Candidates for elections at the departments at SU - Kunnskapsbasen
Candidates for elections at the departments at SU
Elections 2025
On this page you will find an overview of the candidates for the elections at the departements at the SU faculty in the spring of 2025.
Elections will be held from June 2 to June 4.
Norsk versjon: Kandidater til valgte organ ved instituttene ved SU | Elections at SU
Department of Geography and Social Anthropology (IGS)
Permanent academic staff
Håkon Fyhn
I am an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology, 54 years old, and have been with the department for 5 years.
I am running to represent the social anthropologists at the department and will especially ensure that our needs and perspectives are heard in the extended leadership group. Anthropologists make up a minority at the department, and it is important that our perspective is not drowned out in standardization processes.
I should mention that in the autumn of 2025 and spring of 2026, I will be on research leave and therefore cannot join the extended leadership group until autumn 2026.
Ståle Angen Rye
Since 2013, I have been employed at the Department of Geography. At IGE/IGS, I have held various roles and responsibilities, including deputy head, program director, member of different committees and boards, and representative on the departmental board. I also have a broad academic network and good connections with other academic environments at NTNU, and I have been in the faculty board.
In the extended leader group, I wish to contribute to a department that prioritizes academic development through high-quality research and education. To achieve this, I believe the department needs greater transparency and openness around key decisions that affect staff. Permanent academic staff are the most important resource for the department’s academic development. The department should therefore be organized around staff who are trusted and supported in their work. I believe it is important to avoid bureaucratization of the university, also at the departmental level. In this way, I believe we can continue to develop the new department into a relevant and important academic environment with something to offer the wider society.
Pascal Emanuel Egli
I am a physical geographer interested in glacier hydrology, natural hazards, and climate adaptation. My PhD was in geography (UNIL, Switzerland), and my Master from ETH Zurich is in Environmental Engineering. I am from Switzerland, and I speak several European languages including intermediate Norwegian. I am also a mountain leader and trail runner. My mindset is that of an athlete, environmentalist, and polyglot. I like to contribute to topics that matter to the community. I prefer to keep meetings short and concise, and get things done in an efficient manner. Working in groups usually provides me with motivation and inspiration. Currently, I am invested in four research projects, of which one is an EU project and two are NRC projects.
I will be representing all the scientific staff at IGS, and I will give a voice to the international scientists. I will listen to the permanent and temporary staff’s needs, ideas, and concerns, and represent them in the extended leadership meetings. My objectives: ensuring that our department’s level in research and teaching increases and is visible on an international level, efficiency in administrative processes, an equal distribution of the teaching load, and an equilibrated study curriculum integrating both qualitative and quantitative subjects.
I served on the institute council at UNIL as a temporary scientific staff and on the faculty council at EPFL when I was a student. I am currently serving on several boards and have experience with leadership meetings and democratic processes.
Temporary academic staff
Emma Lea Wheeler
I am running for the extended leadership board in IGS with a wish to contribute to making sure the diverse voices of IGS play a role in institutional decision making. I began my PhD at NTNU in February 2025, following work for the World Food Programme and Norwegian Refugee Council in West Africa and Oslo. I grew up in Bergen with parents from the US, and have lived, studied and worked both in Norway and abroad over the past years. My studies range from geosciences to international development, linguistics and human geography, with an interest in understanding how we bridge experiences, perspectives and worldviews towards a more just society. This passion also brings me to run for the extended leadership board, where I hope to represent my colleagues in IGS through being someone who listens, who is approachable, and whose main concern is that everyone’s voice and perspective is raised. Being new NTNU means I bring new energy and ideas. My leadership experience lies mainly outside of academia: starting and leading projects as an advisor for the World Food Programme and establishing a sub-committee on tracking carbon emissions during previous studies. As a candidate who has experience both within and outside academia, from both natural and social sciences and across multiple countries and contexts, I believe I can represent the various interests of the department well, while raising perspectives perhaps new to existing leadership.
Jakob Bonnevie Cyvin
Before starting my PhD, I held various student and recruitment-related positions over the past seven years at IGE, SA, ILU, under the Rector's staff, and at the Department of Civil and Ocean Engineering in Ålesund. I lead an interdisciplinary VR education project with participants from multiple departments and have an academic background and publications in both the natural sciences and educational research. This has given me a relatively deep understanding of the organization.
I am passionate about giving educational activities the same level of prestige as high-quality research. I have experienced the institute from multiple perspectives: first as a student, then as a temporary employee in part-time positions, and now as a PhD candidate, and I'm am running for this position because I care deeply about the Institute and believe I can contribute to its continued improvement, now as a bigger department then before.
With experience from the board of IGE and periods as a deputy member of the faculty board, I feel well qualified to carry the responsibilities of this role. The role consists of evaluation of quite big budgets in combination with long-term planning. I still find this challanging, but I feel that I'm getting there in terms of understanding and thereby also ability to contribution. Unfortunately, proficiency in Norwegian is a formal requirement for this position, but if elected, I will make an extra effort to ensure inclusivity for all members of the community.
