The Zeeman decelerator we use was developed and built here in Nijmegen through collaboration between researchers and technicians. Velocity map imaging—one of the key techniques we employ—was also invented and developed at Radboud University.
The expertise in atomic and molecular physics at the university, combined with exceptional technical support, gives my team unparalleled opportunities to perform experiments and create new techniques. Right now, we’re investigating reactive collisions and are in the process of upgrading our setup to employ better detection techniques. In the future, we hope to fully control reactive collisions, including their outcomes. This is an ambitious and challenging goal, but I’m confident we’ll succeed thanks to our unique equipment and talented team.”
Why did you return to Radboud University after working abroad?
“I studied at Radboud University and completed my PhD here. What initially attracted me to Nijmegen was the programme’s small scale and the welcoming atmosphere. I experienced the same sense of community and support throughout my studies and PhD trajectory.
After my PhD, I spent several years in Germany as a postdoc in a larger, more hierarchical department. While it allowed me to explore a broader range of topics, I missed Radboud’s flat organisational structure and the deep focus of a whole team on a single subject.
Returning to Radboud University felt like the right choice. I love working here again. The open atmosphere fosters collaboration and allows every team member to contribute ideas. There’s also flexibility to shape your role according to your interests. For example, as a postdoc, you can choose to combine research with some teaching responsibilities.
When I joined Radboud University as an assistant professor in 2020, I inherited an existing machine that we started using in 2022 for reactive scattering experiments. Observing the first reactions became a reality in just a few months, which could have taken years. Witnessing such rapid progress was exhilarating and filled me with immense pride in the dedication of my team.”
What’s the atmosphere like in your team and department?
“My team currently includes me, two PhD candidates, and a master’s student. We’re actively looking for a postdoc, and we’ll be expanding further next year since I recently received an ERC Starting Grant. This means we’ll have enough funding for the coming five years. We collaborate closely on experiments in our dedicated laboratory called the Zeeman lab, but our work also involves simulations and data analyses, making it diverse and dynamic. While the lab offers a great view of the green campus, we often keep the curtains closed due to our laser setups. Still, it’s a far cry from working in a basement!
Our department is highly international, with PhD candidates and postdocs from countries such as China, the UK, France, Greece, and Spain. English is the working language across the department and faculty, creating a welcoming environment for international colleagues.
PhD candidates and postdocs share an office, which makes it easy to get to know colleagues, ask questions, share successes, or vent when experiments don’t go as planned. Postdocs also mentor PhD candidates and master’s students, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented atmosphere.
