Sascha is an IDA supervisor
How did your journey in teaching begin, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
My journey began as a student assistant at the University of Wuppertal in 2007. I was responsible for giving tutorials and, fortunately, had a supervisor who valued education highly and invested in training student tutors. That experience introduced me to key educational principles and was the first time I realized how meaningful and rewarding it can be to help others understand complex ideas and develop their own projects.
My current work, such as integrating AI in education within the Human Resource Studies department, reflects that same drive to innovate and prepare students for the future while maintaining a strong foundation in evidence-based, student-centered learning.
What inspired you to pursue a career in research, and what continues to drive your curiosity?
My interest in research started with curiosity about human behavior at work. Why people make choices, how contexts shape these and what that means for both individuals and organizations. There is always more to learn, a new model, a new method, a way to move science forward.
When you study people and human behavior, what aspects fascinate you the most?
At the moment, when I do research (or read about it, big part!), what fascinates me is the complexity behind (not) attending work in the state of ill-health. We call that sickness presenteeism. This behavior sits at the intersection of personal values, workplace culture, social expectations, and economic pressures, among others. It’s rarely ever a simple choice, yet we all do it in one way or another. I’m particularly intrigued by how employees navigate the tension between their own well-being and their sense of responsibility toward colleagues, students, or clients.
What do you find most rewarding about being in the classroom with students?
Those moments of dialogue, when students build on each other’s ideas and I can see their confidence grow, make teaching rewarding for me.
Looking ahead, what topics or trends in your field are you most excited to explore with students?
I’m excited to explore the intersection of technology, well-being, and work behavior with students. For example, understanding how AI and digitalization are transforming the way people experience work (including how these changes influence attendance behavior, such as sickness presenteeism) feels especially relevant in today’s world of work.
In your view, what makes IDA students stand out from others you’ve taught or worked with?
In my view, what makes IDA students stand out from others I’ve taught is… nothing yet, because I haven’t actually taught them! But that’s probably a good thing. It means they still have the chance to make an excellent first impression.
What advice would you give future IDA students who want to make the most of the program?
My advice to future IDA students would be to stay curious and actively connect the dots. Find your own way. Stay curious. Try to challenge yourself and be courageous. No need for pain, but feeling a bit uncomfortable, having hard discussions, these are nice ways to grow. Just to put the other C from the TiU into this (caring and ), try to take care of your own career, your peers and people around you. Makes life worth living.
What topics are you currently exploring in your work, and what new areas would you love to dive into in the future?
My work focuses on understanding employee attendance behavior, particularly sickness absenteeism and sickness presenteeism, the role of organizational culture and leadership, individual motivations or well-being. But I have the feeling I already stated that before, as what I research is also what I try to do with my students.
Outside of academia, what do you enjoy doing to recharge or spark creativity? (e.g., hobbies)
Outside of academia (is there such a thing?), I really enjoy spending time with my family, especially exploring new places. It helps to show that there is such a thing as outside of academia. I also like cooking (especially trying new recipes, but please nothing spicey) and reading the crap fiction of newcoming authors, a wonderful way to unwind and get inspired by different perspectives (Auf ein Meisterwerk kommen 100 Kleisterwerke).
Is there anything else you would like to share? This can also be something personal (e.g. a motto).
Small steps, big impact
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