Radio Life Sciences

Our Education | The Square: a new education form for dialogue

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0100

In today’s episode, Maarke and Gisela explore a new education form for dialogues, The Square. They talk to Sigrid Merx who is part of the Educational innovation project which developed this form at Utrecht University. The Square was piloted within the Life Sciences and Society (LSS) profile. Student and LSS-alumna Maayke Balemans shares her experience as a student who participated in this education form.

Maayke Balemans is a student Neuroscience and Cognition. She followed the LSS-profile in P3 and P4 of 2025 and is now working on her writing assignment to complete her master’s program.

Sigrid Merx is an associate professor at the department of Media and Culture Studies at the Faculty of Humanities. She is a work package leader in the Comenius Leadership Project Fostering an Open Mind and Open Attitude where she has co-developed creative tools to foster dialogue in higher education at a time of growing polarization both inside and outside the classroom. The Square is one of these tools.

Student Representation Series – Part 2: Life Sciences Representatives & Educational Committee of Life Sciences

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0200

In this episode, Maria and Fabíola chat with members of the Life Sciences Representatives (LSR) and the Educational Committee for the Graduate School of Life Sciences (EC-LS), Eva Wiesner and Elfie Moesker. They share how their groups work to improve the quality of education, represent student perspectives within the GSLS, and address key issues affecting Life Sciences students. From giving feedback on courses to tackling challenges students face during their studies, our guests offer an inside look at how they help shape the learning experience at GSLS. Tune in to discover how these committees make student voices heard and why their work matters for every Life Sciences student.

Student Representation Series - Part 1: Student assessors

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0200

In this episode Maria and Fabíola talk to Niels Vreeswijk and Sebastian Bok, who are student assessors at Utrecht University and at the UMC Utrecht, respectively. From sharing their daily activities and challenges to advocating for positive change for students, Niels and Sebastian discuss their roles at UU and UMC Utrecht and go into detail on what it means to be a student assessor. Tune in to learn more about this important student representation role within the university!

Our Community | Isabella Spaans talks about her PhD research and reveals her role model!

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:20:00 +0200

In this episode Eveline talks to Isabella Spaans. Isabella is a PhD Student at UMC Utrecht and she is about to defend her dissertation about role models.

In this episode she will tell you more about what role models actually are, why they are important and you will get to know what walking buffets and shopping for clothes have to do with role models. Also, she will reveal who her role model is!

Enjoy listening!

Our Education | Lab calculations in a VR setting

Mon, 12 May 2025 09:00:00 +0200

Two experienced teachers, Lizette Utomo and Koen Braat, developed a new course on lab calculations and made use of an innovative method: virtual reality. They tell Gisela and Maarke about their experience and how the course can bridge the gap between calculations and actual experiments in the lab.

For more information about the course, visit the OSIRIS course catalogue.

Our Community | Student Stories: Internationals Navigating Life in the Netherlands

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:30:00 +0200

In this episode Maria and Fabíola talk to Chanel and Bianca about their experiences as international students who moved to the Netherlands for their education. From culture shocks and academic challenges to making new friends and finding a home away from home, we explore the highs and the lows of studying in a new country. Tune in to enjoy their stories and get valuable insights on things you wish you knew before coming to study in the Netherlands!

Our Education | Medical Imaging Master and Research with Dr. Chantal Tax

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Today’s Radio Life Sciences guest is dr. Chantal Tax, associate professor at the Image Sciences institute and programme coordinator of the GSLS Medical Imaging Master’s programme. She recently won the prestigious Vidi grant and tells us all about how she prepared for the application. Furthermore, Gisela and Maarke ask her about her passion for this research field, what type of students fit the programme, and how she combines research and teaching.

YoUUr Career | Being an entrepreneur after graduation - part III (with Chanel Sam and Wiepke Koekenberg)

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:30:00 +0100

Being an entrepreneur goes with ups and downs and in this series we follow Chanel's experiences along the road! Wiepke is part of the Centre for Entrepreneurship of Utrecht University and she also shares more about an interesting event that you as a student can go to if you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur. This will be hosted on this Friday January 31st 2025! For more information about this day, go to https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/playground and follow The Playground on Instagram @playground.uu.

