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KLU Best Dissertation Award for Dr. Johanna Schnier and Prof. Dr. Rafael Escamilla

This year’s KLU Best Dissertation award was presented to two joint laureates: Dr. Johanna Schnier and Prof. Dr. Rafael Escamilla. Dr. Johanna Schnier was recognized for her dissertation on "Idea Evaluation in Science and Innovation." Dr. Rafael Escamilla, currently an Assistant Professor at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, was recognized for his dissertation on "Managing the Nanostore Supply Chain." The award is provided by the esteemed Dr. Friedrich Jungheinrich Foundation and includes a cash component of 1,000 euros. It was officially presented during the KLU Graduation Festivities on September 20.

“I am deeply honored to have received this prize for my dissertation. This recognition means a great deal to me and reflects the exceptional support and environment that KLU provided”, says Johanna Schnier. “KLU offered me an excellent research environment. Reflecting on my decision to join KLU, I realize it was the best choice I could have made, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided”, she continues, “A pivotal aspect was the exceptional supervision I received from Christina Raasch. Her guidance throughout my PhD journey was instrumental, as she not only taught me important research skills but also provided crucial strategic advice. I remain profoundly grateful to KLU and will always cherish my connection to it.”

Her fellow award-winner, Rafael Escamilla, adds: “I feel incredibly honored to receive this award, jointly with my former colleague and friend, Johanna Schnier. I have nothing but gratitude for KLU’s faculty, PhD cohort and staff, as well as the Kühne Foundation, who helped me achieve so many wonderful milestones throughout my PhD journey. Finally, I would like to thank Prof. Jan Fransoo, Prof. Prisca Brosi and my co-authors for their mentorship and highly positive attitude.”

Andreas Jansen, Chair of the Board at the Dr. Friedrich Jungheinrich Foundation

Andreas Jansen, Chairman of the Board of the Dr. Friedrich Jungheinrich Foundation

“It is a special honour for us to be able to award two young scientists this year,” says Andreas Jansen, Chair of the Board at the Dr. Friedrich Jungheinrich Foundation. “Dr. Schnier is dedicated to the fascinating topic of innovation and has made a special contribution to previously unexplored scientific questions. Her work is characterized by a high degree of originality. In his work, Prof. Dr. Escamilla has demonstrated an extremely comprehensive understanding of the most recent and advanced econometric techniques available in the field of operations management. Added to this is his outstanding ability to involve industry partners in his research.”

Originality, novelty and outstanding abilities

The jury commended the dissertation of Johanna Schnier for its exceptional originality and innovation. Her work introduces new concepts that significantly alter the way the discipline views idea generation and evaluation. All three papers of her dissertation meet the standards required for publication in top-tier journals. Johanna is currently a postdoctoral student at Copenhagen Business School.

The jury highlighted Rafael Escamilla's extensive, in-depth understanding and hands-on skills for the most recent and advanced econometric techniques available in Operations Management. This is combined with an outstanding ability to interact with industry partners. Rafael Escamilla has accepted the position of Assistant Professor at Arizona State University.

 

 

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