Letter of Motivation

I’m applying for a PhD for the following call, in University of Vienna.

According to them the Letter of Motivation should: Explain briefly why you choose Vienna, Austria and the University of Vienna for your doctoral studies, highlighting the key factors motivating your decision.

You’ll find my CV below, but you should focus on their instructions and link them mainly with my research and study experience and my research interests. The Doctoral School I’m applying for is this one: and my suggested prospective supervisor is Helen Ahner (you can find info about her and her research interests at the link I shared for the Doctoral School) as I feel we share common research interests (that should be linked with my publication, as it explores similar themes).

CV

Gteborg 417 79, Sweden

Education

09/2025 Current University of Gothenburg (GU), Gteborg, Sweden

International Masters Degree in IT & Learning (2-year degree; 120 ECTS)

• Grade: N/A

08/2022 09/2024 Malm University (MAU), Malm, Sweden

Masters Degree in Sport Sciences Sport in Society (2-year degree; 120 ECTS)

• Grade: B Very Good

09/2017 – 07/2022 University of Peloponnese (UoP), Sparti, Greece

Bachelors Degree in Sports Organization and Management (4-year degree; 240 ECTS)

• Grade: 7.29/10 Very Good

10/2005 10/2007 Hellenic Police Academy, Rethimno, Greece

Professional experience

07/2023 08/2025 Bartender, Moriska Paviljongen & Mikkeller Pop Up / Mikkeller Moriskan, Malm, Sweden

10/2007 06/2022 Police Detective, Hellenic Police, Athens, Greece

Supported administrative operations and citizen services in a high-responsibility environment emphasizing confidentiality and accuracy.

Handled sensitive documentation and coordinated with interdepartmental teams to ensure compliance with national regulations.

Research Experience

01/2024 09/2024 Master Thesis “Urban Rides, Social Tides: Skateboarding’s Influence on Youth Empowerment and Urban Cultural Dynamics in Nairobi, Kenya”, (MAU), Nairobi, Kenya

Conducted comprehensive research on skateboarding’s role in empowering youth and shaping urban cultural dynamics in Nairobi, Kenya.

Analyzed the influence of skateboarding on social integration, community development, and urban space utilization among Nairobi’s youth.

Identified key factors contributing to skateboarding’s growth as a tool for social empowerment and its impact on reducing youth involvement in negative behaviors.

Collaborated with local skateboarding groups and NGOs to understand the challenges and opportunities in promoting inclusive urban environments.

08/2023 03/2024 Research and Development Project, Collaboration with Bryggeriets Skateboarding High School, Malm, Sweden

Assessed motivational challenges among students and identified effective strategies to enhance engagement.

03/2022 06/2022 Bachelor Thesis “Talent Identification and Development in Modern Football”, (UoP), Sparti, Greece

Investigated contemporary approaches to football talent development, achieved a

distinction grade of 10/10.

Volunteering experience

Assistant Coach at BK Olympic Malm 1920 U17 Football Team, Malm, Sweden (06/2023 08/2023)

School Host Volunteer at Gothia Cup, Gteborg, Sweden (07/2023)

School Host Volunteer at Partille Cup, Gteborg, Sweden (07/2023)

Team Host Volunteer at Malm Trophy, Malm, Sweden (05/2023 06/2023)

Volunteer at Trimore Inpool Triathlon, Athens, Greece (07/2021)

Volunteer at PAO B.C. Academy XMAS Tournament, Loutraki, Greece (12/2018)

Skills

Technical: SPSS, MS Office Suite

Languages: English (fluent), Spanish (fluent), Portuguese (basic), French (basic), Swedish (beginner), Greek (native)

Publications

Reviving the Forgotten: Breathing Life into Urban Wastelands Through Skateboarding and Decolonial Placemaking in Nairobi, Kenya

Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, The History, Culture, and Sociology of Sports Section

Volume 7, 2025

https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1637588

Certifications

Certified Performance Analyst (6 ECTS), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, Greece

Certified Sports Academy Coaching (4 ECTS), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, Greece

Attended numerous seminars and conferences in Sports – Events Management, Social Inclusion through/into sports, Gender Equality, LGBTQI+ Rights, Migrants and Refugees Rights.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Student Representative, Department of Sport Sciences, Malm University (MAU), Malm, Sweden (08/2023 05/2024)

o Represented the student body during meetings with faculty and external partners.

o Advocated for student needs and facilitated communication between stakeholders to implement constructive changes.