Magnus Olav Nyaas Ravnå
I am a PhD candidate in social anthropology at the Department of Geography and Social Anthropology, currently working on a doctoral project focused on peatlands and peatland restoration in Norway. I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social anthropology at the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Oslo, during which I also served as a student representative on the departmental board for an extended period. I also held a part-time administrative position at the same department, which gave me valuable insight into the Norwegian university system.
If elected as the representative for temporary staff in the extended leadership group, I will work to ensure that the department upholds the rights of temporary employees, and that the department fosters good working conditions and a supportive, stimulating, and safe work environment for temporary employees.
One of the things I believe is especially important going forward is that the department remains flexible and attentive to the different academic disciplines it encompasses, as well as the varying needs within them. Each discipline should be given the space and resources to further develop its unique academic identity and to conduct teaching and research in ways that best suit them, rather than being forced into a standardized model that may not fit all. That said, I also believe the department can do more to strengthen social ties and, where suitable, interdisciplinary collaboration across fields.
Technical-administrative staff
Caroline Fredriksen
Geir Tvedt
Stine Fuglaas Bonsaksen
Department of Teacher Education (ILU)
Permanent academic staff
Anne Rakstad Pettersen
I am an Assistant Professor in Geography Didactics at Social Studies. I have held a permanent position at ILU since 2020 and am currently in an internal qualification process for promotion. I have solid insight into the field through working nine years in upper secondary schools. I also held a temporary position at the former PLU. Currently, I teach geography/social studies and related subject didactics across several study programs: 5LU, PPU, FPPU, MGLU1–7, and MGLU5–10. This provides solid insight with several of ILU’s educational areas.
Given ILU’s financial challenges, I am committed to preserve and strengthen the education quality. Influence in development processes from the academic community and a healthy work environment is key. Professional studies have little value without the field of practice, and collaboration with the field is crucial to maintaining a strong professional community.
I will work to promote:
- High-quality education
- Fair, predictable, and supportive frameworks for teaching, research and development work, and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Transparency in the department’s decision-making and inclusive participation processes
- Strong collaboration with the field of practice and further development of practicum
I am running for election with the aim of serving as a link between staff and department leader group – ensuring that employees have a voice that is heard. My key strength is having a strong overview and working in a structured manner!
Floor Kamphorst
I am an Associate Professor in science education with a PhD in physics education, and I have been at ILU since January 2022. Before that, I taught physics at Dutch secondary school. I am strongly committed to ILU and have served as deputy and representative in the International Forum and the Research Committee since spring 2023. I have also actively participated in general meetings, especially during the downsizing period.
As someone relatively new to ILU, I still question established practices. I believe this is vital, and I trust that ideas and decisions improve when they are examined from different perspectives and subjected to constructive criticism. This places a significant responsibility on the representatives in NTNU’s local democracy to engage in discussions in order to find well-considered solutions, especially in the challenging financial situation we are still facing. This is where I hope to contribute.
I am committed to:
- Transparency about what the consequences of the financial situation mean for what is expected of students and staff
- Strengthening the research and development-community at ILU
- High-quality and ambitious education
- Practice as a platform for professional development
I believe it is essential to be well-informed when taking a stance. Therefore, I will thoroughly review documents and listen to input from my colleagues and students. I am not afraid to voice my opinion, but I am also open to reconsidering my views when new information warrants it.
Gunnar Inge Grut
As a board member representing the permanent academic staff, I will particularly seek to strengthen academic collaboration in research and development across ILU, SU, and NTNU.
The most exciting developments can happen at the departmental level, in close contact with the surrounding society. ILU’s production of competent graduates for the workforce also makes important contributions to a democratic civil society. ILU’s educational programs should be developed in the dynamic space between academic disciplines and professional practice. I aim to foster and safeguard academic knowledge orientation, critical thinking, and the public exercise of reason.
ILU should establish itself as a department with relevance and interest in research collaboration with other NTNU departments. We have unique access to schools and the surrounding community and should contribute to empirical research with a long-term and holistic perspective. We have much to learn from others—and from each other.
Tough economic times are challenging for the higher education sector. The level of conflict is rising, both geopolitically and locally. ILU should fight for research resources and ensure that study quality is included in the equation when balancing the resource accounts. ILU should participate in value-based struggles by promoting teacher education as a form of cultural defense. Our academic peers should help educate active citizens with democratic skills.
Job security at NTNU has come under pressure. Better financial management is a prerequisite for enabling long-term planning.
ILU’s matrix organization should provide increased opportunities for academic, didactic, and pedagogical collaboration, so that our students gain greater opportunities for specialization and academic development in their studies.
I am a political scientist from NTNU and have worked with teacher and lecturer education for around 20 years, at Rotvoll, Dragvoll, Moholt, and Kalvskinnet. My research interests are related to democratic competence and issues of diversity.
Ingvild Hagen Kjørholt
In today’s global climate, academic freedom and the value of knowledge and community are increasingly under pressure. At NTNU and ILU, we have faced – and will continue to face – tight budgets that demand difficult prioritization. One of ILU’s great strengths is its vibrant collective academic culture. Our curiosity-driven academic environments are key to the quality of research and teaching and contribute significantly to the personal and professional well-being of our staff. Strong academic cultures do not come automatically, they need to be carefully nurtured. If given the opportunity to serve as a board member, I will work to ensure that ILU continues to protect and strengthen its core activities and academic culture, even in challenging times. I will emphasize academic perspectives and needs and contribute to building a predictable path forward – one that is grounded in slow thinking and academic reasoning.
