With expertise and experience in various specialist areas, we as the DAISEC team bundle diverse know-how for your steps into the digital future. Get to know us better here!
You can find an overview of the whole team on our
team page.
Timo Bartels
Artificial Intelligence Expert
Timo Bartels completed his master's degree in computer science at the TU Braunschweig in 2023. During his studies, he worked in parallel in overall integration at VW Commercial Vehicles. As a doctoral student at the Institute of Communications Engineering, he is currently researching efficient neural networks. In the DAISEC project, Timo Bartels leads the "Deep Dive into Deep Learning" training course.
"Through DAISEC, I have the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and at the same time strengthen Lower Saxony as a business location. My aim is to show that AI is not as complex as it initially seems. With my work, I want to help companies to be able to use this technology."
Niklas Busch
Cybersecurity Expert
Niklas Busch completed his dual study programme in business informatics in 2015, which he completed at an insurance company. He was able to gain valuable insights into the connection between business and IT. He then deepened his knowledge with a master's degree in computer science specialising in IT security. After completing his studies, he spent a year gaining practical experience in business, including at VW Commercial Vehicles. Since then, he has been a PhD student for usable IT security at the CISPA Helmholtz Centre for Information Security and works as a cybersecurity expert at DAISEC.
"Through my experience in business, I know that the practical implementation of IT security measures in companies differs greatly from the theoretical feasibility. There are many more factors and stakeholder interests that need to be taken into account. I am pleased that I can use this knowledge to support companies more effectively in increasing their IT security."
Annika Burkhardt
Manager Marketing and Communications
Annika Burkhardt has been Manager for Communication and Strategy at the L3S Research Center since 2021 and is responsible for funding and research projects, primarily with a focus on AI for manufacturing SMEs. Previously, after completing her master's degree, she worked in a manufacturing enterprise and in an innovation network in the areas of communication, event management and project management. At DAISEC, she is responsible for communication and marketing.
"Having worked with companies from various industries, I know that the path to secure, digitalized work processes is not always easy. DAISEC supports our regional companies in taking the first steps and approaching AI and IT security according to their own needs. In doing so, we are picking up SMEs where they stand and make their digital development easier."
Karl Hilbig
Expert on 3D printing
Karl Hilbig is the head of the “Additive Manufacturing Technologies” working group at the Institute of Design Engineering at TU Braunschweig. Within the DAISEC project, he is responsible for 3D printing.
"Within DAISEC, I see myself as a knowledge broker for 3D printing. I will show you the potential and possible applications of different 3D printing manufacturing processes in your production environment. My aim is to support you in the development of innovative products, to integrate new production methods into your production and to increase the variety of your product range through the use of 3D printing."
Leonie Hormig
Expert in Digital Transformation
Leonie Hormig completed her master's degree in economics in 2022. At the Institute for Production Engineering and Machine Tools at Leibniz University Hannover, she supports small and medium-sized enterprises in the areas of artificial intelligence and digitalization at the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Hannover and DAISEC. At the interface between research and practice, she translates scientific findings into practical applications.
"It has always been important to me to use the knowledge I learned in my studies as well as my practical experience to make a positive contribution to society. Through DAISEC, I have the opportunity to support Lower Saxony companies in strengthening their competitiveness as well as technology and knowledge transfer and to make them fit for the future."
Christian Kalfar
Expert for Artificial Intelligence
Christian Kalfar completed his master's degree in computer science with a focus on data science at Leibniz University Hannover with honors at the end of 2024. During his studies, he worked as a student assistant for several years. In 2023, he spent six months supporting a research group in the field of mechanical engineering in Japan, where he conducted applied research in the field of machine vision. Since early 2025, Christian Kalfar has been part of the DAISEC team as an AI expert. At the same time, he is pursuing a doctorate at the L3S Research Center on foundation models with a special focus on their development and application in time series analysis.
“AI is increasingly changing areas of life and work, and it is important to shape this development responsibly. In the DAISEC, we support companies and public authorities in using technological advances in AI safely and purposefully. As an AI expert, I consider it my task to translate scientific findings into applicable solutions, thereby bridging the gap between research and practice.”
