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 am currently conducting a Delphi study to identify the challenges in quantum education research.
In addition to my research, I teach didactics in the Graduate School of Teaching, where I focus on the didactics of physics instruction, as well as the integration of the nature of science, model thinking, and critical thinking skills into physics education. 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. I am a member of the national science curriculum renewal committee and co-organizer of the Junior Physics Olympiad. To help address the science teacher shortage, I coordinate béta4all, a national program that supports lateral entry into science teaching. Additionally, I write a column on physics education for NTvN.