Upcoming Academics

Lea Schwehn (26) is a member of staff in the Wiesbaden Business School faculty at Hochschule RheinMain (HSRM) and is obtaining a doctorate through the Mobility and Logistics Doctoral Center (PMLZ), which is run jointly by Hochschule RheinMain, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and Hochschule Fulda. She previously studied International Marketing (M. Sc.) and International Business Administration (B. A.).

Since January 2022, Schwehn has been employed at HSRM as a member of staff working on a doctorate as part of the Strukt_WiN project. "I work in the Wiesbaden Business School faculty and am obtaining a doctorate in the field of sustainable mobility - particularly from the perspective of corporate mobility management," explains Schwehn. She is particularly interested in how companies can sustainably change the mobility behavior of their employees and at the same time increase the attractiveness of the company. "In times like these, companies in particular should take responsibility, including in terms of environmental protection," is one of her theses. However, many have reached their limits when it comes to the practical implementation of suitable measures. The title of her doctoral thesis is: "Corporate Mobility Management: Understanding the Effects of Attractive and Successful Mobility and Transportation Offerings on Employees." The results of the doctoral thesis are intended to be recommendations for action that can be integrated into the corporate strategies of companies in order to create added value for employees and the environment.

Doctorate with a lot of practical relevance, company contacts and good networking

Lea Schwehn decided to do her doctorate at HSRM because she had already completed her bachelor's degree at a higher education institution. "I love the direct practical relevance and the company contacts that I've been able to use for my research thanks to HSRM's good networking, which is priceless," she says about the advantages of a doctorate at HSRM. It is also an important and healthy balance for her to be able to establish a practical connection to the "real world" when she deals intensively with theories and models on a daily basis. "This gives my research a deeper meaning, practical added value and strengthens my motivation time and time again," says Schwehn.

It is important to her that her work makes a positive contribution to society and the environment. "What excites me about my research is that I can take the interests of different parties into account and address them with my findings. It's a lot of fun to be in contact with lots of different people. If there's one thing I can already say, it's that mobility connects people," says Schwehn, sharing her enthusiasm for her research topic.

Exchange is important

Contact with other doctoral students is also important to Schwehn. This admits that setbacks can be dealt with and overcome. "I think it's important that these low points are also communicated openly. Obtaining a doctorate is no walk in the park, but sharing this experience can be a very valuable motivator," she reflects on the process.

Plans for the future

Lea Schwehn's plans for the future are just as ambitious as obtaining a doctorate. She is currently founding a purpose start-up with friends. "That's where I see myself in the future," she says, "ultimately I want to invest in something that makes a positive contribution to our planet."