Enjoy listening!

YoUUr Career | Being an entrepreneur after graduation - part II (with Chanel Sam and Wiepke Koekenberg)

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Eveline talks to Chanel Sam and Wiepke Koekenberg again. Chanel is an alumnus from the GSLS Master Neuroscience & Cognition and is currently setting up her own business. Being an entrepreneur goes with ups and downs and in this series we follow Chanel's experiences along the road! Wiepke is part of the Centre for Entrepreneurship of Utrecht University and she also shares more about an interesting event that you as a student can go to if you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur. This will be hosted on Friday January 31 (so one day instead of two as mentioned in the podcast). Enjoy listening!

YoUUr Career | Being an entrepreneur after graduation - part I (with Chanel Sam and Wiepke Koekenberg)

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0200

In this episode Eveline talks to Chanel Sam and Wiepke Koekenberg. Chanel is an alumnus from the GSLS Master Neuroscience & Cognition and is currently setting up her own business. Being an entrepreneur goes with ups and downs and in this series we follow Chanel's experiences along the road! Wiepke is part of the Centre for Entrepreneurship of Utrecht University and she also shares more about how this centre helps students with entrepreneurial ambitions. Enjoy listening!

YoUUr Career | Brain Computer Interface Lab

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0200

In this episode Eveline talks to Anouck, Bouke and Simon from the Brain Computer Interface (BCI) lab. This fascinating technique focuses on helping for example patients with locked-in syndrome to communicate with the world. In this episode we talk about what BCI's actually are and what they measure, the ethical issues they raise, and also your opportunities to join the ongoing research within this lab. Enjoy listening!

Our Community | 'Broodje GSLS'

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:05:00 +0200

This is a slightly different episode than normal, because it was recorded live during a meeting with staff of the Education Center! In the podcast we talk about our Radio Life Sciences team and the podcast in general, some facts and figures, and we also discuss some relevant topics we could cover in the future.

Our Community | Gijs' PhD Journey (3)

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0200

In this follow-up episode on Gijs’ PhD journey, Gijs and Maarke discuss what’s going on in Gijs’ PhD life. They talk about the milestone of writing and submitting your first article, the motivation that comes from visiting conferences, the collaboration between the UMCU and RIVM, and the positive side of ever-changing plans.

YoUUr Career | Live session with career officers | Part 3

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:30:00 +0200

In this episode of the YoUUr Career series, Tessa records a third live session with Remko and Michelle (two career officers) and Meike Hartog (a GSLS student). They talk about the final phase of Career Service/Orientation: 'Get Skilled', which is being put in practice 'live' by Meike. Enjoy listening!

YoUUr Career | Live session with career officers | Part 2

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0200

In this episode of the YoUUr Career series, Tessa records a second live session with Remko and Michelle (two career officers) and Panos (a GSLS student). They talk about the results that Panos has achieved after following the advices and tips that Remko and Michele gave him some time ago. What did Panos discover after he followed a e-learning module on career topics? What did he learn about LinkedIn? Listen and learn together with him!

Our Education | Academic Writing Course

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0200

In today's episode, Anastasia Kurysheva talks to Aisha Pagnes - the course coordinator for the Academic Writing course from the Communication Skills Academy (Coska), and Adam Frick - one of the teachers of this course. The course is open to all Master’s students of the Graduate School of Life Sciences who works on their major research project or report for their profile. We'll discuss all ins and outs of the course, why it is important to communicate your insights clearly and convincingly in scientific articles, and what you as a student can gain from following this course. They say the best scientists are also the best writers!

