PD Dr. Nataliia Lazebna, Research Associate / PD Dr. at the TEFL Department, University Würzburg, answers the question "What does diversity at the University of Würzburg mean to you?"

The university of Würzburg is really diverse actually. Yes, it’s like a colourful patchwork of different researchers and students come together. And of course different job opportunities and research activities are offered. And one of the perfect examples is the publication of the book, edited by me and my colleague from India, „Studies in Modern English“, published by Würzburg university press. And it combines a collection of papers from people and authors all around the world, from India, Nigeria and Brazil. And this university made these voices sound loudly.

PD Dr. Nataliia Lazebna, Research Associate / PD Dr. at the TEFL Department, University Würzburg, answers the question "What were prospects or challenges in the course of your (professional) life?"

Of course, on my way to my professional development, one of the biggest challenges was a life-work-balance in between my research career and parenthood, because I have two children. But I have always been surrounded by my family, my friends and my colleagues, who have always supported me. And another one is gender-age-prejudices at the workplace or in the academia. Sometimes women come across different challenges in this area.

PD Dr. Nataliia Lazebna, Research Associate / PD Dr. at the TEFL Department, University Würzburg, answers the question "Who or what has supported or positively influenced you in your actions?"

At the university of Würzburg, I have two great supporters by Prof. Dr. Maria Eisenmann and Prof. Dr. Birgitte Burrichter - and their [respective] teams of the TEFL department and female representative office, for sure. Of course, surrounded by my colleagues, who were always kind and responsive. Because German language environment sometimes is very challenging and intriguing, but still it‘s possible to get through it, with the help of people around you. 

PD Dr. Nataliia Lazebna, Research Associate / PD Dr. at the TEFL Department, University Würzburg, about her vision for the future.

I wish that the university of Würzburg developed even more and in a better way. And it’s really great nowadays, because it‘s a barrier-free surrounding. A lot of people coming from different social and cultural contexts. And I wish in the future, even more opportunities and possibilities could be affordable for people from different parts of the world, both researchers and students. And of course it’s about indoor-surroundings, which is barrier-free and convenient for people with disabilities and also for development for professional and educational activities.