Dr. Dominik Leverenz

As a postdoctoral researcher specialized in sustainable solutions for the circular economy and net-zero transition, I am dedicated to driving innovation and transformative change in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. With a background in environmental engineering, my exceptional Master's thesis was honored with the prestigious Karl-Heinz Hunken Award. During my Ph.D., I achieved a significant milestone by being the first student at the institute to publish three research papers in high-ranked peer-reviewed journals, following the new guidelines for cumulative dissertations.

Research

Throughout my doctorate, I made noteworthy contributions to addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, focused on halving food waste by 2030. I developed an innovative food waste tracking system that optimizes food management in various food services, demonstrating its practical relevance. The system was designed with a strong emphasis on practical applicability and has contributed to European and UN SDG targets for monitoring and reducing food waste.

Research Interests

My research interests revolve around exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to decouple resource consumption from economic growth. I have a keen interest in expanding my expertise to other areas such as reducing pathogens and micropollutants in the environment. Employing interdisciplinary approaches and data science methodologies, I aim to better understand and address environmental challenges, specifically their impact on human health. My research findings have been published in six peer-reviewed journals, with impact factors reaching up to 13.

Teaching Experience

In addition to my research endeavors, I have supervised and guided over 30 Bachelor's and Master's theses, nurturing the next generation of scholars. I also contribute my knowledge by lecturing on "Principles of Circular Economy" and "Waste Prevention" modules. I possess valuable skills in experimental design, conducting longitudinal field studies, and statistical analysis of empirical data, with a focus on real-world impact. Utilizing machine learning techniques, I have successfully conducted correlational research and created accurate predictions and forecasts.

Academic Goals

My academic goal is to establish my own research group, enabling me to conduct high-quality research independently. By tackling urgent social, environmental, and political issues, I aspire to make a significant impact in the field of sustainability at Stanford School for Sustainability. Committed to excellence, I look forward to contributing to a more sustainable future through my work.

2022

• Doctoral thesis received the highest distinction of "summa cum laude" and has been nominated for the esteemed Boysen Award in 2022, highlighting its exceptional quality and contribution to the field.

2016

• Recognized with the Research Award by the German Society for Waste Management (DGAW) for exceptional research and academic accomplishments. The award was presented at the DGAW-Conference 2016 in Berlin, Germany.

2013

• Recipient of the esteemed Karl Heinz Hunken Award for an excellent Diploma (Master) Thesis. The recognition was conferred at the German Biowaste Conference 2013 in Stuttgart, Germany.

Publication Statistics 

based on my Google Scholar Profile

Citations: 562 (since 2018: 409)

h-index: 9

Publications in peer-reviewed journals (journal metrics):

• Resources, Conservation and Recycling (Impact factor: 13.716, CiteScore: 17.9)
• Waste Management (Impact factor: 8.816, CiteScore: 13.5)
• Industrial Marketing Management (Impact factor: 8.89, CiteScore: 10.4)
• Sustainability (Impact factor: 3.889, CiteScore: 5.0)
• Water (Impact factor: 3.530, CiteScore: 4.8)
• Resources, Conservation & Recycling Advances

2022

• Kuntscher, M., Goossens, Y., Golub, B., Schmidt, T. G., Leverenz, D., & Hafner, G. (2022). Efficient reduction of food waste in the food service sector. Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut. https://doi.org/10.3220/PB1653469072000
• Neef, J., Leverenz, D., & Launay, M. A. (2022). Performance of Micropollutant Removal during Wet-Weather Conditions in Advanced Treatment Stages on a Full-Scale WWTP. Water, 14(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/w14203281
• Goossens, Y., Leverenz, D., & Kuntscher, M. (2022). Waste-tracking tools: A business case for more sustainable and resource efficient food services. Resources, Conservation & Recycling Advances, 15, 200112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2022.200112

2021

• Leverenz, D., Schneider, F., Schmidt, T., Hafner, G., Nevárez, Z., & Kranert, M. (2021). Food Waste Generation in Germany in the Scope of European Legal Requirements for Monitoring and Reporting. Sustainability, 13(12), 6616. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126616
• Leverenz, D., Hafner, G., Moussawel, S., Kranert, M., Goossens, Y., & Schmidt, T. (2021). Reducing food waste in hotel kitchens based on self-reported data. Industrial Marketing Management, 93, 617627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2020.08.008
• Leverenz, D. (2021). The use of self-reporting methods to identify food waste reduction potentials at consumer level - a support to achieve SDG 12.3 (PhD dissertation). https://doi.org/10.18419/opus-11508

