Marcus Birkenkrahe

Marcus Birkenkrahe

Associate Professor of Computer and Data Science, E-Learning & Knowledge Management Expert
Batesville, US.

About

Accomplished Professor and interdisciplinary leader with over two decades of expertise in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, E-Learning, and Knowledge Management. Drives innovation in higher education through strategic program development, significant research grants, and extensive publication, bridging complex theoretical frameworks with practical, high-impact applications. Proven ability to lead academic initiatives, foster digital transformation, and deliver measurable results in both university and corporate environments.

Work

Lyon College
|

Associate Professor of Computer and Data Science

Batesville, AR, US

Summary

Led the development and instruction of Computer and Data Science curricula, integrating cutting-edge research in AI and literate programming to enhance student learning outcomes.

Highlights

Secured a 2024 Faculty Summer Research Grant ($2,500) to support the development of a textbook on "Literate Programming" for CRC Press.

Designed and delivered over 15 undergraduate and graduate courses in Computer Science and Data Science, including AI, Machine Learning, and Data Visualization.

Published multiple peer-reviewed articles (e.g., 6 publications in 2024-2025) on Generative AI in research and education, and teaching Data Science with literate programming tools.

Advised and mentored students on AI-related thesis topics, integrating advanced concepts like Process Mining and Blockchain Smart Contracts into practical applications.

Presented 10+ invited talks and workshops at international conferences and universities on topics such as AI in Education, Literate Programming, and Medical AI.

Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin)
|

Professor of Business Information Systems / President's Commissioner for E-Learning

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Summary

Directed strategic e-learning initiatives and taught Business Information Systems, significantly advancing digital education and securing substantial research funding.

Highlights

Served as President's Commissioner for E-Learning for 12 years (2008-2020), overseeing institutional e-learning strategy and implementation.

Co-led and secured over €1 million in German Federal Research Grants for projects focused on developing new learning and teaching modes and an E-Learning Competence Centre.

Headed the E-Learning Competence Centre for 3 years (2017-2020), driving innovation in online teaching methodologies and collaborative platforms.

Published numerous works on e-learning, knowledge management, and digital transformation, including articles on gamified xMOOCs and improving student interaction in flipped classrooms.

Coordinated the SAP ERP Users Group and Research Colloquium, fostering academic and industry collaboration for Bachelor, Master, and PhD students.

Rundstedt & Partner GmbH
|

Senior Executive Coach

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Summary

Provided executive coaching services to senior leaders, facilitating professional development and strategic decision-making.

Highlights

Coached numerous senior executives, leveraging expertise in organizational dynamics and leadership development.

Applied humanistic-systemic therapy principles to enhance executive performance and team cohesion.

Facilitated strategic workshops focused on change management and organizational learning for diverse clients.

Contributed to client success by improving communication and problem-solving skills among leadership teams.

Berlin School of Economics
|

Lecturer

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Summary

Delivered specialized lectures and conducted seminars for students in various business programs.

Highlights

Taught advanced topics in business and management to undergraduate students.

Developed engaging course materials and assessment methods to facilitate student learning.

Provided academic guidance and support, contributing to student success and retention.

Integrated real-world business cases into lectures to enhance practical understanding of complex concepts.

Change Partnership GmbH
|

Partner

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Summary

Managed key client relationships and contributed to strategic consulting projects focused on organizational change.

Highlights

Developed and implemented change management strategies for corporate clients.

Collaborated with senior management to identify strategic objectives and overcome organizational challenges.

Facilitated workshops and training sessions on effective change processes.

Contributed to business development and client acquisition efforts, expanding the firm's portfolio.

Independent Coach, Consultant and Speaker
|

Independent Professional

Summary

Provided expert coaching, consulting, and speaking engagements across various industries, leveraging interdisciplinary knowledge.

Highlights

Delivered tailored coaching to individuals and teams, focusing on professional development and strategic thinking.

Consulted for organizations on knowledge management and business process optimization.

Presented at conferences and corporate events as a thought leader on emerging trends and best practices.

Developed customized solutions to address specific client challenges, enhancing operational efficiency.

University of Auckland Business School
|

Visiting Professor of Knowledge Management

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

Summary

Taught and researched knowledge management, earning recognition for significant academic contributions.

