Johannes is an MPP candidate and McCloy Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, where he explores, among other interests, the development and application of economic incentive systems on a global scale. He completed the Dual BA Program between Sciences Po Paris and Columbia University, majoring in Economics and Political Science. His professional experience includes research at Columbia Business School and with economist Paul Romer, consulting in the public and private sector, as well as policy work at the OECD, where he spent three years focusing on international finance and tax policy. Johannes also pursues a long-standing passion for music through performance, production, and youth education initiatives.
Michael combines expertise in economics, data science, and public policy with a focus on innovation, security, and entrepreneurship. He is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School, concentrating on defense innovation and emerging technologies. As part of his work at the German Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND), he co-designed a concept for a defense innovation agency.
He previously worked as management consultant with Oliver Wyman in Frankfurt, London, and Doha, where he worked on the rollout of the firm’s AI platform and led projects on public sector reform and digital transformation across Europe and the Gulf. He also brings experience in startup strategy and product development in Europe, China, and Africa.
Michael studied Economics at Peking University (Yenching Scholar) and Data Science/Business Administration at London Business School, focusing on AI, entrepreneurship, strategy, and international affairs. He is an alumnus of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Karlotta holds a degree in psychology with a focus on leadership, human resources, and social psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Civil-Military Interaction. With her passion for security policy and interest in institutional communication strategies, she works on applying her knowledge of psychology to these fields. Karlotta is an active member of Women in International Security Germany and Generation Restoration e.V., which aims to transform refugee camps into regenerative communities. She also serves as co-chair of UNOPS’ 30 below 30 to get to 2030 program and is a coach at the AI Negotiation Challenge at Harvard. In this role, she is part of a research team focusing on course development and community building.
Liv van Bon is a medical student at Heidelberg University in Germany. She is currently spending a year in Boston to complete her medical thesis in the Department of Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital. When she’s not in the lab, you’ll likely find her running—a new hobby she picked up since moving to Boston—or exploring one of the many events the city has to offer.
Nandita Suri is an undergraduate student studying International Affairs, German and Russian at the University of Georgia. Her research focuses on cultural integration, European ethnic minorities, and how German hip-hop reflects social identity and cultural patterns.
Nandita’s interest in German-American relations began with her involvement at Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta and grew during time spent in Germany as a recipient of the Congress-Bundestag Vocational Youth Exchange scholarship (CBYX Vocational), as well as at the American-German Institute in Washington, DC. In her free time, Nandita enjoys listening to German rap, hiking, and watercolor painting.
Sandrina holds a BA in Political Science / Governance & Public Policy, providing her with a solid foundation in governance and a keen understanding of security policy and its challenges. Her interest in security policy is evident in her professional experience, having gained practical insights into foreign and security policy in the defense sector. These experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced at both national and international levels.
Sandrina now works in the defense & security sector, where she focuses on strategic foresight, military cooperation, and transatlantic security relations. Her role allows her to engage with key stakeholders in government, industry, and international organizations, contributing to policy analysis and defense innovation. In her spare time, she enjoys reading anything she can get her hands on and playing the saxophone.
Sebastian Buck is a McCloy Fellow and Master in Public Policy student at Harvard Kennedy School, where he focuses on sustainable supply chain legislation. His work explores how legal frameworks can protect human rights without undermining economic competitiveness. He earned his B.A. in Political Science at Freie Universität Berlin and the University of California. Alongside his studies, he held internships with the UN and the Health Action Coordinating Committee. Sebastian began his career at McKinsey & Company, where he focused on public sector and corporate social responsibility projects. A formative chapter in his career was his time in Africa, where he helped build a new public health agency focused on crisis preparedness. He co-hosted the Spacemakers podcast, which explores religious trauma in LGBTQIA+ communities. In his free time, he enjoys writing, cooking, and traveling.
Leander Heisterberg is a research engineer specializing in medical technology innovation through a collaborative initiative between Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School and a leading medical device company. His projects range from endoscopic robotics and clinical trial management to the development of simulation models for advanced endoscopic procedures. He describes his motivation as driven by curiosity and impact: "Bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application is what brought me to Boston - I thrive on turning ideas into real-world solutions." Outside of work, Leander has a passion for photography and exhibited one of his artworks "Plasma No. 2473" at an international science art exhibition. In his free time, you may find him hiking through national parks or the Alps, traveling to new destinations, or staying active through various sports like running or cycling.
