About
After completing my journalism degree at the University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht, I began working as a freelance journalist (for popular news magazines including Volkskrant Magazine, MindOpen, Nieuwe Revu, and Vrij Nederland). I also started studying psychology at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Since graduating, I’ve been combining both disciplines by writing about brain research for a broad audience.
In addition, I teach at the university level. I started in the Master’s program Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the UvA, and since 2018 I’ve been lecturing in interdisciplinary and neuroscience courses at the University of Melbourne. In the department of Anatomy and Physiology of this university I’m doing a PhD research project on how students can be trained in collaborative reasoning.
I’ve contributed to several books on interdisciplinary education for Amsterdam University Press, and with Maven Publishing, I wrote the popular science book Stalen Zenuwen – hoe topsporters presteren onder druk. Since its publication, I’ve been giving lectures on performing under pressure and providing critical thinking training to coaches and trainers affiliated with NOC*NSF and the Australian Football League (AFL). In 2025 an adapted version of the book came out with Melbourne University Press: Nerves of Steel – how to improve under pressure.
You can find more on my academic work on the profile page of the University of Melbourne, and at Google Scholar’s overview of publications.
Most of all I’m one of those Dudes in Your Face.