Interested in this course? Check out the Osiris description; https://osiris-student.uu.nl/onderwijscatalogus/extern/cursus

YoUUr Well-Being | From Failure to Flourish. Part 2

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0200

In today's episode, Tessa Voerman talks to Dr. Sabrina Genz - an assistant professor and a coach at the Online Coaching Center (OCC) of Utrecht University. At OCC, the students can share their worries with the online coaches. Sabrina tells to our listeners what questions students have when they ask for a coaching sessions at the OCC (e.g., issues with time management). She also tells in depth about the techniques that could be useful to students to apply while they are balancing their master's or PhD programme with their personal life and other obligations they might have.

YoUUr Career | Live session with career officers | Part 1

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:31:00 +0200

In this episode of the YoUUr Career series Tessa hosts a live session between Remko and Michelle (two career officers) and Panos (a GSLS student). They cover different interesting topics and discussions as to how you as a student can discover what your strengths and ambitions are and how to use them to investigate your future ambitions. Moreover, via using lots of post-its, Panos visualizes all his strengths and ambitions to get to know what he would like to do after he would graduate. Listen to hear how you can investigate your own future ambitions as well!

YoUUr Well-Being | From Failure to Flourish. Part 1

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:00:00 +0200

In today's episode, Tessa Voerman and Lisa Keijzer introduce the first part of a two-part series on the topic of failure. In this episode, they speak with Dr. Annerieke Oosterwegel from the Department of Developmental Psychology at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University. Together, they explore the concept of failure and discuss how students experience failure and what techniques they can implement to help themselves reframe those experiences.

Our Education | Lili’s Proto Lab; how to make your first prototype

Wed, 22 May 2024 13:15:00 +0200

Utrecht University already has a reputation as an institution with excellent theoretical courses, but did you know you can know also dabble in hardware prototyping in Lili’s Proto Lab? This new facility within the science faculty is promoting students, teachers and researchers to adopt a DIY approach and learn new design skills. Whether you want to create a hardware solution to aid your research, create an educational model to explain a concept or simply learn some digital design skills, Lili’s Proto Lab is there to lower the threshold and accelerate you along the learning curve. In this episode, Tessa Voerman interviews Josh Hauser and Edward Paddon on all opportunities “ Lili’s Proto Lab” has to offer.

YoUUr Career | Life Sciences Career Week

Tue, 07 May 2024 14:35:00 +0200

In this episode of the YoUUr Career series of the Radio Life Sciences podcast, Eveline talks to Rianne, Yvette and Litske about their careers so far and they mention much interesting information about the upcoming Life Sciences Career Week. This week is organized by the GSLS from 27th of May until 31st of May.

Have a listen and hear about examples of interesting workshops during this week! For more information and registration for the Life Sciences Career Week, have a look at this website: https://students.uu.nl/en/events/life-sciences-career-week

Our Research | Research in Jungle: French Guiana

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:52:00 +0200

Tessa Voerman continues exploring various aspects of conducting research in the jungle. In this second part, she discusses fieldwork in French Guiana with Martijn Ruisbroek and Wout Damen, two students from the Environmental Biology GSLS Master’s program. They share insights into the experience of working in the jungle, preparations one should make, and the biodiversity of the region.

Our Research | Research in Jungle: Suriname

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, Tessa Voerman introduces a two-part series on the fascinating topic of 'Research in Jungle'. In this first part, she talks about fieldwork in Suriname with Ronja Knippers, a PhD Candidate focusing on Human-Wildlife Coexistence, and Julia Blok, a master’s student in the Ecology & Natural Resource Management track within the Environmental Biology Master’s program about their research interests and real life experiences doing their field work. They also give tips to those graduate students who are interested in doing similar research.

Our Research | Navigating Translational Science in Academia

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 10:15:00 +0100

In today's episode, Anastasia talks to Farah Kools who is defending her PhD dissertation on translational science in April 2024. Farah's dissertation urges a reevaluation and redesign of current academic reward systems, advocating for an approach that is more aligned with the intrinsic motivations of researchers to impact patient care.

