https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/staff/y-brehmer
What is your role/position in the IDA program?
Academic Director | Teacher | Supervisor
How long have you been teaching?
This question makes me feel old – since more than a decade … at least
What do you like about teaching?
I like to join students’ journey in acquiring new skills and knowledge and having an impact on their growth and development by fostering their motivation and curiosity.
What is the reason you became a researcher?
I actually wanted to become a medical doctor but missed to take the qualification test necessary at that time – psychology was the second best option. I was always interested in understanding similarities and differences between individuals. But in the end – it was the right supervisor at the right time with the right topic asking me to become a PhD student in his project.
What is the most fascinating about human beings to you?
For me these are between-person differences in within-person changes. What is a person able to do under optimal conditions (with regard to memory and intellectual abilities)? In which way and why do people differ in their behaviour/performance and in which way can it be changed.
Are there times where you doubt researching or university?
Yes that happens – reflection is always good – however I have not found another profession I could imagine liking more.
What makes IDA students unique?
In my experience IDA cohorts consist of smart students, who share high levels of motivation and ambition, but at the same time, differ in their background and interests, what makes this a unique groups of students to work with.
What advice would you give future IDA students?
Enjoy the opportunities you have.
How are you experiencing the teacher-student relationship in the IDA program?
As Academic Director I have a very close connection to all students in the program through regular group and individual meetings and I see that through the close supervision, IDA students and staff members have very close connections.
If you are not teaching or doing research, what else do you like doing in your personal time?
Spending time with my family and dreaming of having my own bee colony (will happen next spring – I tell myself since three years).
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