Highlights

Awarded 'Best Paper in 2002' by the University of Auckland Business Review Editorial Board, recognizing impactful research.

Developed and delivered advanced courses in knowledge management for business students.

Conducted research on how large multi-nationals manage knowledge, publishing findings in academic journals.

Mentored graduate students on research projects related to information systems and organizational learning.

Shell International Ltd.
|

Knowledge Manager / Senior Strategist / Senior Advisor in Corporate Information Technology

London, England, UK

Summary

Managed global knowledge initiatives, developed strategic frameworks, and advised on corporate IT, driving efficiency and innovation across multinational operations.

Highlights

Directed knowledge management strategies for Shell Finance Services and Shell Services Int., improving information flow across global teams.

Formulated strategic plans as Senior Strategist, contributing to long-term business objectives and competitive advantage.

Advised on corporate information technology initiatives, optimizing IT infrastructure and adoption for business needs.

Authored and co-authored publications on building knowledge communities within Shell, including 'KMunity' and 'Building Knowledge Communities'.

Accenture
|

Director of Knowledge Management / Specialist, Centre for Professional Education

London, England, UK

Summary

Led knowledge management initiatives and contributed to professional education programs, enhancing organizational learning and development.

Highlights

Directed knowledge management strategies, developing systems and processes for capturing and sharing organizational knowledge.

Designed and delivered specialized training programs for professional education, improving staff capabilities.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate knowledge management best practices into consulting engagements.

Contributed to thought leadership in knowledge management, shaping internal and external perspectives on the field.

DESY
|

Postdoctoral Fellow Research Associate

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Summary

Conducted advanced postdoctoral research in theoretical physics, contributing to high-energy physics studies.

Highlights

Performed complex research as a Postdoctoral Fellow, advancing understanding in theoretical physics.

Collaborated on scientific projects, contributing to data analysis and experimental design.

Published research findings in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing the academic body of knowledge.

Utilized advanced computational methods to simulate and analyze physical phenomena.

University of Hamburg
|

Research Associate, Institute for Theoretical Physics

Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

Summary

Conducted fundamental research in theoretical physics, culminating in a PhD and numerous publications.

Highlights

Authored a Dissertation on "Object-Oriented, Literate Design of a Multigrid Toolkit for Lattice Gauge Theory Simulations," comprising 181 pages.

Published multiple papers in leading physics journals, including contributions on neural multigrid for gauge theories.

Developed and applied advanced computational models for complex physics simulations.

Collaborated with international research teams on projects related to lattice gauge theory and effective field theories.

Education

University of Hamburg
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

PhD

Physics

University of Hamburg
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

Diploma (Master)

Physics

Gelehrtenschule des Johanneums
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

Abitur (High School Diploma)

General Studies

Awards

International E-Learning Awards, Honourable Mention

Awarded By

The International E-Learning Association

Recognized for significant contributions and innovation in the field of e-learning.

International E-Learning Awards, Honourable Mention

Awarded By

The International E-Learning Association

Acknowledged for excellence and innovative practices in e-learning development and implementation.

Talent Pool Award

Awarded By

WiWi Online, Germany

Awarded for outstanding talent and contributions in the field of business and economics.

'Best Paper in 2002'

Awarded By

University of Auckland Business Review, Editorial Board

Recognized for publishing the most impactful and significant paper in the journal for the year 2002.

TRACS Fellowship

Awarded By

Human Capital and Mobility Programme of the CEC

Granted a prestigious fellowship for research in human capital and mobility.

'Best Educational Service' and 'Best Campus-Wide Information System'

Awarded By

Organising Committee of the 1st WWW Conference

Awarded for pioneering contributions to educational services and campus information systems on the early World Wide Web.

DAAD/IAESTE Fellowship

Awarded By

Technical University of Delft

Received a fellowship for international exchange and research at Delft University of Technology.

Fellow

Awarded By

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

Awarded a fellowship for academic excellence and research potential.

Publications

Generative AI in Research: Tool, Muse, Or Mirror?

Published by

Proc. 18th Annual Int. Conf. on Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2025)

Summary

Explores the multifaceted role of Generative AI in the research process, examining its potential as a tool, muse, or mirror for academic inquiry.