Kevin Klefoth
Expert for AI Technologies in Automation
Kevin Klefoth completed a bachelor's degree in engineering informatics and a master's degree in sensor and automation technology at Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts. While still a student, he worked as a software developer at Bertrandt, where he was involved in research and pre-development for the automotive industry, particularly in the areas of IoT, smart homes, smart cities, and smart charging. His master's thesis focused on AI-supported image recognition for analyzing road conditions. In the DAISEC project, he is an expert in AI technologies in automation.
“I want to show that artificial intelligence is not a black box. If you understand how it works, you can use it in a targeted way—and that's exactly what I want to help companies do: so that we don't just talk about AI, but actively use it and help shape it.”
Dr. Alexander Krause
Cybersecurity Expert
Dr. Alexander Krause completed his doctorate in Usable Security at Leibniz University Hannover with very good in 2025. His research focuses on developers' handling of code secrets, bridging the gap between legal compliance requirements and code secret leakage challenges, examining challenges in maintaining current cryptographic implementations that protect user secrets, and analyzing user experience of password updates and their automation capabilities through password managers. Additionally, he conducts measurement studies and research in organizational security. He is particularly fascinated by the deployment and risks of AI, especially Large Language Models (LLMs).
"AI and LLMs promise tremendous opportunities for innovation - but hype should never replace critical thinking. At DAISEC, we believe that responsible AI adoption means understanding the risks before deploying the technology. Security and privacy cannot be afterthoughts in the AI era; they must be foundational principles from day one."
Renata Latka
Expert for Digital Transformation
In 2023, Renata Latka successfully completed her Master's degree in International Management & Consultancy, gaining extensive knowledge in organizational behavior, business development and change management. In business development parallel to her studies, she supported the city in various areas to make it more attractive. With deepened knowledge and strengthened skills in business development, she now strives to bring practical approaches to the Lower Saxony business sector and promote the sustainable development of companies.
"It is important to me to pass on my expertise to companies and thus contribute to making Lower Saxony's companies more resilient and future-oriented. In particular, I rely on targeted support from digital tools to implement effective solutions and enable sustainable progress."
Julian Laue
Artificial Intelligence Expert
Julian Laue completed his master's degree in computer science at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences this year with a grade of 1.3. Parallel to his studies, he worked in a research group at the university for two years, specializing in the automatic detection of vertebral body fractures. In addition to his work as an AI expert in the DAISEC, Julian is now conducting research on language models as a PhD student, with a special focus on the security of chatbots.
"As an AI expert, I also see myself as a kind of 'educator': many people believe that artificial intelligence is only accessible to large tech companies or that AI systems are fundamentally dangerous and uncontrollable. This is where I do valuable educational work through my profession."
Lena Osterkamp
Expert in AI technologies in manufacturing
Lena Osterkamp successfully completed her master's degree in “Production and Logistics” at Leibniz University Hannover in 2025. As part of her master's thesis, she investigated the predictive power of machine learning models for various material demand patterns and discovered the possibilities of AI in data analysis for herself. As a research assistant at the Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Machine Tools at LUH, she now wants to deepen and expand her knowledge and contribute it to DAISEC.
“AI is not only a promise for the future, but can also create tangible added value today. My goal at DAISEC is to work with companies to develop pragmatic AI solutions that deliver quickly tangible benefits.”
Walter Pirk
Expert on craft-specific Requirements for Technology and Innovation Processes
Walter Pirk has been working as a research associate on corporate transformation processes since 1998. His field of work at the Heinz-Piest-Institut für Handwerkstechnik is knowledge and technology transfer. Experience gained through the technological demands on the skilled trades in the areas of laser technology, fuel cells/cogeneration, innovation management and digitalization are the foundation for operational solution strategies in the DAISEC team.
"As an expert in craft-specific requirements for technology and innovation processes, I build a bridge between future-oriented information technology and company-specific solution strategies."
Dr. Alexandra von Preuschen
Cybersecurity Expert
Dr. Alexandra von Preuschen completed her master’s degree in Psychology in 2021. Subsequently, she earned a PhD at the Chair of Business Administration with a focus on Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Management in the field of Human-Centered Security. Her research investigates how people perceive, understand, and apply security measures in everyday life. A particular focus is on how organizations can design a security culture so that employees are not a risk, but the most important resource for resilience and protection. She also examines, among other things, how emotions and attitudes influence the effectiveness of security measures and how training and awareness measures can be tailored to support sustainable behavior.
