European master in Computer Science for the Human-Centric and Sustainable Industry

I am currently a Professor for Data Science at the University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, a position I have held since 2018. Prior to this, from 2016 to 2018, I served as the Team Leader and Product Manager for public administration at Dataport AöR in Kiel, gaining valuable experience in leading teams and managing products tailored for the public sector.

In 2016, I earned my Dr.-Ing. in Computer Science from the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, marking a significant academic achievement. Before that, from 2013 to 2016, I worked as a Doctoral Assistant and Lecturer at the Department of Computer Science, contributing to both research and teaching.

My professional journey began in industry, where I worked as a Software Engineer and Project Manager at CROSSSOFT. GmbH in Kiel from 2010 to 2012. This practical experience in software development and project management complemented my academic background.

In the earlier years of my career, from 2008 to 2010, I served as a Research Associate at the Department of Computer Science, laying the foundation for my academic pursuits. I completed my formal education in 2008, earning a Diploma in Computer Science from the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel.

This diverse background has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of data science, blending academic rigor with practical insights gained through industry engagement over the years.

Since 2020, I have been serving as an Executive Board Member at Troc Circle, contributing to strategic decision-making and organizational leadership. Simultaneously, since 2017, I hold the position of Professor for Business Informatics at Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hamburg (HAW Hamburg), where I play a pivotal role in educating and shaping the future professionals in the field.

My extensive expertise is further demonstrated by my role as a Senior Consultant (Of Counsel) at EBS GmbH WPG StBG since 2016. In this capacity, I provide valuable insights and guidance, leveraging my wealth of experience.

From 2014 to 2017, I held the position of Professor for Business Intelligence and ERP Systems at Fachhochschule Wedel, contributing to the academic discourse and fostering a comprehensive understanding of these critical areas.

Prior to my academic roles, from 2011 to 2014, I served as a Research Assistant at the University of Hamburg, engaging in scholarly pursuits and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in my field.

My professional journey began in earnest from 2005 to 2011, where I worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Hamburg. During this period, I functioned as a manager and authorized representative, specializing in system and process assurance. My responsibilities included advising and auditing business and IT management processes, showcasing my proficiency in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of organizational operations.

From 1994 to 1999, I began my professional journey as a Researcher at CAU Kiel, laying the groundwork for my academic and research-oriented career. Subsequently, from 1999 to 2009, I transitioned to a dynamic role as Global Client Principal and Managing Consultant at Hewlett Packard Global Services, where I played a pivotal role in providing strategic consultancy to clients on a global scale.

In 2009, I embarked on a new chapter as a Full Professor at Jade University of Applied Sciences, bringing my wealth of industry experience into the academic realm. Since 2009, I have continued to contribute significantly to academia as a Professor for Databases and Information Systems at HAW Hamburg, where I engage in shaping the educational landscape.

Beyond my academic roles, from 2011 to 2015, I dedicated myself to matters of National Security and German-USA Cooperation, serving on the Federal Scientific Advisory Board on Civil Defense and Disaster Protection. This experience allowed me to contribute my expertise to critical issues of national importance.

Since 2014, I have taken on the role of Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at HAW Hamburg, showcasing my commitment to leadership and administration within the academic community.

Expanding my global impact, since 2019, I have held the position of Adjunct Professor at the School of Life Sciences and School of Computer Science at the Nelson-Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Tanzania, furthering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Prof. Dr. Zhen Ru Dai's academic and professional journey is a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field of computer science. She began her studies in computer science in Lübeck and earned her doctorate at the Frauenhofer FOKUS institute in Berlin. Following this, her career path took her through various positions in the business sector, both in Germany and abroad, including roles at companies such as Philips Hamburg, Siemens Basel, and Nokia Helsinki.

In 2009, Prof. Dr. Zhen Ru Dai was appointed as a professor of system and software engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at HAW Hamburg. Since then, she has been actively involved in teaching, particularly in the Mechatronics and Computer Science for Technical Systems degree courses.

Recognizing her extensive experience and contributions to internationalizing computer science, Prof. Dr. Zhen Ru Dai assumed the role of vice dean for international affairs in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science on April 1. Her notable achievements in this realm include serving as the International Affairs Officer of the Department of Computer Science from 2018 to 2023, where she also coordinated the "European Computer Science (ECS)" study program.

Prior to her current role, Prof. Dr. Dai held positions such as public relations officer of the Department of Computer Science (2009-2018) and Process Manager at Philips Medical Systems, Hamburg (2008-2009). Her research career includes roles as a Junior and Senior Researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS) from 2003 to 2009 and as a research assistant at the Telematics Institute, University of Lübeck, from 2000 to 2003.

Additionally, Prof. Dr. Dai gained valuable international experience through positions at Nokia in Helsinki, Finland, in 1999, and Siemens in Basel, Switzerland, in 1998. Throughout her diverse career, she has consistently contributed to the advancement of computer science, both in academia and industry.