2020

• Leverenz, D., Moussawel, S., Hafner, G., & Kranert, M. (2020). What influences buffet leftovers at event caterings? A German case study. Waste Management (New York, N.Y.), 116, 100111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2020.07.029

2019

• Leverenz, D., Moussawel, S., Maurer, C., Hafner, G., Schneider, F., Schmidt, T., & Kranert, M. (2019). Quantifying the prevention potential of avoidable food waste in households using a self-reporting approach. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 150, 104417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104417
• Schmidt, T., Schneider, F., Leverenz, D., & Hafner, G. (2019). Food Waste in Germany—Baseline 2015—Summary Thünen Report 71. Braunschweig: Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut.
• Schmidt, T., Schneider, F., Leverenz, D., & Hafner, G. (2019). Lebensmittelabfälle in Deutschland - Baseline 2015: Thünen Report 71. https://doi.org/10.3220/REP1563519883000
• Schmidt, T., Baumgardt, S., Blumenthal, A., Burdick, B., Claupein, E., Dirksmeyer, W., Hafner, G., Klockgether, K., Koch, F., Leverenz, D., Lörchner, Ludwig-Ohm, S., Niepagenkemper, L., Owusu-Sekyere, K., and Waskow, F. (Eds.) (2019). Wege zur Reduzierung von Lebensmittelabfällen - Pathways to REduce FOod WASte (REFOWAS): Maßnahmen, Bewertungsrahmen und Analysewerkzeuge sowie zukunftsfähige Ansätze für einen nachhaltigen Umgang mit Lebensmitteln unter Einbindung sozio-ökologischer Innovationen: Thünen Report 73. Retrieved from https://www.thuenen.de/media/publikationen/thuenen-report/Thuenen-Report_73_Vol1.pdf

2018

• Pilsl, P., Hafner, G., Leverenz, D., Kowalewski, S., & Kranert, M. (2018). Energieeffiziente Küche. Energieeinsparung Und Ressourceneffizienz in Der Bayerischen Außer-Haus-Verpflegung. AP4-Erfassung Und Optimierung Des Direkten Energieverbrauchs Und Der Lebensmittelabfälle. Endbericht. Universität StuttgartISWALehrstuhl Für Abfallwirtschaft Und Abluft. Stuttgart.
• Leverenz, D., Hafner, G., Heidrich, M., Beck, V., Beyerle, N., Schmid, D., & Kranert, M. (2018). Untersuchung der Abfallzusammensetzung aus Haushalten in der Stadt Stuttgart: Endbericht.

2016

• Hafner, G., Leverenz, D., & Pilsl, P. (2016). Analyse, Bewertung und Optimierung von Systemen zur Lebensmittelbewirtschaftung: Teil II: Systemmodellierung, Teil III: Vorgehensweise bei Datenerfassung und Bilanzierung, 392402. https://doi.org/10.37307/j.1863-9763.2016.08.03
• Pilsl, P., Leverenz, D., Hafner, G., & Kranert, M. (2016). Energysaving potential by avoiding food losses in Germany. Katia Lasaridi Und Thrassyvoulos Manios (Hg.): ORBIT, 52.
• Hafner, G., Leverenz, D., Pilsl, P., & Kranert, M. (2016). Potenziale zur Energieeinsparung durch Vermeidung von Lebensmittelverschwendung. Retrieved from https://www.kern.bayern.de/mam/cms03/wissenschaft/dateien/kern-zwischenbericht-energieeinsparung.pdf
• Ahrens, D., Häberle, I., Leverenz, D., & Muranyi, P. (2016). Too large amounts of energy end up in waste: energy losses due to food waste-experts show potential savings. Fleischwirtschaft, 96(8), 7075.