I am Professor of Literature didactics and have been part of the Section for Norwegian at ILU since 2021. I primarily teach and supervise in the MGLU programs. I also serve as Head of two research groups and participate in several projects. My experience in research, teaching, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration both within and beyond NTNU is extensive. Before joining ILU, I was a PhD candidate and postdoctoral fellow in Comparative Literature at the Faculty of Humanities, as well as a researcher and Head of Research at the Falstad Centre. My background includes active involvement in board and union work.
Jon Sverre Hårberg
I am an Assistant Professor (universitetslektor) in vocational didactics at ILU and have worked here since 2017. I teach in the vocational teacher education program (BYRK), the flexible postgraduate teacher education programs (FPPU A and Y), and EVU (Continuing education/Professional development courses). I have a background in electrical engineering subjects and extensive experience in teaching and leadership at the upper secondary school level. In addition, I serve as the practicum coordinator for practicum in FPPU and as deputy union representative for the Lektorlaget, at the Faculty SU. At ILU, I have particularly worked with educational quality, focusing on digitalization, sustainability, and internationalization.
I am running for election because I want to contribute to improving both schools and teacher education. Teacher education plays a crucial role in preparing the teachers for the future. To fulfill this societal mission, I aim to be a clear voice for strengthening:
- Academic freedom and autonomy
- Collaboration with the field of practice
- Time and resources for research and development
- Inclusive and sustainable practices
- Participation, influence, and transparency
- Fair pay and good working conditions
A supportive and inclusive academic environment, characterized by collaboration, professional dialogue, and mutual trust between colleagues and leadership – is essential for well-being and professional development. I will work to ensure that we have real opportunities to conduct research, lead projects, teach, and grow professionally. I also want to be a voice for meaningful participation in decision-making processes, so that staff feel heard and involved in the development of the department and its study programs. In addition, I am committed to creating a safe and attractive workplace for employees and a high-quality teacher education for students.
Kristin Krogh Arnesen
I have been employed at the teacher education department since the fall of 2015, when I had just completed my PhD in algebra. Although my background is in Mathematics, I have worked exclusively with Mathematics education since I came to ILU, both in teaching and research. During these ten years, I have worked mainly with primary and secondary teacher education, including professional development courses for teachers. I have experience from large subjects and small subjects, from interdisciplinary subjects to advanced master’s subjects. Much of my research is related to teacher education. I have been involved in research projects of varying scope, also with school affiliations.
Teacher education, both in Trondheim and nationally, is experiencing downturns and challenges. At ILU, we have been through a turbulent period, and this year’s application numbers for many of our study programs continued the negative trend that has been in recent years. In the coming period, we must be able to have several thoughts in our heads at once. We must look after our employees, students and our social mandate. We must claim our place at NTNU and in society, as managers of important and critical professional education. At the same time, we must continue to strive to make our education as good as possible, and to produce high-quality research. This requires productive collaborations – existing and new – with the practice field, with each other, and with national and international environments. I am concerned with research-based teacher education, that teacher education should be profession-related and founded on subject matter knowledge for teaching (including interdisciplinarity), and with good conditions for research.
Kristina Karlgård
I am an assistant professor with a deep passion for teacher education, particularly for practicum studies.
In my role as academic coordinator for practice studies in the teacher education program, I work closely with students, the practicum field, subject didacticians and pedagogues at ILU, as well as with the disciplinary environments at Dragvoll and Gløshaugen. This has given me unique expertise and insight into teacher education and the activities both within and surrounding ILU.
I care deeply about the diversity among students and believe that everyone should be recognized for their individual strengths. At the same time, I set high standards for quality—both for the students, the practicum schools, and in my own work.
My research and development work focuses largely on understanding the important connection between what students learn in their two learning arenas: on campus and in practicum schools.
I have worked at ILU for 7 years, following 20 years as a Norwegian and music teacher in schools. I also bring board experience, having served for 6 years as a board member in a crafts business in Trondheim.
Practice studies are a central part of education for all our students—whether they are in BYRK, MGLU, PPU, or 5LU—and it is therefore natural that this part of the education is represented on ILU’s board. Vote for me if you believe the practicum voice should be involved in both development and decision-making processes at ILU.
My strengths in such a role include my extensive internal and external network, my deep knowledge of the practicum field, my enthusiasm, and my joy in learning new things.
Temporary academic staff
Markus Leithe-Lajord
I have been temporarily employed as a doctoral research fellow in education since the autumn of 2024.
My passion is ensuring that all temporary employees have the opportunity to participate in ILUPPET (Nidelva Run) ahead of the summer party at ILU. Our employment may be temporary, but the memories from taking part in something like this will last forever.
Nora Berg Markussen
My name is Nora Berg Markussen, and I am a PhD research fellow at the Norwegian section of ILU. I hold degrees in both Scandinavian language and literature and musicology, and in my research I am fortunate to be able to bring my interdisciplinary background into the field of practice through the project "Lydrik(k)e landskap" (as part of the established research project Lydrik(k)).
