GCE Student Board 
Who are we?
The Student Board is a group of students from the Global Change Ecology Master Program elected on an annual basis by the GCE student body.
We are a bridge of communication between students, alumni, lecturers and GCE coordination. This bridge plays a central role during the study program, as it supports students, facilitates information and deals with relevant academic or social issues.
The Student Board participates in official activities from the faculty together with Student Councils of Geosciences.
Which are our tasks?
The Student Board is active in various aspects of the study program. Among others, we are in charge of events, such as:
- Welcome Weekend: get-to-know weekend for the incoming students. Takes place usually at the start of the winter semester.
- Alumni Weekend: informal exchange of current students, lectures, and GCE Alumni.
- Extracurricular workshops, initiatives, forums, together with students from other degrees.
- Organizing fireside chats with external experts.
About GCE Student Board 2025
This year, the Student Board consists of four members: Oxana Pihut, Tristan Kuhlmann, Puja Baht and Timo Matheis.
Oxana Pihut (oxana.pihut@uni-bayreuth.de): I'm Oxana, born and raised in Moldova - a small country with big hospitality (and even bigger plates of mamaliga). I started out in nursing, but somewhere along the way I swapped hospital shifts for biology labs and ended up doing my Bachelor's in biology. A bit of a plot twist, but hey, life keeps on being interesting. When I'm not studying, you probably find me off exploring - whether it's a cozy little town or just the nearest café with good coffee and a book in my hand. I like to think I'm collecting experiences - or at least excuses to avoid staying in one place too long. I'm looking forward to meeting you all!
Tristan Kuhlmann (tristan.kuhlmann@uni-bayreuth.de): I'm Tristan, 24 and basically grew up just around the conner (in Nuremberg) - I'd say I'm a local, but you know upper Franconians would probably disagree. I studied Geography and Meteorology in Innsbruck. After spending four Years in the mountains, surely my heart still lays there, and therefore you can always find me outdoors, skiing, hiking or climbing - whatever is on the menu. My passions are centered around the weather/climate and urban ecology, so if you ever want to talk about weird clouds that you saw or new urban greening techniques, hit me up ! I'm keen on meeting you all!
Puja Baht (pbhat0030@gmail.com): Hey im Puja Bhat, I come from the country of Mount Everest, Nepal. I hold my bachelor's in Botany from Tri-Chadndra Multiple Campus. Growing up witnessing the catastrophes of global warming, inspired me to pursue a master's in Globals Change Ecology. My idea is to explore adaptation strategies that are well-suited for Nepal. Other than academics, I like to play Volleyball, hike, read books and bake in my free time.
Timo Matheis (timo.matheis@uni-bayreuth.de): I’m Timo, 25, and hail from the far west of Germany. My background is in Geography, which I pursued for my bachelor’s at the University of Bonn and Stony Brook University. I’m especially interested in the intersection of society and our environment, as well as spatial modeling and monitoring. Besides uni, I enjoy hiking, exploring new places, going to the gym, cooking and concerts. I look forward to being a part of the GCE student board this semester and getting to know all current GCEers and Alumni!
For more information about us & all GCE current students: GCE Students
Contact
We are open and happy to hear from you with ideas, suggestions, or general concerns about living in Bayreuth, the Master Degree, course-specific issues, and creative initiatives to improve YOUR GCE experience!
Questions, concerns and ideas are always welcome at: gce-studentboard@uni-bayreuth.de