2014

• Hafner, G., Leverenz, D., Barabosz, J., Riestenpatt genannt Richter, D., & Kranert, M. (2014). Lebensmittelverluste und Wegwerfraten im Freistaat Bayern.
• Hafner, G., Barabosz, J., Leverenz, D., Maurer, C., Kranert, M., Göbel, C., … Wetter, C. (2013). Analyse, Bewertung und Optimierung von Systemen zur Lebensmittelbewirtschaftung – Teil I. MÜLL Und ABFALL, (11). https://doi.org/10.37307/j.1863-9763.2013.11.08
• Mora, N. E., Rymkiewicz, A., Kranert, M., Clauß, D., Barabosz, J., & Leverenz, D. (2014). IGNIS-Income Generation & Climate Protection by Valorising Municipal Solid Wastes in a Sustainable Way in Emerging Mega-cities: BMBF Verbundvorhaben. Universität Stuttgart, Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Waster Quality and Waste Management.

2013

• Leverenz, D., Clauß, D., Barabosz, J., Maurer, C., & Hafner, G. (2013). Untersuchung der Zusammensetzung des über die Restabfalltonne erfassten Restabfalls in der Stadt Göppingen: Landkreis Göppingen.
• Kranert, M., Hafner, G., Barabosz, J., Schuller, H., Leverenz, D., Kölbig, A., Schneider, F., Lebersorger, S., Scherhaufer, S. (2012). Ermittlung der weggeworfenen Lebensmittelmengen und Vorschläge zur Verminderung der Wegwerfrate bei Lebensmitteln in Deutschland.

2012

• Leverenz, D. (2012). Handlungsempfehlungen zur Reduzierung von Lebensmittelabfall. Institut für Siedlungwasserbau, Wassergüte- und Abfallwirtschaft, Stuttgart. Diploma Thesis.

With a proven track record in fundraising, I have actively contributed to the preparation and submission of about 30 grant applications and project proposals. As a testament to my efforts, we achieved a remarkable success rate, with approximately 50% of these applications receiving funding. This highlights my ability to effectively secure financial support for research endeavors and showcases my expertise in navigating the competitive landscape of grant funding. 

Excerpt of the funded projects

SUCCESS24 Project (2021-2025):

• Funding entities: BMBF (module 1), DAAD (module 2)
• Funding program: Sustainable Cities, Circular Economy, Sub-Saharan Africa 2024
• Budget: €711,000
• Project objective: Strengthening sustainable development in the Sub-Saharan region through the implementation of circular economy principles in waste management.

Spatial analysis BW Project (2022-2026):

• Funding entity: Ministry of Regional Development and Housing (MLW)
• Budget: €130,000
• Project objective: Development of a coherent overall concept for spatial analysis as a basis for the new drafting of the Landesentwicklungsplan BW (LEP).
• Thematic complexes: Analyses of spatial structure and spatial categories, Analyses of settlement development, Analyses of infrastructure, Analyses of open space

DigiLaugBeh Project (2022-2024):

• Funding entity: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWI)
• Budget: €46,000
• Project objective: Uncovering the potential that arises from the use of digital methods in a holistic view of the process, material, and environmental balance with regard to lightweight construction, reduction of the CO2 footprint, and recycling.

REFOPLAN (01/2022 to 06/2022):

• Funding sources: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), Federal Environment Agency (UBA), and Federal Statistical Office (DESTATIS).
• Budget: €46,000
• Project objective: Determination of food waste in Germany in 2020, fulfillment of the reporting obligation to the EU Commission in 2022, and derivation of recommendations for action.

ELOFOS (08/2018 to 03/2022):

• Funding source: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).
• Budget: €520,000
• Project objective: Efficient Lowering of Food Waste in the Out-of-Home Sector.

Baseline 2015 (01/2019 to 06/2019):

• Funding source: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).
• Budget: €20,000
• Project objective: Food Waste in Germany - Baseline 2015.

A2UFood (03/2018 to 03/2022):

• Funding body: Région Hauts-de-France, acting as the Entrusted Entity of the UIA Initiative Urban Innovative Actions (UIA).
• Budget: €394,000
• Project objective: Avoidable and Unavoidable Food Wastes: A Holistic Managing Approach for Urban Environments.

REFOWAS (06/2015 to 04/2020):

• Funding body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
• Budget: €284,000
• Project objective: Pathways to reduce food waste.

Food Waste Monitor (2017 to 2018):

• Funding body: Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (StMELF).
• Budget: €109,000
• Project objective: Continuous recording of food losses in the State of Bavaria, Germany.

