Marlene Merchert

MPhil Development Studies, 2023

Hello! My name is Marlene, and I completed a two-year MPhil in Development Studies at the Oxford Department of International Development.

Before coming to Oxford, I earned my undergraduate degree in Sustainable Management from TU Berlin. Alongside my studies, I gained diverse experience across the public and private sector, worked as a self-employed photographer, and was engaged in multiple volunteer positions. As a Research Assistant at the Mercator Research Institute in Berlin, I discovered my passion for academia.

My research interests lie at the intersection of environment and development, with a focus on just green transitions, systems thinking, and complexity science. During my time at Oxford, I also developed a strong interest in political economy and the philosophy of justice.

My MPhil thesis explored a large-scale green hydrogen project in Namibia, examining its social and environmental implications through a justice lens. This research was grounded in over 70 interviews and five systems mapping workshops conducted during two months of fieldwork in Namibia.

At Green Templeton College, I have been an active member of the community. In my first year, I served on the GCR as Female Welfare Officer, where I organised numerous social events, restructured the weekly brunches to foster stronger community bonds, and successfully advocated for a fairer allocation system for formal exchange dinners. In my second year, as Vice President of Welfare, I continued to organize events, host brunches, and implemented longer-term improvements to our shared spaces to encourage more communal interaction.

Throughout my studies, GTC has been a welcoming and supportive home and an inspiring space to recharge amid the intensity of academic life. I am deeply grateful for the friendships, opportunities, and sense of belonging I found here.

Contact: marlene.merchert@oxfordalumni.org