I wish to serve as a representative for the temporary academic staff both to be a voice for this group and to participate in and contribute to the overall activities at ILU. With curiosity and interest, I seek greater insight into the institute's matters and strategies and aim to take part in conversations and discussions—particularly around the intersection between academic and practice fields and collaboration across the institute’s disciplinary sections. Nevertheless, an overall perspective will remain central, and as a temporary employee (and PhD research fellow), I can offer insights and perspectives from a position that is affected in different ways by the extensive restructuring process, compared to other staff members.
In the long term, I hope to see progress in recruitment to our study programs, and this is something I wish to contribute to—not only from the institute's point of view but especially in support of academic communities and the teachers of the future.
As a board member, I bring administrative experience from, among other things, holding positions during my studies and working as a co-producer for a literature festival, where I have been challenged by both enjoyable and academic matters, as well as heavier and more serious issues.
Best of luck with the election!
Technical-administrative staff
Birgitte Lauvstad
Dennis Gudim
Department of Education and Lifelong Learning (IPL)
Permanent academic staff
Dagrun Astrid Aarø Engen
I am an associate professor in university pedagogy and have been employed at IPL since 2016. Higher education and university life are both my fields for research and my everyday work place as a teacher and supervisor. My pedagogical wonder is sparked in (almost) all I encounter every day at the University. I have a drive to try to understand and, if needed, interfere with everything that appears vague or meaningless. Even though I am prone to form and express strong opinions, the best things in life are nuances and ambiguities.
I want IPL to be a place where the University is brought to life, and the principles of academic freedom, plurality of perspectives and dialogue is foundational for financial and strategic decisions. I want the leadership to be transparent and thorough in the important processes that has implications for the conditions for education and research at the department, and to give less attention to unimportant matters. I want to be a curious dialogue partner in the Extended Management Group at IPL and contribute to constructive participation and co-determination in cases brought to the group.
Ekaterina Prasolova-Førland
I am professor at IPL and head of the IMTEL research group (Innovative Immersive Technologies for Learning). My work focuses on technology-supported learning, especially how we can use VR/AR and AI in education and skills development in meaningful ways.
If elected to the extended leadership group, I would like to help strengthen our shared focus on innovation, academic freedom, diversity, and quality in research and teaching. My focus is on cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation in pedagogy, but also on keeping technology grounded in what actually helps teachers and students. I want to explore new opportunities to strengthen our research, make everyday life a little easier for academic staff, and better prepare our students for a changing world. I look forward to contributing to a future-oriented, inclusive, and academically strong department.
Technology like AI will not replace educators, but together we can find out how to use it to support and renew our field, in ways that benefit both us and our students!
Ingvild Kvale Sørenssen
I am Professor of Childhood Studies, but I was permanently employed as an Associate Professor in Education and therefore belong to two of our five academic areas here at IPL.
I wish to contribute to a stronger shared identity and to be a representative for the permanent academic staff, regardless of field or discipline. The fact that we are composed of several fields with their own theoretical and methodological perspectives is, in my view, a strength whose full potential we have yet to realize, and I will work to promote this without compromising the integrity of each individual field.
To perform at our best as researchers and educators, it is important to have open channels and an inclusive community. I will work to ensure that we can collectively harness the potential that already exists, by continuing and expanding joint research and teaching seminars where we share and learn from one another.
IPL is and should continue to be a safe and supportive workplace. The social aspect is also important for a good working environment; summer parties, Christmas gatherings, academic lunches, and other social events strengthen our shared identity.
Predictability and transparency are important to me. Our research time must be preserved, and it must remain free and independent. I hope you will support my candidacy, and I will do my utmost to be a good representative for you. My door and inbox are always open, and I will listen to you and be your voice in the extended leadership group if given the opportunity.
Liselott Aarsand
The university sector is undergoing constant change – a cliché, perhaps, but also a reality. As a professor at the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, I am committed to ensuring that, while teaching and supervision rightly receive attention as core aspects of our daily work, we do not lose sight of research. The diverse research conducted at the department is, in itself, quite unique – a scholarly profile we should continue to highlight, discuss, and further develop. In addition, I am deeply engaged in broad anchoring, openness, transparency, and a vibrant, critical dialogue. Instead of presenting arguments for my suitability as a candidate I would rather – with a certain ambivalence – express my gratitude for the trust shown by colleagues who have nominated me and who believe that my engagement could be a valuable contribution.
Vegard M. Frantzen
I am Associate Professor in Media Education, and I have been working at IPL – the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning (formerly the Department of Education) since 2007.
I wish to represent the permanent academic staff in the extended leadership group at IPL because I am committed to fostering a safe and supportive psychosocial and professional work environment, with predictable working conditions and a collaborative, appreciative research and learning culture for both staff and students at IPL.
