Pia Bröker
Biotech Researcher, STEM Tutor, Learner
San Francisco, USA / Germany
I am a curious and globally minded researcher, educator, and community builder with experience across science, education, and community projects. I enjoy connecting complex ideas to real-world challenges — whether in the lab, classroom, or through creative communication. My work bridges biology, neuroscience, education, and social engagement, and I am passionate about making knowledge accessible to a wide audience.
Check out my LinkedIn profile and send me a connection request!
Education
Minerva University
B.Sc.Molecular Biology & Neuroscience Minor
San Francisco, CA (Aug 2019 - May 2025)
- Innovative global program with semesters in 7 cities worldwide.
- Active-learning curriculum focused on scientific reasoning, collaboration, and communication.
- Leadership: Student Government Representative, Co-Lead of Student Initiative, Residential Assistant.
- Selected coursework: Biochemistry, Drug Development, Cognitive Neuroscience, Genetics, Ecology & Evolution.
Additional Education
Humboldt University
Biophysics - Semester Abroad Berlin, Germany (Apr 2022 - Sep 2022)
- Coursework included Biophysics, Organic Chemistry, and Quantum Physics.
- Immersed in German research and academic culture during exchange semester.
African Leadership University
Leadership Core Graduate Kigali, Rwanda (Sep 2018 - May 2019)
- Completed program focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, and project-based learning.
- Collaborated with peers on initiatives tackling social and environmental challenges.
Bildungsministerium Schleswig-Holstein
Externes Abitur (External High School Diploma) Lübeck, Germany (Jan 2017 - Jul 2018)
- Left school for the desire to learn more about what is 'out there'. Self-study of the entire high school curriculum in 8 subjects.
- Out of 10 external examinations takers in my state, 8 failed or quit. I graduated with the best GPA.
- The diploma holds the same value as the diploma received via the traditional school system.
Experience
BioActive Food GmbH
Student Research Assistant
Bad Segeberg, Germany (Jun 2024 - Sep 2024)
- Led independent lab project optimizing kale oil extraction methods.
- Balanced research, production, and marketing tasks in a small company setting.
Independent Tutoring
STEM and English Tutor
Remote / Germany (Feb 2024 - Present)
- Tutoring high school students in chemistry, physics, biology, math, and English.
- Designing engaging lessons that connect science concepts to everyday life.
Student Research Assistant
Berlin, Germany (Sep 2021 - Dec 2022)
- Contributed to molecular modeling and interdisciplinary teaching.
- Co-curated an interactive science installation for Berlin’s Long Night of the Sciences.
Research Assistant
Berlin, Germany (May - Aug 2021 & May - Aug 2022)
- Helped streamline developmental science research platforms used by major US universities.
Additional Experience
Minerva University
Teaching Assistant Remote / San Francisco, USA (Sep 2022 - May 2023)
- Supported students with research, writing, and coursework in science seminars.
- Helped grade weekly assignments and collaborated with professors to refine course materials.
Hanyang University - (Analytical Spectroscopy Laboratory)
Laboratory and Research Intern Seoul, South Korea (Jan 2021 - Apr 2021)
- Conducted lab work on detecting micro- and nanoplastic in water using Raman spectroscopy.
- Collaborated with graduate researchers and presented findings in group meetings.
Fernuniversität Hagen
E-Learning and Education Technology Student Assistant Remote / Hagen, Germany (Oct 2020 - Sep 2021)
- Developed online lesson plans and supported professors in creating digital teaching environments.
- Provided live tech-support during virtual classes to improve student learning experiences.
Minerva University
Financial Aid and Student Finances Intern Remote / San Francisco, USA (Sep 2022 - May 2023)
- Co-designed a new student portal to centralize financial, academic, and administrative resources.
- Created communication templates and managed student support services.
Minerva University - (Science of Learning and Teaching)
Research Assistant Remote / San Francisco, USA (Jun 2020 - Sep 2020)
- Co-authored a peer-reviewed paper on student experiences with online learning during the pandemic (45,000+ views, 45+ citations).
- Conducted survey analysis with responses from 10,000+ students worldwide.
Minerva University
Residential Assistant San Francisco, USA (Aug 2019 - May 2020)
- Organized community-building events and managed on-duty shifts for first-year students.
African Leadership University
Peer Counselor / Student Life Intern Kigali, Rwanda (Oct 2018 - Jun 2019)
- Designed and facilitated monthly leadership workshops for 600+ students.
- Coordinated student events and provided peer counseling support.
Publications & Projects
Nguyen T, Netto CLM, Wilkins JF, Bröker P et al. (2021). "Insights Into Students’ Experiences and Perceptions of Remote Learning Methods: From the COVID-19 Pandemic to Best Practice for the Future." Frontiers in Education, 10.3389/feduc.2021.647986
Capstone Thesis: Microalgal Carbon Sequestration: From Biological Mechanisms to Real-World Applications (2025).
Leadership & Community
Demeter Collective
Co-Founder & Organizer
San Francisco, USA (Jul 2025 - Present)
- Building a community at the intersection of reproductive science, women’s health, and frontier innovation.
- Creating events and articles for researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs.
Additional Roles
Green Youth Schleswig-Holstein
Board Member Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (Sep 2023 - Sep 2024)
- Co-led the education committee for 600+ members, planning workshops and campaigns.
- Organized events on climate and social justice, shaping strategy for regional youth politics.
Associated Students of Minerva
Student Representative San Francisco, USA & Seoul, South Korea (Mar 2020 - Mar 2021)
- Represented the student body in university governance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Helped establish a student government structure and contingency planning systems.
Regional Parliament
Elected Member Segeberg, Germany (May 2018 - Aug 2018)
- Youngest member elected to local parliament committees on youth, education, and sports.
- Directed €10,000 in funding toward youth-led initiatives.
Abitur ohne Schule Blog
Author Germany (Feb 2017 - Jul 2018)
- Wrote about preparing for state exams outside the school system, reaching ~500 readers per post.
- Mentored 20+ students to find alternative paths to graduation.
zis Reisen, Schwarzkopf Stiftung, and Kreuzberger Kinderstiftung
Travel Grant Fellow Eastern Europe (Jun 2016 & Sep 2017)
- Received competitive grants for independent projects on food waste and youth identity.
- Published 20-page reports, among top 30 selected from 6,000 applicants.
Skills and Interests
Languages: German (native), English (fluent), Spanish (beginner).
Skills: Research design, science communication, tutoring, Python, data visualization.
Interests: Books, sustainability, education, community science, running, travel.
