliar cuisines alongside familiar faces. This summer, he will be interning at Lafayette College.
Maria Vogt
Maria Vogt is pursuing a master’s degree in Work, Organizational, and Business Psychology at Ruhr University Bochum. Alongside her studies, she has gained diverse professional experience, ranging from academic research to training and development, as well as consulting. Most recently, she has contributed to projects in change management at Deloitte and aptitude diagnostics at Kienbaum. Additionally, she supports startups as a student consultant. In her free time, Maria enjoys traveling and singing classical music — an interest that has led her to perform in renowned concert venues such as the Philharmonie Essen. This summer, she is interning at the German Research Foundation (DFG) in New York.
Hanna Würker
Hanna Würker is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics at the Technical University of Dortmund. She has gained international experience through a high school exchange in Canada, and her academic interests lie in strategic management and innovation, complemented by practical experience from internships and volunteer work. Passionate about intercultural collaboration, she enjoys working in diverse teams and developing new ideas across disciplines. In her free time, she enjoys sailing, exploring new places and engaging in community activities. This summer she will be interning at Lafayette College.
