When did you do the IDA master?
2022-2024
How was the IDA Master helpful for what you are doing right now?
It enhanced my research skills and critical thinking as the perfect preparation to be able to continue in research by doing a PhD.
What was your favorite course? And why?
Ethics and Data Management, this course really opened my eyes to see how much improvement for science is still needed to make more robust conclusions.
What was your favorite moment of the time as an IDA student?
I liked the First Year Paper presentations as you could see how much everyone had improvement and how broad the research interests of the cohort were. You got to learn a lot about different topics.
What was your motivation to finish your studies ?
I wanted to do a PhD and I knew this was the perfect preparation to apply for a PhD. The freedom in electives and in topics for the theses also made it easy to finish as you were really interested in what you chose yourself.
Did you experience stress or pressure in your studies, and if yes how did you deal with it?
Only at the beginning due to also being a rower (i.e. on average 32 hours a week) next to my studies. After a while I found my way in combining the two by also taking into account to not try to study after practice (this was never a great study session) and planning my day by incorporating the thought process of when I would be most energetic to be able to study with the most attention.
What can you advise current or future IDA students?
Do not stress too much during lectures so you can actively join the discuss and try to come prepared as this helps you with being present.
How was your overall experience in the master?
Great, learned a lot about research skills (e.g., critical thinking, presentations, academic writing).
What did you do in your international traineeship and how did you like it?
I went to a conference in Vienna with Anouk about cognitive neuroscience. The major thing I learned here was how to engage an audience in your presentations and how to network with other researchers.
Are you still in touch with other alumni students?
Yes, it is nice to have other friends that are into research as they understand more than just surface level if you are encountering a problem in your research and you feel really supported by them.
How did you experience the relationship with your teachers?
Great, they showed a lot of flexibility when my schedule with rowing conflicted with the lectures. They are also really enthusiastic which also sparked my enthusiasm for research even more.
Did you know from the beginning what you want to do after your master? How did you find out what you would like to do?
Yes, but I first thought I would do a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. However, throughout the program I noticed that the thing I loved the most about cognitive neuroscience was neuroscience methods and the thing I loved the most from my bachelor was methods and statistics. The courses of the master made me realize that my main research interest lies within methods and statistics, especially within meta-research.
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