Our Education | History of Medicine course

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, Lisa will be talking to Christine Fox, the course coordinator for the History of Medicine course. This course is an interdisciplinary course that is available for both GSLS and History of Philosophy Science students. We'll discuss all ins and outs of the course, why it is important to bring scientists and historians together, and what you as a student can gain from following this course.

Interested in this course? Check out the Osiris description; https://shorturl.at/vDKQY

Our News | Accreditation visit of Biomedical Sciences

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, the Director of Utrecht University Graduate School of Life Sciences and Degree Director Biomedical Sciences Prof. Harold van Rijen talks to Marit de Kort - Policy Officer at biomedical sciences, Shirrinka Goubitz - the Managing Director of the Graduate School of Life Sciences, and Kirsten Boersma-van Nierop, Policy Advisor of biomedical sciences. They all prepared for the audit across the last half a year, and they share the details of this process as well as the results of the accreditation visit. The episode is relevant to students, faculty staff members, and administration members of the biomedical sciences.

Our Research | PhD students of the Life Sciences Education Research PhD Programme

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:08:00 +0100

In this episode, a postdoctoral researcher in the field of Higher Education Anastasia Kurysheva talks to two PhD students: Nathalie Brandenburg and Richard Horenberg. They both recently started their PhD projects at the LSER (Life Sciences Education Research) Programme of the GSLS. Richard has a medical background, and Nathalie has a biomedical background. You will learn how they switched to doing an interdisciplinary research on their edge of their disciplines and education.

Our Education | Supervisor of the Year

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:26:00 +0100

In this episode, Maarke Roelofs interviews Leanne Jager, a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry of Utrecht University and Sofie van Dorst, a GSLS master's student. Sofie completed her internship under Leanne's supervision and was among the three students who nominated Leanne for the GSLS Supervisor of the Year award, which Leanne won for the academic year 2022/2023.

During their conversation, Maarke explores the qualities that define an excellent supervisor and delves into the methods Leanne employs to train her students.

Our News | Winter Break episode

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:12:00 +0100

In this episode, you will hear from most of the members of Radio Life Sciences: Maarke, Lisa, Tessa, Gijs, Fabiola, and Anastasia. They sum up the results of Radio Life Sciences' broadcasts from the past year and discuss exciting plans for the new year, as well as share their personal plans.

Grab a blanket, a warm cup of coffee or tea, relax, and enjoy this final episode of 2023!

Our Education | Writing Assignment on Supervision of Research Projects

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:02:00 +0100

In today's episode, Maarke and Gisela talk with Marjolein Rozeboom, MSc about her writing assignment on supervision of life sciences students that she conducted under supervision of Dr. Renske de Kleijn.

Marjolein is an alumnus of one of the UU GSLS Masters' programmes -Regenerative Medicine and Technology. She works as a clinical research associate at IQVIA - a clinical research organization.

Our Research | Hormonal Contraceptives & Psychological Side-Effects

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:02:00 +0100

In this episode, a recent GSLS graduate Vera Rijks talks to a PhD candidate Anne Marieke Doornweerd and a physician and sexologist of Nederlandse Vereniging voor Seksuologie (NVVS) Peter Leusink.

Anne Marieke investigates how the cycle and contraceptive use can affect emotion regulation and possibly lead to the depressive or anxiety symptoms often seen fluctuating throughout the cycle or with contraceptive use.

Peter Leusink consults various groups of patients on the questions of sexuality, also under the conditions of aging, cancer and chronic illness. He also provides education and training for GPs, specialists, and many other care providers. In 2021, he established his own company De Seksuele Zaak.

The websites with reliable information about contraceptive methods:

https://rutgers.nl/themas/anticonceptie/

https://www.anticonceptie.nl/

Our Community | Gijs' PhD Journey (2)

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0200

In today's episode, Eveline talks with Gijs Teunis about his PhD journey, which is 1 year on its way.

Gijs is an alumnus of our OneHealth Master's programme (now part of Health and Environment) and works as a PhD student at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) at the department of Bacterial Surveillance and Response. We follow Gijs on his PhD journey to see what steps he takes and what he learns from them.