My experience and qualifications for serving in the extended leadership group at IPL include the following roles:
- Safety representative (2013–present)
- Deputy local chief safety representative at the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences (2022–present)
- Member/deputy member of LOSAM (Local Cooperation Committee for the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences) (2022–present)
- Program leadership for the bachelor’s and one-year program in Education (2012–2018, 2020–present)
- Chair of the working group for revising the bachelor’s degree in Education
- Representative in the Education Committee at IPL (2020–present)
- Member of the Department Board at the Department of Education (2014–2017)
- Member of the extended leadership group at IPL (2017–present)
I am dedicated to maintaining high quality in research and teaching at IPL and aim to support this both academically and financially, in line with IPL’s strategic plan.
As a member of the extended leadership group, I aim to:
- Represent the academic staff and safeguard their interests
- Contribute to good and predictable frameworks and working conditions for employees
- Uphold democratic, ethical, and transparent processes at the department and ensure staff participation
- Promote a positive work environment where collaboration and recognition foster academic development, and where research and research groups at IPL maintain a broad academic profile and are active in scientific production and public discourse
- Facilitate high academic and pedagogical quality in IPL’s study programs. Teaching should be student-centered and varied in form, and the program portfolio should be academically and financially sustainable
- Be a constructive bearer of continuity and a driver of innovation for IPL, its staff, and leadership
Vote for me! :-)
Temporary academic staff
Benjamin Holen Dybendal
I am running as a representative for the temporary academic staff in the extended leadership group at the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning (IPL). I have several years of experience in academia, both as a student assistant during my studies and as a PhD candidate at the department. I aim to work for fair working conditions for temporary academic staff on par with those of permanent academic staff, to foster a good and inclusive working environment, and to establish effective communication with the leadership.
Simon A. Berger
I am running for the position of representative for temporary scientific staff at the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning (IPL). I have extensive experience from academia both as an administrative employee at department and faculty level and as temporary scientific staff, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by temporary staff. My goal is to maintain and improve working conditions and ensure equal treatment for all. I aim to strengthen communication between temporary scientific staff and the extended leader group at the department, and work towards increased support for professional development and career planning, and work to continue the positive development in the working environment for temporary scientific staff in relation to the other staff at the department. With your support, I can be a strong voice advocating for our common interests and contribute to creating an inclusive and productive work environment at IPL.
Technical-administrative staff
Kjersti Sørensen
Vegard Ruud
Department of Psychology (IPS)
Permanent academic staff
Anne Iversen
I hold a permanent academic position at the Department of Psychology (IPS), where my research and teaching focus on work and organizational psychology. For many years, I have taught students about the Working Environment Act and have long been responsible for the master's course 'Organization and Leadership.' I have previously served as a safety representative at IPS and was involved in the initial phase of establishing the Senter for psykisk helse. Employee participation is a legal right we all share, and it is a right (and duty) that I am committed to upholding at IPS.
Audun Havnen
I am running for election as a representative of the permanent academic staff. In the previous board term, I served as a deputy representative and participated in the board’s work on matters of great principle importance for the Department of Psychology (IPS), such as the Center for Mental Health and the introduction of a new level of management.
I am motivated to continue representing my colleagues and wish to contribute to ensuring that employees have a voice in discussions and decisions that affect their everyday work. I want to actively work to ensure that the Department of Psychology moves in the right direction, both in terms of safeguarding employees and facilitating high-standard teaching and research.
The department has an important role in addressing major societal challenges, and I want to help continue and strengthen this work. This will be especially important as IPS is set to relocate in a few years.
Fay Giæver
I am professor of work- and organizational psychology at the Department of Psychology (IPS). Through my research and teaching, I have developed both academic competence and practical experience in the areas of organizational change and management. I collaborate with organizations in my research projects, and I am responsible for the internship for master’s students in work- and organizational psychology at IPS. This has contributed to an in depth understanding of the area of organizational development in the private and public sector. I also served as program director for the master’s program in psychology at IPS, which has provided me with valuable insight into strategic and academic development at the departemental level. As a permanent faculty member at IPS, I am particularly committed to promoting employee engagement participation in organizational processes that impact the future of the department.
Mehmet Mehmetoglu
I hold professorial competence in general psychology and quantitative methods. Since 2012, I have been employed as a professor of methods at the Department of Psychology at NTNU. My research areas include structural equation modeling, programming of statistical packages in R and Stata, mate choice from an evolutionary psychology perspective, and consumer psychology. Throughout my academic career, I have been committed to ensuring high quality in both research and teaching. I have experience as vice dean, head of studies, and program director, and have been active in appointment committees, research groups, and the development of educational programs at the bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels. I have also previously served as a member of the faculty board. I believe in a university where academic freedom, interdisciplinarity, and collegiality are core values. I aim to contribute to ensuring that the Department of Psychology has strategies and processes that are consistent, transparent, and inclusive – and that all employees feel involved and represented.
Nina Jakhelln Laugen
I am an Associate Professor at the Clinic for Children and Adolescents, with research interests including child development, emotions, hearing loss, and students’ therapeutic skills. My teaching is primarily in the professional psychology program, focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration, the role of the psychologist, and thesis supervision. I have been employed at the Department of Psychology (IPS) since 2018.
Having served one term on the department board, I am also making myself available for the next term. We are currently in the midst of several important matters that will shape the coming years, such as the organizational structure of the department and the relocation to the Center for Mental Health. I want to contribute to participation by amplifying the voices of the staff I represent, and by helping to develop a culture of meaningful involvement in decision-making processes at the department.
