During the bachelor Psychology, which I also followed at VU Amsterdam, I mostly enjoyed all research and biology-related courses. This led me to consider a research master. My first thought was the master neuroscience, as this is was the ‘best known’ research master at the time and it fit my interests. However, during the minor ‘Genes, brain and behavior’ I noticed my interest in genetics was growing. At the last course of this minor, ‘Molecular Genetics', I knew for sure: the research master 'genes in behavior and health’ was what I wanted to do next.
I really enjoyed following this research master. I struggled a bit in the beginning because everything was online due to covid, but because the master is small and there is a lot of personal contact with both other students and teachers I still felt connected. I feel I have learned a lot on different topics and I felt well prepared for starting my PhD by the end of the Master, which is what I am doing now. The PhD I chose is not genetics-related but more neuroscience. I really like that this was still an option, as we were also very well trained in statistics and even MRI.