Our Community | Diversity & Inclusion

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 09:50:00 +0200

Can your own background be reflected in how you approach your research questions? Why diversity among students, teachers, and other staff members is so important? Have you ever thought about how the textbooks influence your research or practice with patients? What measures are introduced to make the biomedical sciences curriculum at bachelor's and master's phases inclusive?

In this episode, Gijs tries to find out the answers to these questions by talking to dr. Gönül Dilaver - director of education Bachelor biomedical sciences, associate professor, principal fellow on inclusive education at Utrecht University and dr. Gisela van der Velden - assistant professor educational innovation biomedical sciences about their Platform Diversity & Inclusion at the UMC Utrecht.

Our News | ChatGPT within the GSLS

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0200

Since the release of ChatGPT in the end of 2022, universities and educators are trying to find how the rise of generative AI can be fitted in our curricula. Therefore the GSLS has initiated a project: 'The Generative Education Initiative', chaired by assistant professor dr. Christine Fox. In this 'Our News' episode, Harold talks to Christine together with our Health and Environment student Deepshika Sharma about the impact of generative AI and what the aims are of the 'generative education initiative' of the GSLS

YoUUr Career | Franka van Heijningen and her traineeship at TNO

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0200

In this episode Eveline talks to Franca van Heijningen who is an UU graduate and former member of our Radio Life Sciences team! Currently, Franca is a trainee at TNO and she shares her experiences with us.

TNO is an independent research organization which focuses on targeted innovation. This means that they do not develop knowledge for the sake of knowledge, but for its practical application. TNO tries to create value on a social and economic level within six different domains, such as defence and safety, healthy living and work, and high-tech industry. Look for more information about TNO on their website!

Are you curious how the selection process goes for a traineeship at TNO? And how your two years look like when you’re in a traineeship? To get to know this and other interesting experiences of Franca at her traineeship, have a listen at this episode!

Our Education | Professional Identity Education (PIE)

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:30:00 +0200

In today's episode, Maarke Roelofs and Gisela van der Velden from Radio Life Sciences are talking to Tessa Voerman, who is the coordinator of our elective course Professional Identity Education. This course extends over the two years of the Master's programme and focuses on finding your own professional identity (Who am I? What do I want? What can I bring?). Knowing yourself enables you to make the most out of your study time and to prepare yourself for future career opportunities. Maarke, Gisela and Tessa explore the course and the benefits it can bring you as a student.

Our Education | Experience and Expertise (X&X) Course

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0200

In today's episode, Gisela van der Velden and Maarke Roelofs of the GSLS talk to Casper Schoemaker and Corlinda Kievit about our special elective course 'Experience and Expertise'. In this course, students with a chronic disease learn to integrate their experiential knowledge of living with a chronic physical or mental condition with their research expertise and scientific skills. And much more of course!

Our Education | Welcome (Back) to the GSLS!

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0200

In today's episode, Harold van Rijen, Fleur Boelens and Kirsten Koymans look back on last year's events and education of the GSLS and look forward to the upcoming academic year and especially the Introducing Life Sciences week. If you want to know more about our events, please check the News section on the Students Site of the GSLS!

Our Community | I Art My Science

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0200

Today's episode highlights the I Art My Science project within the Graduate School of Life Science. Lisa is talking with Tania Morán Luengo and Spiros Pachis about the project. Pachis is one of the founders of this art project. Tania and Lisa joined the project later and are working on the upcoming exhibition of I Art My Science.

Our Education | Bioinformatics Profile

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0200

In todays episode, we look into the Bioinformatics profile. Harold van Rijen is talking with Bioinformatics coordinator Bas van Breukelen, professor in Bioinformatics Berend Snel and alumni of the Bioinformatics profile Gijs Teunis.

