Junior researcher at VU Amsterdam | 2021-2024
As a Junior Researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) I learned how to independently set up, execute, write up and present qualitative research projects. I published two papers in academic journals as first author and presented the results at an international conference.
Keywords: Qualitative Research, Focus Groups, Thematic Analysis, Visual Style, Validation Questionnaire.
Projects at VU Amsterdam
Project: Self-Compassion
I designed and conducted a user-centered research project using qualitative & quantitative methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups) to improve accessibility and usability of research tools. This comprehended the adaptation and validation of a self-report questionnaire on self-compassion in individuals with a mild intellectual disability. I held focus groups with stakeholders and end-users to adapt the items before pilot-testing the questionnaire and preparing the validation study, of which I was also responsible for the visual style.
Paper: Compassion Focused Therapy
My second published paper was titled A scoping literature review on Compassion-Focused Therapy for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Here, I used Atlas.ti software to do a thematic analysis and visualize the themes discovered in a systematic and organized manner. The conclusions of this paper kickstarted the Self-Compassion Project.
Paper: Vaccination intentions
My first published paper was titled COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions amongst Healthcare Workers: A Scoping Review. I presented the results of this paper at the International Conference on Integrated Care, Denmark in 2022. I followed two courses at VU Taalcentrum Amsterdam, one on Academic Writing and another on Presenting in English.
Research coordinator at UvA | 2013-2019
I was responsible for the quality of the data collection at several projects at the Universiteit van Amsterdam. This included the planning, preparation, execution, and delegation of data collection activities. The most important lessons I learned are: being analytical with an eye for detail. I learned the importance of standardization. I learned how to conduct longitudinal research by studying behaviours over time. Finally, I learned how to observe human behaviours by quantifying them and making them measurable.
Keywords: Quantitative Research, Observation, Questionnaires, Social Development, Parent-Child Interactions, Attachment Problems.
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Projects at UvA
Attachment Problems in Children 2-5
Development and validation of a screening questionnaire for attachment problems in the parent-child relationship. As a project coordinator, I held focus groups with care workers and interviewed families and behavioural experts on the meaning of attachment. After thematic analysis, we pilot-tested the first iteration of the questionnaire. We then validated the second iteration by observing parent-child interactions during home visits. I obtained the coding certificate of the EAS scales.
Social Development of Children 0-7
A study on the intergenerational transmission of social anxiety. Data was gathered from parents and children over 7 years. Parent-child interactions were videotaped and observed behind a one-way screen. As a research coordinator, I was responsible for the quality of the data collection. I was the test leader during the observations, analyzed behaviours, interviewed parents and trained students during their internship.
Visual Cliff Study with Babies 0-1
A study that measured social referencing activities of infants towards their parent in a perceived dangerous situation. I created a coding protocol that quantifies behaviours to make them measurable.
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