Mr. Lehnert, what are you currently working on?

In addition to the "day-to-day business" of correcting term papers and bachelor's theses and planning the upcoming semester, I am writing a few papers on the motif of "firsts" in children's and youth media, on mobility in eco-narratives, and on German rap for children. I am also editing an anthology on idylls and places of longing in children's and youth literature and media. Due to the decentralized administration system at the University of Bremen, there is always plenty to do: as a representative on the Faculty Council or module coordinator, for example.

Why did you decide on a career path as a (senior) researcher / lecturer?

Experience has shown that the need for longer qualification publications means that there is (too) little time left for teaching (including teaching that reflects university didactics). However, working with students, even beyond the minimum level of knowledge transfer, is extremely important and usually a great pleasure. Lecturer positions offer – in addition to future prospects and fair pay – the opportunity to put teaching into practice in the right way. As part of a project, for example, I was able to encourage students to hold their own poster session at a conference, and reviews are currently being revised by students in order to publish them in the relevant specialized portals.

Would you choose this career path again, and if so, why?

Again and again! No longer having to focus your life on gaining further qualifications, publishing papers one after the other, or acquiring third-party funding in order to perhaps get a professorship at some point, which in turn is associated with enormous bureaucratic obligations, is downright liberating – and frees up creativity and commitment on many other levels, at least in my case. This can lead to unusual collaborations, co-teaching projects, or lectures that are sometimes far removed from my focus area or, on a positive note, broaden perspectives. Of course, the answer to this question is prospective insofar as I am still awaiting my positive evaluation, which means my permanent appointment as a senior lecturer is still pending.