Our Research | Rubrics

Tue, 23 May 2023 10:00:00 +0200

Harold talks to Renske de Kleijn, Rianne Bouwmeester and Lieselotte Postmes in today's episode of Our Research series. They discuss the Rubrics we use in our Research Project and Writing Assignments in the Masters of the Graduate School of Life Sciences.

Our Education | Master Health & Environment

Tue, 09 May 2023 11:00:00 +0200

In today's episode, Giselle and Maarke are talking to Dr. Mieke Lumens and Deepshikha Sharma, both involved in the new Masters' programme Health and Environment. Dr. Lumens is the programme coordinator of this Master, and Sharma is a first year Masters' student of the new programme.

Your Career | 9 different career paths

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0200

In today's episode of the Your Career series, Eveline is talking to Heleen van Ravenswaaij. As an educational scientist at UMC Utrecht, Van Ravenswaaij did her research to the different career paths of students after they finished their studies. Within her research she also spoked to different employers in the field and found out which skills are most common/important in vacancies for graduates.

Our Community | Parnassos Cultuur Café

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0200

In today's episode of Our Community series, Lisa and Anastasia talk to Andrea Poorterman, a programme coordinator at Parnassos Cultuurcentrum. Our second guest is Iris Nieuwenhuizen. She works at Utrecht University for the Nationaal Programma Onderwijs (NPO), where she deals with community-building and welfare projects. She is involved in the Parnassos CultUUr Café at the Parnassos Cultuurcentrum.

Our Research | Selection procedure

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0200

In today's episode of Our Research series, Harold is talking to Anastasia Kurysheva and Sebastian Bok. Kurysheva finished her PhD on submissions within higher education at the GSLS last year. Bok is a Masters student who give his point of view on the selection procedure at the GSLS.

Our Education | Failures in the lab

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, Harold and Maarke are talking to Suraya and Dorine about making mistakes in the lab. Suraya was Dorine's supervisor during her nine month internship. We elaborate more on Suraya's supervision style and how that impacted Dorine.

Our Community | Gijs' PhD Journey (1)

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0100

In today's episode of Our Community theme, Lisa and Harold are talking with Gijs Teunis, a PhD candidate at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) at the department of Bacterial Surveillance and Response. We follow Gijs in his journey to see what steps he takes and what he learns from them.

Your Career | Stefan Braam of UtrechtInc.

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0100

In today's episode of the Your Career series, Eveline is talking to Stefan Braam. Stefan is the startup incubation lead at UtrechtInc startup incubator. UtrechtInc is the startup incubator of the University of Utrecht and the Utrecht Medical Centre.

An update of Radio Life Sciences

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 09:45:00 +0100

In today's episode, Lisa and Eveline talk about the new format of Radio Life Sciences (RLS). As of today, Radio Life Sciences will have five different themes; Our Education (1), Our Research (2), Our Community (3), Your Career (4), and Our News (5). Within those five themes episodes are recorded by the different hosts of the Radio Life Sciences team.

General Research Profile

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 10:40:00 +0100

In today's episode, Bea talks about the General Research Profile with three guests. Our first guest is Tania Moran Luengo, policy advisor and Research Project coordinator at the Graduate School of Life Sciences. Also joining this episode is Elianne, a former student who completed this profile a few months ago and is now a Lab technician at the same lab where she ended up doing her research. Our last guest is Manuel, a Regenerative Medicine and Technology student currently following this profile.

Pass-fail system

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:30:00 +0100

In today's episode, we have a conversation with a Bio Inspired Innovation Master student, Heleen van Leur. She wrote an opinion article on why the major research project should be graded pass/fail instead of numerically back in July 2022. Also, a guest at our podcast table is Dr. Renske de Kleijn, an assistant professor at UMC Utrecht. Her work focuses on conducting and supervising educational research on feedback and self-regulation in higher education.

