What do you do at VU and how long do you work here?
"I am an associate professor in the Physics & Astronomy department. I also contribute to the department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council and chair the OLC for the Science, Business, and Innovation study programmes. I’ve been at VU since March 2020, which was certainly an interesting time to begin a new position just as the world entered lockdown. Before this, I was a group leader at the NOW DIFFER institute in Eindhoven, and transitioning to academia has been an exciting and rewarding experience."
What is the best thing about working at the Faculty of Science?
"I truly appreciate the opportunity to interact with colleagues from diverse scientific backgrounds. In our research, we combine physics with chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, and computer science. Being able to collaborate with experts from such varied fields at the Faculty of Science is a real privilege."
What could be better at the faculty?
"One area I think could improve is reducing some of the hierarchical traditions we’ve inherited. Hierarchies can limit transparency and sometimes reinforce power imbalances. For example, I believe younger colleagues should be allowed to promote PhD candidates. If they are capable of securing highly competitive grants and supervising PhD students for years, they should also have the right to sign their students' theses."
"On a more symbolic level, I think it’s time to move beyond wearing togas during promotions and official ceremonies. Eliminating these formalities would remind us that the term "university" originates from the Latin word for "community" and that a university is, at its core, a community of students and teachers. Fun fact: the first rector of the oldest European university (Bologna) was actually a student, and early universities were student-run, with professors hired on temporary contracts."
Fall is finally here. How do you prepare for the short and grey days?
"Lots of vitamin D and I make sure to have a flight ticket to visit family and friends in Italy, so I always have something to look forward to."
Do you have any work tips for colleagues?
"The VU offers a fantastic range of professional development courses, and I’ve taken full advantage since joining four years ago. I’ve completed the BKO, a Dutch language course, a Leadership course, the Active Bystander course, the Mixed Classroom course, and a Diversity and Inclusion workshop, among others. So, my tip would be to go online and see what is on offer: you will learn a ton and meet great people in the process."
What do you recommend colleagues to do, see, read and/or listen to?
"There are so many things to recommend, but one event not to miss is the yearly Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture at VU. It’s always an inspiring experience. This year’s lecture by Bryan Stevenson was particularly moving - one of the most beautiful talks I’ve ever heard."
"For colleagues in leadership roles, I highly recommend the book Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Rajendra Sisodia. It’s been both a moral compass and a practical guide in my own leadership roles."
Dilemmas
Are you a beta or alpha?
"I’m definitely beta. I count everything, measure everything, love data and numbers (my super alpha spouse is very patient…)."
Spring or fall?
"Hard to say. Of course, Spring feels like a more joyous time, with days getting longer and warmer. However, in the Fall I teach a lot, and I absolutely love teaching. Plus, Fall is when grapes, olives, chestnuts, pumpkins and so many other amazing foods are in season, and I love cooking and eating them ;-)."
What is your favourite university meal/snack?
"Oh, food... Let’s say it’s not the university’s strongest suit! As a snack, I go for the protein-rich yogurt to try to stay healthy."
What do you think is the most beautiful VU building?
“The most beautiful building is the one that’s the most accessible, welcoming, and inclusive. Hopefully, that will be the new VUO building when we move in later this year—something we’re working hard to ensure.
Dilemma's
Ben je een bèta of alfa?
"Ik ben zeker een bèta. Ik tel alles, meet alles, hou van gegevens en cijfers (mijn super alfa echtgenoot is erg geduldig...)."
Lente of herfst?
"Moeilijk te zeggen. Natuurlijk voelt de lente als een vrolijkere tijd, met dagen die langer en warmer worden. Maar in de herfst geef ik veel les en ik ben dol op lesgeven. Bovendien zijn in de herfst druiven, olijven, kastanjes, pompoenen en nog veel meer heerlijk eten in het seizoen en ik vind het heerlijk om dat te koken en te eten ;-)."
Wat is je favoriete universiteitsmaaltijd/snack?
“Oh, eten... Laten we zeggen dat het niet het sterkste punt van de universiteit is! Als tussendoortje ga ik voor de eiwitrijke yoghurt om te proberen gezond te blijven.”
Wat is volgens jou het mooiste gebouw van de VU?
“Het mooiste gebouw is het gebouw dat het meest toegankelijk, gastvrij en inclusief is. Hopelijk is dat het nieuwe VUO-gebouw als we er later dit jaar intrekken - iets waar we hard aan werken."