As we face changes in both organization and location, I am particularly concerned with safeguarding our research infrastructure, maintaining academic spaces for students, ensuring good interaction between students and staff, and keeping collaboration across academic units accessible and easy.
Temporary academic staff
Ghazaleh Akbarzadeh
I’m a PhD candidate in Psychology with both research and teaching duties.
As an expat in a temporary position and a learner of Norwegian as my third language, I’ve experienced many of the challenges that come with adapting to a new academic system, a new culture, and a time-limited role. Balancing teaching, research, integration, and the stress of academia — while trying to maintain quality and stay healthy — is demanding. The uncertainty about what comes next only adds to the pressure that many temporary staff quietly carry.
I’m applying for this role because I care deeply about bringing the voices of temporary — especially international — staff into the conversations that shape our everyday work. I believe in a culture of understanding, support, and growth — both personally and professionally.
If you share these values, I would truly appreciate your vote and support.
Per Helge Haakstad Larsen
As a doctoral research fellow on the topic of social inequality in mental health, and with two years of prior experience as a scientific assistant, I am familiar with the institute’s procedures and culture. I am committed to improving the flow of information and ensuring that all temporary staff, regardless of language and cultural background, feel included. I wish to advocate for better physical and psychosocial working conditions, and to promote skill development and learning opportunities that enhance career prospects for temporary employees. I would be honored to represent you and contribute to a more inclusive working environment for everyone at the department.
Ragnhild Roaldsnes
I am a ph.d. candidate at the department of psychology (IPS) and is currently researching how we can use neuroimaging markers to understand cognitive and emotional changes after stroke. I have a background in clinical psychology from NTNU and worked with children and families with psychological difficulties before I started researching. I represent the temporary employees in the Research and ph.d. committee at IPS.
I will contribute an active voice speaking for the rights and care of temporary employees. I hope to make it easier for the temporary employees to give their input and to influence their workplace. As a representative, I care about ensuring we have good onboarding routines and follow-up of temporary employees, as well as making it easier for employees to access to necessary information needed to work and develop a career in academia. For those who cannot apply themselves due to the language requirements, I'll do my best to listen and speak on your behalf.
Technical-administrative staff
Annie Ludvigsen Sannvoll
Terje Johansen
Department of Social Work (ISA)
Permanent academic staff
Hilde Marie Thrana
I am a trained social worker with 15 years of experience in the field, particularly in child welfare, project work, and youth work. I have been working at HiST/NTNU since 2014, where I have taught a wide range of subjects at both the bachelor's and master's levels.
In my research, childhood and youth studies have been central, with a particular focus on topics such as: children's participation, social exclusion, the ethics of love, professional relationships in social work, art and social work, and child welfare research.
I am a passionate academic who greatly enjoys communicating research, both in writing and orally. I also value teamwork and am actively involved in various professional networks, both nationally and internationally.
As for my free time and life outside of work—let’s chat about that over a coffee at lunch.
What I believe is vital for ISA moving forward, and why vote for me?
- Unity and collaboration: We have become a more fragmented environment, especially after moving to Helgasetr. I aim to work towards building a strong community within ISA, where we take collective responsibility for one another's teaching, research, and development work. We need a supportive environment where we encourage each other’s projects, teaching efforts, and administrative work.
- Physical working conditions: We must work to significantly improve the physical working conditions at Helgasetr, including office spaces and accessible meeting rooms.
- Openness and academic dialogue: We need broader arenas for academic discussions, where disagreement, diverse perspectives, and differing opinions are encouraged constructively.
- Strengthening ISA: Our institute should become a strong academic environment for social work and child welfare through our educational programs and research. This means fostering innovation while preserving the core values of social work.
Jannike Vik
I am from Trondheim where I live with my husband, dog, and cat. Our children have grown up, are studying, and have moved out. I value spending time with my loved ones, being outdoors in nature and in the garden, watching movies and TV series, reading both academic and fiction literature, traveling, and writing.
I have 30 years of experience as a social worker. Three years ago, I was offered a position I couldn’t refuse—as a university lecturer in social work. I really enjoy working at ISA, with students and colleagues, and engaging in teaching, research, and development.
My master’s thesis focused on learning in the workplace and society, a competence that fits very well with my current position. I am also committed to lifelong learning, which motivated me to run for a board position. My motivation also stems from a desire to create good conditions for the practice courses at ISA. I serve as the chair of the practice committee, together with colleagues who work with these courses. Our goal is to ensure strong collaboration with the field and to help students gain high-quality practical experience. It is important that they are well-prepared for their future roles as professionals in a demanding and important field. We should work to prevent the so-called “practice shock,” so they are also able to remain in the profession over time.
Through my years in the field, I believe I have gained a deep understanding of what social work entails in interactions with people. My time in academia has strengthened my commitment to the theoretical and research-based foundation of the profession. I believe that the combination of practical experience and academic insight gives me a valuable perspective and makes me well-equipped to contribute constructively and passionately in a board role.