Well-being special

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0100

In today's extra long and special episode, we look back on the series and well-being with one of our newest GSLS alumni, Jacco Bakx and author Marian Donner of the guide to self-destruction book. Donner studied Psychology in Amsterdam and majored in love and passion later on.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and well-being

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:15:00 +0100

In today's episode, we have a conversation on diversity, equity, inclusion in relation to well-being with two experts today. First expert is Dr. Gisella van der Velden, she is an assistent professor at the Biomedical Sciences department of the GSLS, and Dr. Leoniek Wijngaards is Professor Data use for innovation in Higher Education, and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.

Impact of the system on well-being

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, we have a conversation on the influence of the system on well-being with a Master's student of the GSLS, Lieke Gol, who studies on the programme "Biology of Disease", and our expert Dr. Bert Arets. Dr. Bert Arets works at Wilhelmina Children's Hospital as a Pediatric pulmonologist in which he focuses on cystic fibrosis, difficult-to-treat asthma, and congenital lung diseases.

Education and Covid-19

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 10:30:00 +0200

In today's episode, we are talking about education and Covid-19. We do so together with Gijs Teunis, a One Health Masters student, and Prof. Dr. Berent Prakken (MD, PhD) vice-dean and director of the biomedical education centre and professor of pediatric immunology at the Utrecht Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU).

Well-being and our brain

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 07:12:00 +0200

In todays episode we have a conversation with Prof. Erik Scherder. He is a Dutch professor of neuropsychology affiliated with the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam (VU) and professor of Movement Sciences at the University of Groningen. We discuss the importance of physical activity in correlation to our well-being, as well as its long-term importance. Besides […]

How we see well-being

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 14:02:00 +0200

What are different perspectives on the issue of mental well-being? A talk with a professor Floortje Scheepers (her main line of research is: innovation in medical health care) and a student of the GSLS Lieke Gol, who studies on the programme “Biology of Disease” and works in a lab at the “Experimental Neurology” department of […]

Introducing “Well-Being Series”

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 06:39:00 +0200

This is the introduction episode to the “Student Well-Being Series” of the Radio Life Sciences (RLS). The podcast series will consist of five episodes. Meet our hosts – prof. Harold van Rijen and Eveline Kallenberg, MSc. They introduce themselves, share their personal stories and explain, why addressing the topic of student well-being is especially relevant […]

Episode 16 – Introducing Life Sciences (ILS) – The introduction week at the UU GSLS

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 15:34:47 +0100

This episode was recorded in September 2021 with the aim to give an impression about the UU GSLS introduction week (the ILS, in short) to prospective and starting students of this graduate school. In this episode, Anastasia Kurysheva talked to one of the organizers of the GSLS – dr. Kirsten Koymans and interviewed two students […]

Episode 15 – How to Get a PhD Position? What does a PhD Trajectory Entail? A conversation with Dr. Saskia Ebeling.

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 12:05:35 +0100

Are you interested in academic career? This episode is dedicated to everything you wanted to know about applying for a PhD position and actually doing a PhD project. How early should you apply? What is the GSLS PhD center and how is it helpful? How should your dissertation look, according to the official requirements? Gijs […]

Episode 14 – Academic vs. Business (Research) Internships

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 09:07:48 +0200

During this episode, we zoom into the possibilities for masters’ research internships both at the university as well as in companies. We’ve invited three guests: two current master’s students, Georgia Avramidou and Vasiliki Gkouzioti, and one recently graduated master’s student, Laurie Kerkhof. Book recommendations of this episode: (1) ‘The Memory Game’ by Nicci French, (2) […]

Episode 13 – Translational Life Sciences profile

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 12:39:17 +0200

This podcast presents you with another brand new profile at the GSLS – Translational Life Sciences (TLS) profile. Spiros Pachis talks to Sanne de Jong, who is the coordinator of this profile and to Joshua Elford, one the students, who chose this profile and is about to finish it. Interested to learn more about the […]

Episode 12 – Life of a Principal Investigator. A Talk with Prof. Dr. Elly Hol

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:10:38 +0200

Are you dreaming about academic career? It is very useful to hear the experiences of daily professional life of a principal investigator from a person, who actually has undergone this pathway. Learn about a great example of outstanding academic career in the conversation of a GSLS student and Radio Life Sciences team member Zuzanne Altmann […]

Episode 11 – Communication profile

Mon, 31 May 2021 00:49:38 +0200

The Communication profile aims to teach students to make all kinds of knowledge accessible and useful for target audiences. Learn more about this very special and popular GSLS profile.

