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My name is Bettina Batista and I have been working at the AMC Doctoral School since 2012. In the years since then, our department has grown into a great institute for all PhD students on both sides of the Amstel: the Amsterdam UMC Doctoral School. I enjoy my work a lot.

Besides I am a visual artist and I study Cultural Sciences at the Open University in Amsterdam. I love the beautiful city of Amsterdam, but nature as well. I spend time walking, watching movies and series, and I often go out for dinner with my children and/or friends.

My name is Jordi Cabanas-Danés, and I work as a PhD advisor and coach at the Doctoral School, where I support and guide PhD candidates in achieving their goals and overcoming challenges throughout their doctoral journey. In addition to this, I contribute to the development of new policies for the doctoral program. What I enjoy most about my role is the combination of empowering researchers to find their own solutions and actions, while also having a meaningful impact on making the doctoral program more inclusive and accessible.

I love cinema, reading and creative writing. In my spare time, when I am not investing time on my other hobbies, I am often running, hiking, or going to museums.

I am Sterre Dekker and I work at the Doctoral School, where I am involved in overseeing and coordinating the PhD trajectory of the Vrij Universiteit Amsterdam (FdG). I aim to assist in the efficient operation of processes and provide good support for a successful PhD trajectory. Although I have a background as skin therapist, my passion lies more within healthcare management and policy. That's why I am currently pursuing the Master's program Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences at the VU.

In my spare time I enjoy listening to podcasts, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

As staff advisor at the Doctoral School, I am working on several projects, helping to better organize, digitize and optimize the work processes. In this way I contribute to convenience for the many users of those processes.

I like to spend my spare time cycling or walking, preferably in combination with cultural, culinary and social activities with my family members and / or good friends.

My name is Suleshna Dwarkasing. At the Doctoral School I assist the administrative process of the PhD trajectories. What I enjoy the most about my job is that I learn every day something new. I have 5 years of experience in finance administration, so by being part of the Doctoral School I get to experience a new subject and expect to develop a new set of skills.

I love reading, especially spiritual and psychological books, going on adventures, exploring a new country and listening to music. In my spare time I spend a lot of time with my family.

My name is Saskia Hartog, manager of the Doctoral School since November 2023.
I have a background in psychology and healthcare management. My interest in
healthcare, management and leadership led me to start an MBA in Healthcare
Management at the UvA last February.

In my spare time I like to exercise and can often be found in the kitchen trying out all kinds of new recipes and baking. Sport and baking sounds like a crazy combination, but there is nothing nicer than plopping down on the couch after a long run in the rain and enjoying a homemade cinnamon bun.

My name is Mandy Hu and as a PhD advisor and coach at the Doctoral School I'm doing what I really enjoy: coaching and advising PhDs, guiding their trajectory, and developing policy to improve PhD support. I love this job because I get so much energy from making a real connection and working together on awareness and self-realization.

In my spare time you can find me in relaxing yoga poses, singing in the shower (or anywhere else), and jumping out of an airplane in Australia (read: love traveling and adventure).

Hi, my name is Charlotte Kramer and I am a PhD advisor at the Doctoral School since October 2025. In this role I like to support PhD candidates in finding their way and to improve the PhD experience in meaningful ways when possible.

Out of the office I like to sing in The Space Choir, grow vegetables, visit local cinemas, read, or spend time outside cycling/running/joining the skate parade Utrecht.

My name is Nanon Lindeboom. I work at the Doctoral School, where I am a part of the team that handles and coordinates the PhD trajectory process from A to Z. What I appreciate about this role is that you gain firsthand insight into the processes involved in order for PhD candidates to graduate.

My background lies in Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, with expertise in online strategies, campaign management and data-driven growth, however I have always had an interest in the medical field.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, dancing and I am a big fan of tv shows on streaming services. But what I like most of all is spending time with my family and friends.

My name is Marjanne Meinsma. For all questions about organization, planning and administration of the PhD course program I’m here to inform you. I love solving the puzzle of scheduling all our courses and making course participants happy when they can follow a relevant and useful course. For organizational and financial reasons I sometimes have to be strict, but I’m doing my best to help you following the courses if and when you like.

In my spare time I’m interested in watching sports (with a preference for athletics) and meeting people by, for instance, being a host mom for international students.

My name is Alexander Meulenbelt. I take care of the administrative process of the PhD trajectories at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (FdG).

In addition, I am involved in developing the PhD tracking and registration system at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

Besides my work, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Process Management & IT, specializing in Information System Management, at the Open University in Amsterdam.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, walking in nature, and spending time with friends and family.