Marianne Garvik
I am an Associate Professor at the Department of Social Work (ISA) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. I hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from HiST and completed both my master’s and PhD at ISA, NTNU. My research focuses on migration, welfare, and social inequality. I serve as co-manager of the department’s research group for Migration and Welfare. In addition, I lead the International Group at ISA, where I work to strengthen international collaboration and exchange.
I stand for election because I wish to contribute to an inclusive and academically strong university. I believe in collegial collaboration, academic diversity, and well-informed decision-making processes. My experience in research, teaching, and international engagement has equipped me to represent a broad range of perspectives and needs within the Department of Social Work.
By voting for me, you will support a clear and committed voice for academic quality, collegiality, and international orientation.
Marianne Hedlund
I am a Professor of Social Work with a focus on disability. I lead a research group at ISA and serve as the academic coordinator for a master’s program. I have broad experience from the university and college sector, both as a lecturer and researcher, and have also worked as an applied researcher. I have taught and supervised at all levels—from bachelor’s to PhD.
I am values-driven and people-oriented, married to a Latin American, have two adult children, and enjoy salsa, cultural activities, and seeing the world from a global perspective.
I am a social and engaged academic who cares deeply about both students and colleagues. I want to contribute to high-quality education at ISA and strengthen collaboration across programs—from bachelor’s to doctoral level. I aim to promote an inclusive academic and collegial community where all staff and students feel empowered and respected.
I also want to help bridge the gap between research, teaching, and administrative tasks—all of which are vital to our shared work environment. I have an open mind and am committed to dialogue when disagreements arise. I have a clear voice, great respect for others’ views, and believe that decisions should stand without repeated challenges—even those I may disagree with.
Riina Kiik
I have worked at NTNU since September 2007 and have had various functions and roles within the organization. From 2022 I am the head of the national professional body for social work and welfare studies at UHR. Norway is hosting the Nordic Association of Schools of Social Work (NASSW) from 2024-2026 and I am the president of the NASSW from January 2025. I am proud to work at NTNU. I care about NTNU as a place of study and work. Students and employees are the most important resources we have.
Most departments at NTNU are in a transition process These processes also requires new thinking and knowledge, but also the willingness to make demanding priorities. I am particularly concerned about:
- Our core tasks - research and education - and how managed both tasks. To achieve this, employees must continue to have time and space for research and to develop research-based teaching.
- Study program quality is important for me as to develop good and sustainable study programs.
- An attractive place to work and study now and in the future. It is important for the well-being and motivation of employees and students: A meeting place for staff members and students, where people are happy to see each other. YES, to good leaders, colleagues, and students who motivate.
- Participation - An important prerequisite for making good choices is openness in communication and transparent processes.
- In difficult times, planning and use of appropriate resources, are crucial to keep activities going.
- Collaborating with the practice field to achieve even better practice placements nationally and internationally for our students.
Terje Jostein Halvorsen
I am 66 years old and a professor of child welfare and of special education. I have worked in academia since 1994 and have been affiliated with NTNU since November 2022.
If elected to the board, I will do my best to contribute to the continued development of the department.
Temporary academic staff
Fleurtje Anna Huiskes
I am a PhD research fellow at the Department of Social Work at NTNU Trondheim. I hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work. My PhD project focuses on the role of voluntary organisations in the integration of immigrants. As a temporary employee in the institute of social work, I am familiar with both the joy of the work and the challenges that come with the role. I’m running for the board to ensure that our voices are heard, our contributions recognised, and our working conditions improved. With experience in both teaching and research, I understand the important contributions temporary staff make to the academic community – as well as the challenges we may encounter.
My goal is to represent the interests of temporary employees in a constructive and professional manner. I believe in open dialogue, fair processes, and strengthening the sense of belonging among all staff members. I would be grateful for your support and look forward to the opportunity to represent you.
Rebekka Louisa Drude Andersen
I am employed as a PhD fellow at ISA. I previously completed my BA and MA in Psychology at the University of Copenhagen. During my studies, I developed a particular interest in nature as a potential intervention for vulnerable youth, which is the focus of my current PhD project. I am originally from Denmark and moved to Norway in January 2024 to start this position.
I am running for the board election at ISA because I find it exciting to gain insight into and have influence over how NTNU is governed, and to help ensure that the interests of temporary staff are prioritized. I have just completed my term on the PhD program council at the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, and I will bring the insights I gained there into the board work at ISA, if elected. This includes, in particular, knowledge about the faculty’s plans for the development of the PhD program.
As a representative of temporary staff, I will do my best to advocate for our interests on the board by maintaining dialogue with other temporary employees—as well as with staff more broadly. I will also do my best to communicate back to temporary staff about what is discussed and decided in board meetings.
Topics I find particularly important include: the use of AI in dissertations, clarifying different types of career-promoting work (formerly known as mandatory work), interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring good opportunities after completing the PhD.
