Jenna on a hike in Central California. (Photo: private)

Jenna Van Fossen is the newest addition to the Münster School of Business at the FH Münster. The 26-year-old comes originally from the Central Valley in California, United States, and moved to Michigan in 2018 to pursue a graduate program in organisational psychology at Michigan State University. "I specialize in occupational health, and I was part of a project that examined how the adoption of autonomous vehicles will affect truck drivers and gig workers. This research area is fascinating because it affects everyone", explains Jenna. Her research focuses mainly on the effects of technology in the workplace and how workers can be supported through the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. The now fourth-year graduate student moved to Germany in January 2022 to gain international teaching and research experience at FH Münster over the next year. "It is a little uncommon to spend a whole year abroad during my graduate program - most people only spend a summer abroad, if at all", says Jenna.

The graduate student on a stroll through Münster. (Photo: privat)

However, the 26-year-old loves to travel and explore new places and was excited to learn about the opportunity to come to Germany for a whole year since her classes at Michigan State University were all online in the past semesters. Her supervisors at FH Münster, Prof. Dr. Michael Wasserman Ph.D. and Dr. Sandra Fisher, both graduated from Michigan State University and were guest lecturers in one of Jenna's classes. "They were looking for someone to potentially come to Münster as a research assistant, and I reached out to them immediately after that class", describes the graduate student. Jenna's area of research goes hand in hand with Dr. Fisher's, who is also specializing in technological effects on humans. Within the following weeks, both of them will start working on a book chapter on artificial intelligence and trust. "I am very excited to learn from the faculty members of FH Münster", exclaims the 26-year-old. "Especially since I have never taught my own classes before, and I need the teaching experience to become a professor."

Jenna is, of course, also looking forward to exploring Münster and Germany in general. Even though she has backpacked through Germany before, she wants to improve her German language skills and use her vacation days to explore more of Europe. "I especially like Münster's promenade, the beautiful historic centre and all of the bakery shops", explains the student. After her year in Münster, Jenna will write her dissertation at Michigan State University and look for a job as a professor in the United States.

We hope that Jenna will enjoy her time in Münster and best of luck during the job hunt next year!

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