Ulrike (Rikki) Malandro has been a German instructor at the University of Pittsburgh since 2005. She has also taught German courses at Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University.
A native German speaker, Rikki earned a B.A. in English Literature from Washington & Jefferson College, where she focused on Victorian and Regency literature and on the works of Patrick O’Brian—examining leadership and administration aboard Royal Navy ships through an independent study. She later pursued Germanic Literature at the University of Pittsburgh.
At Pitt, she is dedicated to teaching beginner and intermediate German learners and fostering strong connections between faculty and students. Beyond the classroom, she cultivates a vibrant language‑learning community through:
- Host of “Spieleabend mit Frau Malandro” – a regular game-night gathering for German students.
- Coordinator of “Frau Malandros Nachhilfe” – the German‑Learners Tutoring Hub.
- Advisor for Delta Phi Alpha – the National German Honors Society.
- Email‑List Manager for the German Department
- Goethe‑Institut B2 Tester
Through these roles, Rikki promotes active discourse, cultural exchange, and a supportive environment for all German language enthusiasts.
COURSES TAUGHT
- GER 101: Beginning German 1
- GER 102: Beginning German 2
- GER 103: Beginning German 3
- GER 201: Intermediate German 1
- GER 202: Intermediate German 2
HONORS
- Phi Beta Kappa Society, 2005
- Sigma Tau Delta: International English Honors Society, 2004
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- MA in Germanic Literature University of Pittsburgh, 2008
- BA, summa cum laude, in English Literature Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA
- MA in Germanic Literature University of Pittsburgh, 2008
- BA, summa cum laude, in English Literature Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA
