What do you do at VU and how long do you work there?
“I have been working at VU since 2005. Before that, I studied 'Human nutrition' at Wageningen University, where I also got my PhD. When me contract there ended, I started as a UD at the VU, department of health sciences. I conduct research and teach in the field of nutrition and health. My research interests are broad, but I find research on coffee consumption in relation to health very interesting.
When I started in 2005, the Department of Health Sciences was still small and manageable, meanwhile the department has grown very fast and the Bsc and Msc programmes in health sciences have grown along with it. Currently, I am an associate professor, programme director of the Health Sciences master, and a trustee for the science faculty. I personally find this a very nice combo of tasks and no day is boring.”
What is the best thing about working at the Faculty of Science?
"Personally, I really like being able to do different tasks in my job and there are also many opportunities to develop myself further. And perhaps most importantly, I have very nice colleagues."
What could be better at the faculty?
"I think that's quite a broad question. I think many things go well, but could also be better. The faculty is very big and therefore some things go very slowly, while I then think: 'just change it'."
"What I think is very good is that since 2020 there have been appointed confidants within the faculty. I have been a confidant for 3 years now and notice that there is a lot going on in the faculty. It is appreciated that there is someone with whom you can spar confidentially and ask for advice if necessary. I would like it if we work together within the faculty to create a nicer and safer working environment for everyone."
What do you recommend colleagues to see, read or listen to?
"I personally like books that take you into people's life stories. Books I find interesting include 'Paaz' and 'UP' by Myrthe van der meer Meer, but I also enjoy reading the stories of 'The Seven Sisters'."
"Furthermore, I advise colleagues to also chat with each other outside 'official' appointments, or have a chat with someone you don't know very well yet. We often only talk to each other about work and our diaries are full of appointments (mine too), but it's precisely at random moments in the corridors or at the coffee machine that you get to know each other better. Sometimes that is also where the most efficient work conversations take place."
What did you do last weekend?
"Last weekend, we had a lovely dinner at friends' house in Drenthe, just catching up as we hadn't seen each other for a long time. We also did the regular weekend things like shopping, the kids' sports matches and sports ourselves. And... sometimes it's just really nice to have few plans for the weekends and to be able to do something spontaneous if necessary."
Who do you hand the baton over to?
"I am handing over the baton to Nynke Schulp with whom I did the 'leadership & management skills' course. A super fun but also intensive course and we are still in touch among ourselves with participants."
Dilemmas
Are you beta or alpha?
If I have to choose I'm beta after all.
Lift or stairs?
Up to 5th with the stairs, higher with the lift, partly depending on which is faster.
What is your favourite university snack?
I don't really have one, but a good cup of coffee is always welcome.
What do you think is the most beautiful VU building?
I think the NU building. It looks open and friendly with a place for socialising on the ground floor, such as the Boele bar.