https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/staff/e-l-demoor
What is your role/position in the IDA program?
Internal traineeship coordinator.
How long have you been teaching?
4 years.
What do you like about teaching?
In teaching, I like that I am not just transferring knowledge to students, but also get the chance to learn myself. Students may have very innovative and unique ways of looking at the phenomena that I have been studying in the same way for years!
What is the reason you became a researcher?
Ever since writing my bachelor’s thesis, I was hooked on doing research! I like writing, analyzing, and getting the chance to dive into a topic and learn something knew about it. Becoming a researcher was therefore only natural!
What is the most fascinating about human beings to you?
I am always fascinated by the uniqueness of humans. The exact same events, the same environments may impact two individuals completely differently.
Are there times where you doubt researching or university?
I love writing and doing research. That being said, sometimes I have the very unrealistic desire to quit my job and simply do research in my own time, at my own pace. I think this reflects the high demands that are placed on researchers in academia, where there is sometimes the (implicit) push to publish faster and more.
What makes IDA students unique?
In my experience, IDA students are critical thinkers, not just soaking in knowledge but actively questioning it.
If you could change something in the university setting what would you change?
There’s already a move towards more appreciation of different types of activities in academia. However, sometimes “you could be good at different things” starts to feel like “you should be good at all of these things”. I would like to see a greater focus on individual strengths.
What advice would you give future IDA students?
Sometimes, IDA will feel like a 2-year crash course on becoming a researcher. In times of stress, try to connect with each other. Sharing your concerns and burdens will not take them away, but can make it easier to carry them.
What is a collaborative project that you liked and worked with an IDA student on?
I am currently working with two students on a project on trauma, identity (discontinuity), and well-being. The project is still in its starting phase, but so far it’s great!
How are you experiencing the teacher-student relationship in the IDA program?
I like that we get the chance to really connect with students and to share mutual interests.
If you are not teaching or doing research, what else do you like doing in your personal time?
In my spare time, I like reading, playing boardgames and video games, and — if I can find the motivation — cycling.
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