Management Team
General Management
Elke Achtert
Dr.
General Manager
Elke Achtert
is General Manager of the MCML at LMU Munich.
With extensive experience in academic research and administrative coordination, she oversees the administrative management of the center’s activities alongside her colleagues and serves as the primary contact for all scientists and institutions involved. Elke studied Informatics at LMU Munich, where she also earned her PhD. After completing her doctorate, she worked as a postdoc at LMU before transitioning to the role of coordinator at the ArcheoBioCenter, a position she held for many years.
Alexandra Stang
Dr.
General Manager and DEI Official
Alexandra Stang
is the Center Manager for the MCML at TU Munich.
She can be contacted for administrative questions of the MCML at TUM as well as for inquiries regarding academic partnerships. Alexandra studied at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Helsinki University and Freie Universität Berlin and holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from Helsinki University. Before joining MCML, she worked for many years in different positions at the Goethe-Institut in Finland and Germany, amongst others as project lead for AI and ethics.
Science Management
Verena Albrecht
Science Communication Coordinator
Verena Albrecht
is Science Manager for Communication at the MCML.
She is the central contact person for all PR activities and public relations of MCML. She received her MSc in Consumer Science at TU Munich. Before joining MCML, she worked at a communications agency, where she gained professional know-how as well as practical experience with the entire range of PR instruments.
Juliane Lauks
Dr.
Science Manager
Juliane Lauks
is Science Manager at the MCML.
She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Before joining the MCML she coordinated the PhD progam in experimental medicine at the University of Tübingen, worked as a business analyst for several years in the IT department of the University Hospital of Basel, and managed the H2020 Marie Skłodowska Curie Innovative Training Network ChroMe at the the Ladurner lab.
Thomas Meier
Dr.
Science Manager Collaborations, PhD Coordinator, and DEI Official
Thomas Meier
is Science Manager for Collaborations and PhD Coordinator at the MCML.
Contact him anytime for inquiries on collaborations with the MCML or on matters about the MCML PhD Program. Thomas studied Philosophy and Linguistics in Mexico, the US, and LMU Munich. He received his PhD at the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy at LMU Munich, under the supervision of Hannes Leitgeb. Thomas also teaches Ethics and Political Philosophy related to Technology and AI Ethics, at the Institute of Informatics, at LMU Munich.
Anna Maria Schneider
Science Manager School Collaborations, and PhD Coordinator
Anna Maria Schneider
is Science Manager for school collaborations and PhD Coordinator at the MCML at TU Munich.
Anna is happy to be contacted regarding the MCML PhD Program and joint work with schools. She holds a degree in Intercultural Communication and managed a project in Harvard on internet child safety. She built an international school network at the Department of Educational Sciences and travels annually to Brazil to mentor students in partnership with the Liaison Office São Paulo, developing tech solutions for local educational challenges. Anna is pursuing her PhD at the intersection of technological change and human behavior at TUM.
Office Management
Laura Ekes
Design, Content, and Event Manager
Laura Ekes
is Coordinator for Design, Content, and Events at MCML at LMU Munich, where she contributes to the development of creative materials, oversees content strategy, and helps organize events to support the center’s activities.
With expertise in visual merchandising, content creation, and event management, she plays a key role in enhancing MCML’s outreach efforts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design and has gained diverse experience working in an agency, supporting various non-profit organizations in social media and communications. Laura has also freelanced in the design field and founded her own creative business, specializing in design projects.
Daniela Pielenhofer
Office and Science Manager
Daniela Pielenhofer
is a part-time Office and Science Manager for MCML, supporting the center in Science Communication and Project Management.
She holds a degree in Media Economy from Stuttgart Media University. Before joining MCML, Daniela worked as an editor and freelance journalist, gaining several years of experience in the media industry.
Ellia Wamese
Office and Event Manager
Ellia Wamese
is the Office and Event Manager at the MCML.
He can be contacted for all administrative and event-related inquiries of the MCML at TUM. He previously worked at Kreisjugendring München-Stadt, where he organised a festival, concerts, and cultural projects for young people in Munich. In addition to his experience in event planning & public relations, Ellia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specialised in Language Teaching.
©all images: LMU | TUM