Episode 10 – The Life Sciences and Society profile

Mon, 17 May 2021 09:36:29 +0200

An exploration of the brand new Life Sciences and Society profile for the GSLS students: a talk with its coordinator Gisela van der Velden and one of the students – Elisa Ballan

Episode 9 – Career Services: When should I Pay a Visit? A Talk with Marte Otter and Kim van den Heuvel

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:02:14 +0200

This is an episode which broadens your horizon. You will learn not only what career services do for the GSLS students, but also whether there has been a shift in the career prospects of our students and what the career options of a master’s student are if s/he does not want to pursue research career […]

Trailer Radio Life Sciences

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 13:12:08 +0100

Are you curious to get to know those, who are standing behind creating these podcasts? We, the team members of the Radio Life Sciences, introduce ourselves in this trailer. Check it out to learn more about us!

Episode 8 – Food 4 health and safety course: a talk with course coordinators Michèle Gerbrands and Maartje van Reedt Dortland

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:31:36 +0100

You will learn about the new and innovative course – Food 4 health and safety. It starts right now at the GSLS. It is a collaboration between the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, UMC Utrecht and three Dutch universities. Vivian Hageman talks to Michelle Gerbrands and Maartje van […]

Episode 7 – Jitte Jennekens, the chair of the Life Sciences Representatives

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 07:28:15 +0100

In this episode, Gijs and Anastasia talk to the chair of the Life Sciences Representatives (LSR). The LSR represents the interests and rights of all Master’s students of the Graduate School of Life Sciences at Utrecht University. How has the LSR become a huge success? What are the directions of their work? Let’s listen to Jitte […]

Episode 6 – Interview with Academic counsellors

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 09:10:01 +0100

Why would you want to reach out to an academic counsellor? Get to know Desley van der Zande and Jaco de Fockert-Koefoed closer! Get inspired by their non-linear career trajectories towards their profession, their vision on their mission in their work with students and the ideas on happiness. Book recommendations of this episode: “I am […]

Episode 5 – International Officers and Policy of GSLS

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 06:40:55 +0100

Interview with our GSLS International Officers Tamar Aprahamian and Nadine Nonnekes about the UU policy for travelling abroad and more. Who are they, what drives them, and which books do they recommend to you?

Episode 4 – Renske de Kleijn: Introduction to Designing and Teaching in Higher Education

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 08:57:54 +0200

Interview with Dr. Renske de Kleijn by our new RLS member Vivian Hegeman. Renske is an Assistant Professor at Biomedical Sciences, Course coordinator of the new GSLS course ‘Introduction to Designing & Teaching in Higher Education‘ (Start in Period 3), and writer of the children’s book ‘Als het virus straks voorbij is‘ (still available).

Episode 3 – First year GSLS international students

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 15:14:50 +0200

Meet the international GSLS students! Learn about academic backgrounds of Cheyenne Gumbs, Carla Rios, Inês Marcelino, Muhamad Rifki Ramadhan, and Anushree Ray. Listen to their perceptions of the Introduction week at the GSLS and their views on the most challenging problems in the Life Sciences field.

Episode 2 – Trisja Boom First year student Epidemiology

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 05:38:02 +0200

Get to know the GSLS students: Hear about Trisja’s educational path and her first experiences with the ILS and online education. Trisja’s book recommendation: “Noah Barleywater Runs Away” by John Boyne.

Episode 1 – Harold van Rijen

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 13:38:00 +0200

Interview with Prof.Dr. Harold van Rijen, Director of the Graduate School of Life Sciences and Professor of Innovation in Biomedical Education by Anastasia Kurysheva. The book recommendation in this episode: “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell.