LUKAS ERLE
I am a researcher, PhD student, and lecturer at Hochschule Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (HRW) in Bottrop, Germany.
I hold a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Applied Cognitive and Media Science from the University of Duisburg-Essen and a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in Human-Machine Interaction from Hochschule Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences.
My research focuses on human-robot interaction, ethical artificial intelligence, human factors, and how we can use technology to improve human life.

Education
Applied Cognitive and Media Science
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
University of Duisburg-Essen
Duisburg, Germany
November 2020 to February 2023
Throughout my Master’s degree, I specifically focused on social media analytics and professional communication, completing courses at the intersection of computer science, information technology, and psychology.
In my Master’s thesis I developed a taxonomy classifying virtual influencers by their most prominent characteristics.
Human-Machine Interaction
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Hochschule Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences
Bottrop, Germany
October 2016 to August 2020
My Bachelor’s degree laid the foundations for my scientific interest. With a variety of courses from computer science, (interface/media) design, and psychology, the study program allowed for an exploration of technical, psychological and creative topics.
In my Bachelor’s thesis I explored which factors influence human decision-making when interacting with a robotic system that offers recommendations.
Work Experience
Hochschule Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences
Research Associate | PhD Student | Lecturer
Hochschule Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences
Bottrop, Germany
Working Group “Human Factors & Gender Studies” (Prof. Dr. Sabrina Eimler, Prof. Dr. Carolin Straßmann)
March 2023 to today
Since March 2023 I am working at Hochschule Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (HRW) as a research associate and lecturer whilst pursuing my PhD.
My teaching focuses on human-machine interaction, applied statistics, and media and communication psychology. I also supervise student projects and Bachelor’s and Master’s theses.
I am part of the RuhrBots project which explores how robots can be integrated into public institutions like libraries, as well as the Erasmus+ funded IDEAL (Integrating Data Analysis and Al in Learning experiences) project.
University of Duisburg-Essen
Research Assistant
University of Duisburg-Essen
Duisburg, Germany
Working Group “Digital Communication & Transformation” (Prof. Dr. Stefan Stieglitz)
July 2022 to February 2023
During the later phases of my Master’s degree, I joined the working group of Prof. Dr. Stieglitz at the University of Duisburg-Essen, supporting the team in teaching and research. During this time, I published two conference papers and assisted in both Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree courses and projects.
IKEA Germany
Customer Service & Shift Supervisor
IKEA Germany, Kaarst branch
Bottrop, Germany
August 2016 to October 2019 &
May 2020 to July 2022
Throughout most of my education I worked part-time at the Kaarst branch of IKEA Germany. As a customer service co-worker, I assisted customers in checking out their purchase and handling returns. Additionally, I took over shift supervision, managing colleagues and handling money processing.