Alex runs mymun, the world’s largest platform for Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, with a mission to inspire every student to participate in at least one MUN during their studies. Previously, he was a trainee at the European Commission in Brussels, working on European health policies. He holds a Master’s in Engineering and Policy Analysis with a focus on health systems from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. In his free time, Alex enjoys cycling, running, and arguing why Dutch weather is the best.
Thomas is Assistant Professor at the University of Münster and Research Fellow at MIT's Center for Information Systems Research. He completed a Ph.D. in Information Systems at the Hasso Plattner Institute and a dual degree program at the University of St. Gallen and the Rotterdam School of Management. Thomas' work is driven by the idea of bridging theory and practice for impact on issues of digital innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Outside of academia, he is a passionate reader, loves hiking and is currently learning to sail.
I am currently doing my Master's in International Business at Hult. Starting this summer, I will begin my second Master's in Finance at Hult. Before that, I worked in Vienna for a year as an automotive consultant. I am originally from Hamburg, where I also completed my dual bachelor's degree in cooperation with OTTO. I love traveling, whether in groups or alone. Otherwise, I like ballroom dancing and going to concerts or festivals. I'm always open to try out something new. Therefore, I started playing ice hockey in Vienna last year.
Paul is a dentist, medical student and research associate at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, with prior research experience in data science and gene therapy. Beyond clinical research, he is engaged in teaching his dentistry students and holistic patient treatment. Furthermore, he follows transatlantic political discourse with great interest. At the German American Conference, he focuses on curating an inspiring event agenda. In his free time, he enjoys running and skiing in the Alps.
Louisa is a Master of Public Policy student at the Harvard Kennedy School, focusing on security policy and crisis communication. Prior to joining HKS, she gained valuable experience as a Policy Officer at the European External Action Service and NATO Headquarters. Outside of work, Louisa is a board member at be.boosted, an organisation empowering young professionals to find their own leadership style through trainings in communication, negotiation, and group dynamics.
Toni is a medical student at the University of Hamburg. She is particularly passionate about reconstructive microsurgery and hand surgery, hoping to restore physical function in patients with debilitating injuries. Pursuing this aim, she worked at university clinics in Taiwan, Japan and one year as a researcher at Harvard Medical School. Toni likes to spend her leisure time with sports like running, cycling and swimming but also likes to paint.
Kai is a PhD student in the Organizational Behavior Unit at Harvard Business School. His research explores the challenges people face in developing and sustaining their passion over time without burning out. A dedicated fan of the GAC, Kai has held various leadership roles over the years, including Head of Communications in 2022, Co-Chair in 2023, and Head of US Outreach in 2024. In his current role as Chief of Staff, he is focused on enhancing team processes, knowledge transfer, and collaboration throughout the organizing process.
Luis is a PhD student researcher in Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund. Previously, he obtained master's degrees from the University of Freiburg, Germany, and the University of Strasbourg, France, and conducted research at Boston Children's Hospital, supported by the DAAD and the City of Strasbourg. For GAC 2025, he focuses on partnerships with foundations and non-profit organizations, as well as broadening opportunities for students to join the conference.
Nele Rosenkranz is a Master’s student in Industrial Engineering at the Technical University of Braunschweig and an Fulbright Scholar at the University of Rhode Island. Passionate about economic development and emerging technologies, she has gained industry experience at Porsche AG and MHP – A Porsche Company, focusing on supply chain management and connected vehicle technologies. As a dedicated dancer and avid traveler, Nele always thrives on exploring new cultures. She is a scholar of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) and the Volkswagen Master Scholarship. With an optimistic mindset and a deep curiosity for the future of technology, Nele brings both analytical skills and creative energy to every challenge. You can always count on her to bring a smile!
Marco Laube is a Research Associate at the Chair of Strategic Management at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research focuses on the human factor in strategic alliances and M&As.
He has been with McKinsey & Company as a Consultant and is currently on educational leave.
