When I was looking for a Master’s thesis topic in the MSc in IT, Digitalization & Sustainability, I reached out to several institutions and companies in search of a project at the intersection of IT and sustainability. After many delayed or unsuccessful conversations, it was refreshing to receive an enthusiastic response from Elke almost immediately.
We quickly aligned on a thesis topic exploring how AI could support citizens before formal participation begins in renewable energy infrastructure projects. My thesis focused on designing and evaluating a source-bound chatbot to help people better understand complex information, reflect on trade-offs, and enter participation processes better prepared for constructive dialogue.
Throughout the project, we had short weekly check-ins, and I greatly appreciated Elke’s enthusiasm and steady support. Even during difficult phases, when things were unclear or not progressing as planned, she remained constructive, motivating, and genuinely engaged in helping move the project forward. What stood out most was her level of engagement. It is rare to work with a professor who is not only knowledgeable, but also visibly excited about the topic. Her enthusiasm made the collaboration enjoyable and helped maintain momentum throughout the thesis.
I also valued how practical and supportive her guidance was. She helped me stay on track, provided useful feedback at the right level of detail, and actively used her network to support potential partnerships related to the research. Since my background is in business and computer science, I especially appreciated her support on the psychological and climate governance aspects of the thesis, which were outside my usual comfort zone.
Overall, working with Elke was a very positive experience. She combines academic seriousness with an approachable and motivating style, which made the collaboration both productive and enjoyable. I am grateful for her support throughout the thesis and for the trust she placed in me in taking on an interdisciplinary and experimental topic. I look forward to building on this work together with her in the future.
02.07.2026 Raffaele Amplo
