Get to know Dr. Stefanie Duijndam!

https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/staff/s-n-c-duijndam

What is your role/position in the IDA program?

Teacher.

How long have you been teaching?

7 years.

What do you like about teaching?

The connection with students and sharing my knowledge with them. When the students become enthusiastic about what I have to tell, then I know I did a good job.

What is the reason you became a researcher?

I love solving puzzles and doing research is doing one great puzzle. I’ll never be able to completely solve it, but it’s still very exciting to me.

What is the most fascinating about human beings to you?

That everyone is different.

Are there times where you doubt researching or university?

Sure, especially during very busy and stressful times. As a researcher and teacher you have a lot of responsibility. Most of the time it’s a lot of fun, but every now and then I just need a short break.

What makes IDA students unique?

Their enthusiasm and drive to do well.

If you could change something in the university setting what would you change?

That you have to excel at everything. I’d much more prefer that the focus would be on one aspect (e.g., research) and that other aspects are seen as ‘subprojects’ (e.g., management).

What advice would you give future IDA students?

Enjoy the time as a student and talk to as many teachers and researchers as you can, to really be able to develop yourself and focus on what you find important.

How are you experiencing the teacher-student relationship in the IDA program?

As very good! It’s nice that we have informal gatherings as well, to really get to know each other. We learn a lot from each other

If you are not teaching or doing research, what else do you like doing in your personal time?

Playing golf, singing, riding my racebike, playing (video) games.