He holds a Master’s in Analytics and Management from London Business School, as well as Bachelor's degrees in Mathematics and Industrial Engineering & Management from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Beyond research, Marco enjoys running, skiing, and coding side projects.
Madeleine recently graduated, holding a Master of Science in Media & Design Management from the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences in Wiesbaden, Germany. Her research focused on serious games for social awareness about intimate partner violence and digital applications for supporting caregivers and relatives of dementia patients. Previously, she explored strategies for enhancing sustainability in corporate environments. She has gained experience in UX design, executive production and marketing strategy, working with companies across web development, branding, and media production. Beyond her professional pursuits, Madeleine is passionate about arts and crafts, photography and equestrian sports.
Jeff Zhou is a current graduate student at the Harvard Kennedy School pursuing his Master of Public Policy, with a background in venture capital and public-private partnerships. Previously, he served as Head of Investor Relations and Portfolio Operations at Untapped Ventures, where he led a $22M fundraise and supported a portfolio of 32 startups. Before that, Jeff worked at Allocations and 208 Seed Ventures, helping streamline investment workflows. In public service, Jeff serves as Regional Director at The Borgen Project, where he mobilizes advocates and meets with congressional offices to promote global anti-poverty efforts. He also volunteers as a peer counselor with Empower Work and Crisis Text Line. A regular contributor to the Young Diplomats Society and the Sierra Club, Jeff writes on topics ranging from Middle East politics to climate resilience. Outside of work, he enjoys piano, rugby, and military history.
Clemens is a final-year medical student from Munich with a strong interest in cardiology, particularly in imaging and translational research. He is currently completing a research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he works on intravascular imaging and inflammation in atherosclerosis. His academic career has included experiences in the UK and Egypt, which have shaped his perspective on medicine and research in an international context. Clemens aspires to become an interventional cardiologist and is passionate about combining clinical work with scientific inquiry. In his free time, he enjoys long-distance running, playing the violin, and tennis.
Orest Tkach is studying Business Information Technology and Digital Media and is currently writing his bachelor’s thesis at Porsche, where he focuses on improving development, change, and release management processes in the context of international joint ventures. He is passionate about technology and its potential to create positive impact in society. Orest is also deeply committed to fostering transatlantic relations, contributing through his involvement with the Fulbright Germany alumni association and the Youth Advisory Council of the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. Outside of work and studies, he enjoys swimming, running, and catching up with friends over a good coffee.
Miriam Sawczyc, 26, holds a double master’s degree in Financial Management and International Management, having studied in both Thailand and Germany. Her academic and professional journey has taken her across four continents, allowing her to develop a strong global perspective and adaptability. She gained experience at Michelin and Amazon before co-founding her cybersecurity startup in 2024, after discovering her passion for innovation and entrepreneurship through participating in idea competitions. Miriam loves taking on new challenges - both professionally and in her free time. She enjoys staying active and trying different sports, with kitesurfing and salsa dancing being her favorites. What excites her most is traveling, connecting with people from around the world, and the opportunity to keep learning.
Laura Sophie is a 2nd-year Bachelor student in Global Responsibility and Leadership, at the University of Groningen. She holds an Industrial Management Degree from Volkswagen and is an advocate for the German Apprenticeship System. As an Alumni of the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Programme she studied in Washington State, was an Intern in Congress and for RGIT in Washington DC. Besides her studies she worked as a Sustainability Consultant for the IT and Public Sector and is a Member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Since 2017 she has been an Anne Frank Ambassador leading Workshops in german schools about Anne’s story, the 2nd world war and antisemitism. She is very much passionate about politics, art and vegan cooking & baking!
Philip is a senior Computer Engineering and Physics major at Tufts University. Coming from Chicago, Philip seeks to understand the cultural and political differences between the United States and Germany. Previously he interned at Telefónica Germany and did research at the Technical University of Munich. In his free time, Philip enjoys sailing and alpine touring.
Moritz Böttger is a German law student with a focus on the area of Law & Economics. He has gained experience in diplomacy, public affairs, and EU politics through internships at the U.S. Consulate in Hamburg, the European Parliament, and an international communications consultancy. Alongside his studies, he serves as a student group leader and leads youth participation projects with Youth Lead the Change Germany. Outside of academics, he enjoys rock climbing and cycling.
