In our series of 'Meet the AMS scientist', we shine the light on outstanding AMS researchers and dive into their background, what drives them, what their work brings them and what they bring to their work. These interviews are also shared on the AMS LinkedIn account, feel free to share within your network!
“Go and make yourself strong if you want an easier life, because in the natural order the rights of the weak are often trampled.”
For Faezeh Mohammadi, this line from Persian literature is more than a proverb; it reflects the mindset that guided her journey from Iran to the Netherlands and through the challenges of completing a PhD abroad.
Faezeh’s research focuses on motor learning and martial arts. At first glance, it may seem like an unusual topic within academic research, but for her the connection is deeply personal. Before entering academia, she practiced karate competitively during high school, training several times a week and participating in competitions. At the time, she never imagined that this passion would one day become the subject of scientific research.
When she began her PhD in Iran, she already knew she wanted to connect her work to the international scientific community. In 2019 she visited the Netherlands, where she met one of her future supervisors and explored the possibility of collaboration. That visit eventually led to a dual-degree PhD between Iran and the Netherlands.
In 2020, she moved to the Netherlands to continue her research. But the path forward was far from straightforward. As an external PhD candidate, there was no funding available for her position. Despite this uncertainty, she chose to continue, believing that the opportunity to conduct meaningful research at a high academic level was worth the risk.
Her research explores how martial arts training can improve motor learning and potentially support rehabilitation. By studying the structure and techniques used in martial arts, she aims to develop scientifically grounded training methods that coaches and rehabilitation professionals can apply in practice.
One of the key ideas behind her work is the psychological impact of training environments. In traditional clinical settings, people may feel defined by their illness or disability. Martial arts training offers a different perspective: participants are treated not as patients, but as athletes in training. This shift in identity, from patient to fighter, can play a powerful role in motivation and recovery.
Faezeh recently received a grant to further explore how martial arts-based training can support individuals with motor disabilities. Her goal is to develop programs that combine scientific evidence with practical training approaches, bridging the gap between sport and rehabilitation. For Faezeh, however, the PhD itself is not the ultimate destination. The real value lies in the journey. “A PhD is not the goal,” she reflects. “What you learn during the journey is the goal.”
Looking ahead, she is open to collaborate with professionals working in sports, rehabilitation, and health, creating a multidisciplinary career that connects science and coaching. And while the Netherlands has become an important part of her academic path, she hopes one day to return to Iran and share the knowledge she has gained.
In many ways, her journey mirrors the philosophy that inspired her. By investing in herself, supported by her family and driven by her own hard work, she has built the resilience to face the future. Especially in these challenging times, this mindset allows her to navigate uncertainty and keep moving forward.
Find the article also on our LinkedIn.
Written by Elianne Prange (Communication Officer AMS)