Katharina

Research Associate at the Institute of the North Rhine-Westphalian Fire Service (IdF NRW)

From Psychology to Research 

During my studies, I discovered a deeper fascination for safety-related topics such as investigative interviewing, victim-offender mediation, eye tracking, as well as the research side of psychology. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Twente, with my thesis titled “The Dynamics of Crime Seriousness and Victims' Preference to Participate in Online and Offline Victim-Offender Mediation”.

My growing interest in these areas led me to pursue a Master’s in Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety (PCRS) at the UT. During my master’s thesis–“Assessment of the Intervention Stepwise Driving for Individuals with Drink and Drug Driving Offences” – I confirmed my passion for applied research and shaped my ambition to continue in this field. My thesis was particularly meaningful for me—not only did it align perfectly with my interests, but it was also recently published (2025) in cooperation with His Majesty`s Prison and Probation Service of England and Wales, with whom I worked closely during the thesis, which makes it a proud milestone in my academic journey.

Furthermore, during my master’s internship with His Majesty`s Prison and Probation Service of England and Wales, I was able to gain valuable insights into the topic of domestic violence while working on the “Assessment of the DAWN intervention for female domestic violence perpetrators”. Collaborating on various topics in this international context was a meaningful and enriching experience for me as well.

Career Path after Graduation

After graduating, I began working as a safety culture consultant trainee. It was a dynamic and rewarding experience that broadened my skillset. I was responsible for holding presentations for various management groups, conducting interviews, and participating in company inspections. I also explored digital content creation—recording e-learning videos and even participating in a podcast episode. These activities enhanced both my communication skills and subject-matter expertise.

Despite this valuable experience, I realized I wanted to focus more on research, so I actively searched for new opportunities. Eventually, I found the ideal position as a Research Assistant at the Institute of the North Rhine-Westphalian Fire Service (IdF NRW). Here, I contribute to the EU-funded project Civil Protection Liaison Network Concept (CivPro-LiNC), which focuses on cross-border cooperation in the field of civil protection through the support of liaison officers.

My Role in CivPro-LiNC

In this role, I contribute to strengthening the cross-border cooperation and coordination in order to improve preparedness for responding to natural and man-made disasters by helping to build a liaison network of trained civil protection officers. The core aim of the project is to fill the knowledge gap about neighboring countries’ emergency systems, which can otherwise slow down crisis responses.

So far, I’ve worked on a state analysis of current liaison initiatives at European borders, helped design a questionnaire, and conducted interviews with experts and other stakeholders. I also contribute to regular team meetings, write content for internal and external publications, and am involved in designing posters and visual materials for the research department. It's an interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative environment—exactly the kind of setting I was hoping to work in when I chose this career path.

I am excited to continue building on the experiences I have gained so far. I am eager to take on new challenges and further develop my career in a role that allows me to contribute meaningfully to research and innovation.

Advice for Future Students

• Start your job or PhD search early. Finding the right opportunity can take time—don’t underestimate that.
• Don’t be discouraged by rejections. They are part of the process and not a reflection of your potential.
• Be patient. Finding the role that truly fits you is worth the wait, and might take a few tries.

The PCRS Master gave me the tools and mindset to navigate complex challenges in research and applied psychology. I’m grateful for the experiences and doors it opened for me—and I encourage new students to stay curious, resilient, and proactive in shaping their path.