“Fear is not protective – understanding and empowerment are. People are not the weak link, but the key to resilient cybersecurity. By incorporating emotions, attitudes, and experiences, we create protective measures that actually work. DAISEC relies precisely on this: people as strength, not as risk.”
Prof. Dr. Sarah Rachut
Expert in AI law and data protection
Prof. Dr. Sarah Rachut is an assistant professor of public law, digitalization law, and higher education law at the Technical University of Braunschweig. She previously worked at the Technical University of Munich, where she headed the TUM Center for Digital Public Services, a legal research center. Her research focuses on the intersection of law and technology, with a particular emphasis on the regulation of digital technologies (data (protection) law, IT security law, artificial intelligence law). Sarah Rachut has received several awards for her work, including the Young Leader in GovTech Award from Handelsblatt and Possible, second place as Young Scientist of the Year from academics/DHV, and the Dieter Meurer Prize for Digital Innovation in Law from the EDV-Gerichtstag.
“As part of my work for DAISEC, I want to make the intersection between technology and law easier to understand and use my expertise to show how companies can perceive and use law as a shaping factor.”
Michael Schnaider
Expert in Digital Transformation & Innovation
Michael Schnaider has been overseeing the development of digital technologies for three decades. Since 2012, he has initiated numerous projects that make the use of digital technologies in the business environment more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As managing director of the IT service company Emsland mbH (it.emsland), he bridges the gap between innovative technology and the regional economy. His focus is on guiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) safely and purposefully through the digital transformation. In the DAISEC project, he supports the transfer of AI applications and cybersecurity solutions into business practice.
“Digital technologies are not an end in themselves, but rather the key to our region's competitiveness. With DAISEC, we offer companies access to expert knowledge so that they can understand the opportunities offered by AI and cybersecurity and actively use them for their success.”
Oday Sleem
Expert for Artificial Intelligence
Oday Sleem is an expert specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning. He holds a bachelor's degree in IT with a focus on artificial intelligence from the University of Damascus (Syria) and has in-depth theoretical knowledge and extensive practical experience in the field. In his work, he develops AI-based solutions and intelligent agents, tests new approaches, and evaluates their potential applications for businesses. He works closely with SMEs, teams, and non-technical users, placing particular emphasis on clarity, comprehensibility, and user confidence. He is driven by the continuous development of new technologies and the desire to make complex systems practical and accessible.
“Technology is an open, constantly growing field. To keep pace, we must continuously learn—and help others stay on top of things.”
Armin Stein
Expert in the Use of AI Technologies in SMEs
Armin Stein studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Budapest, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the Technical University of Braunschweig. For over a year, Armin has been supporting companies in the south-east of Lower Saxony with the introduction and utilisation of artificial intelligence. His focus is on the technological application, requirements and concept development as well as the necessary skills for successful implementation in small and medium-sized companies. As a doctoral candidate, he researches innovative strategies and methods for analysing the potential and introduction of AI, particularly in the field of product development. He combines his scientific expertise with practical consulting to provide companies with targeted support in their digital transformation.
"As part of my work at DAISEC, I support companies as a knowledge broker in the successful introduction of AI technologies. I help you to recognise the potential and application possibilities of various AI solutions in your specific environment and to use them in a targeted manner. My aim is to implement innovative AI solutions in your company, identify new fields of application and reduce the workload at the same time. With in-depth expertise and practical advice, I will accompany you on the path to the optimal use of artificial intelligence."
Simon Wagner
Expert for pedagogical and didactical Concepts
Simon has been working at the Institute for Vocational Education and Adult Education at Leibniz University Hannover since 2019. As a social and educational scientist, he focuses on the intersections of technology, ethics, and digitalization. At the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Hannover, he supported companies in the areas of ethics and technology assessment. He brings this experience to DAISEC in the didactic design of training courses, seminars, and online learning formats.
"In this project, I help shape knowledge transfer so that companies receive tailored offers from us. Additionally, I contribute my expertise to provide companies with tools to help them use AI responsibly."