Development of Food waste Tracking App:

• Funding source: Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (StMELF).
• Budget: €60,000
• Project objective: Development of an online-supported measuring system for the monitoring of food waste

Sorting analysis Stuttgart (2017):

• Project management and implementation of a sorting analysis of the residual waste, the organic waste bin, and the paper bin of the city of Stuttgart.
• Client: Waste Management Stuttgart (AWS).
• Budget: 120,000 Euro

EnKÜ Project (2016):

• "Potentials for energy saving by avoiding food waste."
• Funding source: Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (StMELF).
• Budget: 105,000 Euro

Food waste collection and prevention in Bavaria (2012 to 2014):

• "Baseline study on Food waste and loss rates in Bavaria, Germany."
• Funding source: Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (StMELF).
• Budget: 120,000 Euro

Gravimetric Waste Analysis of Residual Waste (2012):

• "Residual waste sorting analysis in the district of Göppingen, Germany."
• Commissioned by: Waste management company of the district of Göppingen (AWB).
• Budget: 60,000 Euro

Gravimetric Waste Analysis of Recyclables (2012):

• "Sorting analysis of the recycling bin in the district of Böblingen, Germany."
• Client: Böblingen district waste management company (AWB).
• Budget: 25,000 Euro

Classroom Teaching and Lectures

Delivered lectures in the Bachelor module "Principles of Circular Economy" and the Master module "Waste Prevention with following content and learning objectives:

• Mastering waste prevention techniques and identifying key stakeholders.
• Understanding the link between industrial and social development and the generation and composition of municipal waste.
• Exploring aerobic and anaerobic biological treatment methods, including pre-treatment systems (e.g., thermal, mechanical-biological).
• Acquiring knowledge about the technical and organizational aspects of modern municipal waste landfills, including effective emission control measures.
• Balancing material flows in waste management and harnessing the potential of secondary raw materials.
• Designing and optimizing logistics concepts and state-of-the-art waste treatment plants.
• Mastering waste air purification principles and developing advanced concepts using analytical and measurement techniques.

Supervising and Mentoring of Students

Supervised and mentored over 40 theses since 2012, providing guidance and support to students in the areas of circular economy and resource management. The following list represents a curated selection of the supervised student theses from the past two years, showcasing the diverse range of research topics explored in these works and highlighting my expertise in overseeing projects in this field. 

• Investigating machine learning methods for intelligent image recognition of food waste. Moustafa Halol (2023)
• Explorative spatial data analysis for a resilient circular economy in Baden-Württemberg. Moriz Moser (2023)
• Enhancing the Recyclability of Waste Electrical Equipment: Investigating Influencing Variables for Establishing a Resilient Circular Economy. Rico Rachel (2023)
• Self-reporting approaches to quantify food waste in the German healthcare and hotel sector: Assessing the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of data generated through food waste tracking systems. Javier Flores Rivera (2023)
• Deep learning applications for food waste optimization. Firas Shabita (2023)
• Optimization potential of food waste generated in the bakery sector through intelligent Demand Forecasting. Cinthya Lara (2022)
• How many are enough? A methodological approach to define representative sample sizes for food waste monitoring in Germany. Nayeli Rocha Barradas (2022)
• The impact of buffet planning on food waste in hotels. Julia Weißert (2021)

• RETASTE 2022 - Rethink Food Waste. Title of the presentation: "Comparison of forecasting methods for the efficient food waste reduction in bakeries and hotels". Heraklion, Greece, October 20-21, 2022.
• ANUGA Food Tec 2022 - International trade fair dedicated to food and beverage technology. Title of the presentation: "Digital measurement methods for food waste tracking in hotels to improve the food management". Cologne, Germany, April 26, 2022.
• Recy & DepoTech Conference 2020 (15. ed) - Waste Management and Recycling Conference. Title of the presentation: "Reporting of food waste in the EU – Results of current estimates in Germany". Leoben, Austria, November 18-20, 2020.
• STREFOWA Conference (2019) - #reducefoodwaste Conference on Food Waste Prevention and Management. Title of the presentation: "Digital measuring methods to quantify food waste at consumer level towards an improved food management". Vienna, Austria, April 26, 2019.
• EUBCE 2019 - 27th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition. Title of the presentation: "Self-assessment as an effective measure of waste management to increase recycling behavior at consumer level". Lisbon, Portugal, May 27-30, 2019.
• Recy & DepoTech Conference 2018 (14. ed) - Waste Management and Recycling Conference. Title of the presentation: "Monitoring food losses in Germany". Leoben, Austria, November 07-09, 2018.