Generative AI Tools in Higher Education: A Case Study of Student Usage At A Small Liberal Arts College

Published by

Proc. 19th Int. Technology, Education and Development Conf (INTED25)

Summary

Presents a case study on the adoption and impact of Generative AI tools among students at a liberal arts college, assessing its influence on learning and academic output.

Truth Matters: Generative AI as Muse or Tool in the Research Process

Published by

International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering Research

Summary

Analyzes the implications of Generative AI on research integrity and the pursuit of truth, distinguishing its functions as an inspirational muse versus a practical tool.

Automated Assessments of Artefacts using Artificial Intelligence

Published by

Proc. 17th Annual Int. Conf. on Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2024)

Summary

Investigates the application of Artificial Intelligence for automated assessment of educational artifacts, exploring its potential for efficiency and objectivity in evaluation.

The Role of AI Coding Assistants: Revisiting the Need for Literate Programming in Computer and Data Science Education

Published by

Proc. 18th Int. Technology, Education and Development Conf (INTED24)

Summary

Examines the evolving role of AI coding assistants in computer and data science education, re-evaluating the importance of literate programming in this new landscape.

Teaching Data Science with Literate Programming Tools

Published by

Digital

Summary

Details an effective methodology for teaching data science using literate programming tools, enhancing clarity and reproducibility in educational settings.

Development of a Usability Testing Procedure for Process Mining Tools

Published by

International Journal of Data Science

Summary

Outlines a systematic procedure for usability testing of process mining tools, contributing to improved user experience and wider adoption in data analysis.

Teaching Data Science in a Synchronous Online Introductory Course at a Business School - A Case Study

Published by

Innovations in Learning and Technology for the Workplace and Higher Education. TLIC 2021. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Summary

Presents a case study on teaching data science in a synchronous online format at a business school, highlighting effective strategies and outcomes for remote learning.

Languages

English
German

Certificates

Certificate Psychodrama Leader and Gestalt Therapist

Issued By

Institute for Humanistic-Systemic Therapy, Berlin

Certificate in Creative Group-work

Issued By

Southbank University, London, UK

Certificate in Counselling

Issued By

Southbank University, London, UK

Rogerian Counselling

Issued By

Hendon College, London, UK

Skills

Programming Languages

C++, Python, R, SQL, SQLite.

Data Science & Analytics

Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Physics-Informed Machine Learning, Generative AI, LLMs, Data Visualization, Power BI, Statistical Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Modelling, Process Mining.

E-Learning & Educational Technology

E-Learning Strategy, Curriculum Development, Online Teaching, Blended Learning, MOOCs, Moodle, Literate Programming, AI Coding Assistants, Digital Transformation, Learning Technologies, Gamification.

Knowledge Management

Knowledge Management Systems, Organizational Learning, Information Systems, Strategic Planning, Change Management, Business Information Systems.

Operating Systems & Tools

Linux, Raspberry Pi, Emacs, Org-mode, GitHub.

Consulting & Leadership

Executive Coaching, Strategic Consulting, Project Management, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Cross-functional Collaboration, Business Process Management, Decision-Making Techniques.

Research & Academia

Academic Research, Publication, Grant Writing, Higher Education Administration, Postdoctoral Research, Theoretical Physics, Lattice Gauge Theory, Neural Multigrid Methods.

Projects

Literate Programming Textbook Development

Summary

Research and development towards authoring a book on "Literate Programming" for CRC Press (Taylor & Francis).

Development of New Modes of Learning and Teaching & E-Learning Competence Centre

Summary

Project Co-Lead for a German Federal Research Grant focused on enhancing teaching methods and establishing an E-Learning Competence Centre.

Blended Learning Program Development

Summary

Project Co-Lead for a German Federal Research Grant focusing on the implementation and optimization of blended learning strategies.

Project and Knowledge Management for SMEs

Summary

Project Lead for a German Federal Research Grant on IT-supported project and knowledge management in multicultural environments for SMEs.

Skills and Knowledge Transfer Using New Media and Web 2.0

Summary

Project Lead for a European Social Fund grant on skills and knowledge transfer in academic and professional settings using new media and Web 2.0 technologies.