Technical-administrative staff
Kari Rodahl
Rolf Thore Wold
Department of Sociology and Political Science (ISS)
Permanent academic staff
Gunhild Tøndel
I have worked as an associate professor in Sociology at the Department of Sociology and Political Science since 2019. Prior to this, I worked as a researcher at NTNU Social Research and as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies (NTNU). I received my PhD in sociology in 2014 from ISS. Since I began my position at ISS, I have become well acquainted with the inner workings of the department, especially related to teaching. In the previous management period (-2025), I served on ISS's leadership team as coordinator and study program leader for Sociology. Thus, I am also well aware of ongoing restructuring processes that shape the department's operational space. ISS is a strong department in terms of both research and teaching. I am highly committed to the department and our fantastic subjects and people. A role in the department board will provide an opportunity to contribute to this collegial community across staff and employment types.
Jakub Stachowski
I am an Associate Professor of Sociology at ISS. I have been affiliated with the department since 2014, when I began as a master’s student. Since then, I have held positions as a PhD candidate and postdoctoral fellow, before being appointed Associate Professor in 2023.
My sociological interests include topics such as migration and mobility, crises, local communities, the relationship between urban and rural areas, as well as social theory and ethnographic methods. I teach at both the bachelor's and master's levels.
Currently, I lead the research group Migration and Mobility, and starting in autumn 2025, I will serve as the program coordinator for the bachelor’s degree in sociology. I am also co-responsible for the interdisciplinary research network NTNU Migration Hub, and I have experience with various administrative roles at NTNU.
As a member of the department board, I aim to contribute to a department that values academic breadth, collaboration, and an inclusive working environment – and that stands out both nationally and internationally. I am particularly committed to strengthening the connection between research, teaching, and societal relevance, and to ensuring solid working conditions for both staff and students.
I will work to promote diversity – academically, culturally, and socially – and to foster critical thinking and societal engagement in both research and teaching. I believe it is essential to safeguard academic freedom and to ensure that researchers and educators have the space to explore complex and timely societal issues, even when these challenge established truths.
Nanna Lauritz Schönhage
I am an associate professor of political science at ISS and mainly teach in the MKI programme. Before joining NTNU, I worked on research projects on inequality at the University of Konstanz and I did my PhD in Economics at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. My research interests include political behaviour, accountability of politicians and inequality.
As a relative newcomer to the department, I bring a fresh and international perspective to the department board. I want to uphold the goals of the department's strategy of ‘Excellence in research and teaching’. I'm particularly interested in how we can strengthen our study programmes and increase the recruitment of students, while maintaining high quality in teaching and research.
Pål E. Martinussen
Stefan Geiss
Since 2017, I have worked at ISS within political communication, media and journalism, and research methods. From 2018 to 2024, I was research group leader in EVPOC (Elections, Values and Political Communication).
I look forward to coming to ISS every day and think most of us thrive here. At the same time, a lot is changing in the world around us. I'd like to take responsibility and work to maintain the great working environment and the good working conditions we have. We must consider measures and adaptations and whether they suit our department and help to optimize and develop in line with what we stand for. Innovation and adaptations are important, but they must fit our needs and our identity.
My strengths are openness and curiosity paired with a good sense of realism and holistic strategic thinking. In addition, I will always have an open ear for anyone who is concerned about the current situation or future development at ISS. As a research group leader, I have learned to understand, take into account and balance different interests. I would like to use these competencies on behalf of the department to help with management in troubled times.
Examples of topics I find important are maintaining a healthy balance between research and teaching activities, making future-oriented decisions regarding staff development at the department, and actively shaping the campus development project.
Temporary academic staff
Ane Helland Arntsen
I work as a research assistant at the Department of Sociology and Political Science, with a primary focus on sociology. I have completed a master’s degree in Media, Communication, and Information Technology at the same department.
As a relatively new employee, I can contribute with a fresh perspective on the priorities and decisions being made. I also hold a position as squad leader in the Home Guard, which has given me valuable insight into collaboration and decision-making in more complex situations. As a temporary employee, the following issues are of particular importance to me:
- Improved coordination and facilitation of teaching duties for temporary staff.
- Integration and guidance for new employees, with a particular focus on international staff.
- Better coordination and utilization of academic resources, with an emphasis on interdisciplinarity.
Eskil Gaasø Indrestrand
I am a former political science student at ISS, where I also worked as a teaching assistant in quantitative methods. I am currently in my first year as a PhD fellow in political science. My doctoral project explores the attitudes of civil servants in central government toward artificial intelligence. This autumn, I will also teaching social science to students in the teacher education program.
In the time ahead, we face several challenging decisions. The campus relocation is becoming increasingly relevant, and the financial outlook is demanding. These issues concern both current and future temporary staff. We cannot not be on the sidelines.
One specific issue I shall bring before the department board is the need to adjust the research funding for PhD candidates in line with inflation. This amount has remained unchanged for many years, and an adjustment would provide PhD fellows with better opportunities to purchase material and attend conferences to present research.
Furthermore, I believe it is essential that all temporary staff experience a safe and inclusive working environment where we can grow and develop.
I am running as a candidate for the department board because I want to take responsibility for representing us temporary employees. We are a large group and important resource, and it is crucial that we have a clear voice in the department’s decision-making processes.
Technical-administrative staff
Aud Marit Lervik
Mari Tinmannsvik
Torbjørn Andre Barland Moe
Contact
If you have questions, the Election Board SU will be pleased to answer: valg@su.ntnu.no.