2016: Scientific Relations and Exchange Program in Bento Gonçalves, Brazil

• Attended FIEMA, one of Brazil's prominent environmental conferences and exhibitions.
• Assisted the delegation as a technical translator during presentations and meetings.
• Actively engaged in conferences and seminars to expand knowledge in the field.

2015: Scientific Relations and Exchange Program in Porto Alegre, Brazil

• Gained practical insights into waste management practices through visits to waste treatment plants.
• Fostered scientific relations and engaged in knowledge exchange during the program.
• Delivered a presentation in Portuguese at a Waste Management Conference in Porto Alegre.

2011: Study Abroad Program at UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil

• Completed a study abroad program at UFSC in Florianópolis, Brazil.
• Designed a photovoltaic operated cooling circuit as part of the program.
• Enhanced cross-cultural understanding and expanded academic horizons through immersion in a different educational environment.

 2008 – 2009: Supervisor – International Center at University of Stuttgart

• Supervised and mentored international students at the University of Stuttgart's International Center.
• Offered voluntary guidance and support, facilitating their integration into the academic and cultural environment.

2004 – 2005: Volunteer – São Paulo, Brazil

• Engaged in an aid project and social work in underprivileged communities in São Paulo, Brazil.
• Contributed to community development initiatives, providing support and assistance to those in need.
• Collaborated with a friend to create a dedicated website for collecting donations.
• Managed the funds raised to construct houses for families in need.
• Contracted and supervised construction workers, actively participating in the building process.
• Regularly communicated with donors, providing detailed reports on the progress and impact of their contributions.

"The Principles of effective leadership", 2-day seminar (Time of presence: 15 hours). University of Stuttgart, Germany. May 16-17, 2023. 

• Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the conditions and challenges you and your team face.
• Effectively motivating and supporting individuals based on their observable behaviors at work.
• Managing obstacles, tension, and conflicts that arise during the ongoing process.
• Setting priorities and optimizing resource utilization within existing constraints.
• Engaging in self-reflection and leveraging feedback from others to enrich your leadership approach.

"Career Compass SCIENCE", 6-day seminar. University of Stuttgart, Germany. April 6 -September 22, 2023. 

• Assessing professional and interdisciplinary competence
• Navigating personal and project-related third-party funding opportunities
• Creating a roadmap for career realization
• Cultivating scientific independence and integrity in publishing
• Networking strategies for academic success
• Developing a digital visibility strategy

Software Skills:

• Data Science Software and Methods: XLSTAT, Forecasting (RDF, SVM), Machine Learning, Multivariate methods, OriginPro 2020, ArcGIS Pro
• Eco-audits: OpenLCA, GaBi, GEMIS
• MFA Software: E-Sankey, Y-ed, STAN
• Simulation Software: Waternet, Stanet
• Programming: Python (basics)

Technical Skills:

• Experimental Work Plans
• Research Methodologies
• Design of Experiments
• Study Design
• Sample Collection & Analysis
• Knowledge of State, Federal, and European Waste Regulations

Personal skills developed through my research experience:

• Adaptability: Being open to different perspectives and comfortable working across multiple disciplines.
• Collaboration: Ability to effectively collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds and communicate ideas across disciplines.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex concepts to a non-specialist audience.
• Creativity: Thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions to complex interdisciplinary problems.
• Flexibility: Willingness to learn new concepts, methodologies, and approaches from other disciplines.
• Open-mindedness: Having a receptive attitude towards different ideas, theories, and methodologies.
• Problem-solving: Ability to identify and address research questions that require interdisciplinary approaches.
• Teamwork: Working collaboratively and cooperatively with researchers from various disciplines to achieve common research goals.
• Interpersonal skills: Building relationships, fostering collaboration, and maintaining effective working relationships with researchers from diverse disciplines.
• Time management: Managing multiple tasks and responsibilities while meeting deadlines and balancing different research priorities.
• Conflict resolution: Navigating and resolving conflicts that may arise due to differing perspectives and approaches in interdisciplinary research.
• Leadership: Taking the initiative to guide and coordinate interdisciplinary research projects and teams.
• Resilience: Ability to navigate challenges and setbacks that may arise in interdisciplinary research and maintain a positive attitude.
• Cultural sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences and diversity within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Adaptation to change: Embracing and managing the inherent uncertainties and changes that arise in interdisciplinary research projects.