Can you introduce yourself?
I studied Sociology at the University of Antwerp, where my interest in research, inequality and policy really came to life. With a background in in social work, especially at the intersection of religion and social issues, I worked a lot with topics such as education, integration, poverty, and radicalisation. At the time, where we collaboratively sought solution together for issues they encountered. It was hands-on work, practice-oriented approach, which brought me a lot of satisfaction.
Although I was involved in explorative research, I felt the need to dive deeper into certain themes, so I applied for a PhD at the University of Antwerp. This allowed me to combine both research and teaching. My PhD explored the political participation of Muslim minorities and the role of religion and Islamophobia on their participation. At the Radboud, I now co-teach Political Change and Opposition, the Master's course Radicalisation and supervise Master's theses. My research focuses mainly on gender and sexuality attitudes of Dutch Muslims. The combination of research and teaching keeps things exciting for me!
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
Growing up as a daughter of first-generation migrant workers and therefore, from a young age, I experienced firsthand how inequality unfolds in everyday life. This shaped my curiosity: why does this inequality actually exist and what can we do to address it? From these questions, my interest in sociology was born. I don't just want to study how these inequality processes work, I want to actively change them. What particularly resonates with me is the concept of political agency; the idea that marginalised groups do have a voice and can strengthen their position in society. To me, academic research is thus not only about understanding societal issues, but also about contributing to solutions and striving for a more just world.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
I am currently involved in the SPIRIT project, which explores the impact of Islamic religiosity on political participation and perceptions of gender and sexuality of Muslims. Our focus is on highlighting nuance: Muslims are often portrayed as a homogeneous group, but there is much diversity in opinions. Despite certain normative views, Muslims approach issues around gender and sexuality with flexibility. This reality contrasts with the stereotypical image often perpetuated by radical right-wing parties and the media, making our research particularly crucial.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Hanging out with current students can be incredibly enlightening! Talking to former students can help to get a real sense of the field, and to gain more insights. It may seem obvious, but my tip would be to follow your interests, passion and curiosity. Choosing a subject that genuinely interests you, does make the difference. In my experience, I find that students who are interested are often also highly motivated and enthusiastic. These students are truly engaged with the topics and stories discussed in classes. What might help to put your study choice into perspective is the fact that you can always change jobs. Your career path does not have to be set in stone, so focus on what excites you!
What does your work in practice bring to your academic work, and vice versa?
As a member of BOEH!, a feminist and anti-racist movement, I advocate for women's right and self-determination, particularly how they choose to dress. My active social engagement, not only on this issue but also as a (previous) trainer of professionals, has sharpened my understanding and critical thinking about social inequalities and societal developments. Being involved in the field offers a wealth of learning opportunities—you engage with policymakers, analyse the damaging effects of current policies, and work towards proposing alternatives that are less harmful. This involvement also helps build a network of civil society actors, policymakers, and politicians, making it a truly reciprocal experience. The key question is how your work in civil society, and thus being an engaged scholar, informs your academic research, and vice versa. In my case, the connection between the two continuously enriches both my practice and my academic work.
What is the best part of being a lecturer?
I find teaching very rewarding work; I love the interaction with students, how they interpret and engage with research, how they process information and relate it to their own world. It's particularly meaningful when students make connections between theories that we discuss in class, how these unfold in society and their everyday lives.
Students also teach me a lot of new things. They bring a wealth of knowledge from the news they watch, their own experiences and stories they encounter. I make it a point to integrate these real-world experiences and current events into courses, encouraging students to draw connections between theory and practice. Not every question has a clear answer—or any answer at all—and I find the process of exploring possibilities and engaging in critical reflection together to be one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.