I am an assistant professor of physics education at the Freudenthal Institute, Utrecht University. I am fascinated by how we understand the world around us, using scientific models and mathematics to explain and predict phenomena. In my research I strive to gain more insight in students' learning of modern physics at the secondary school level.
As the coordinator of the QTEdu-QCI project, I have conducted a Delphi study to identify the challenges in quantum education research. In the Erasmus+ EMPOWER project, I am developing a framework, teaching materials and training for the integration of Modelling-Based Learning in science education.
In addition to my research, I teach didactics in the Graduate School of Teaching. I also teach in the research track of the Master's program Science Education and Communication.
Beyond my academic roles, I am actively involved in a range of initiatives aimed at improving physics education. To help address the science teacher shortage, I coordinate Bèta4all, a national program that supports lateral entry into science teaching. I am a member of the national science curriculum renewal committee and co-organizer of the Junior Physics Olympiad. Additionally, I write a column on physics education for NTvN.