About

Short CV  ·  Media & interviews  ·  Kindness & Excellence

Background

I studied mathematics in Groningen and Leiden and did my PhD at CWI and Leiden University. After postdoctoral positions in Magdeburg and at Inria Lille, I worked at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam before moving to the University of Twente. I now combine my position at Twente with a research position at CWI.

Academic culture

I care not only about what academia produces, but also about how we work together. I like ambitious science and high standards, but I do not think they require a harsh or hyper-competitive culture: people do their best work when they feel valued, can be themselves, and have room to develop their own strengths and scientific voice. In supervision and leadership I value openness, clarity, trust, independence and regular exchange. Kindness, to me, includes empathy and generosity, but also being clear and setting healthy boundaries. I do not see science as a zero-sum game: collaboration and support can make both the science and the working environment better. I care particularly about diversity and inclusion and about making academia a healthier and more sustainable place to work.

Outside academia

Before and alongside mathematics, I trained as a classical musician and obtained Bachelor and Master degrees in classical horn. Music is still an important part of my life: I sing as a contralto and play classical percussion in orchestras and ensemble projects. Other easy topics for conversation are triathlon, running, hiking, learning languages, training dogs, raising kids, and much more.