Meet the council
Hello, my name is Jimte Ferwerda. I am a 1st year PhD student at GION education/research/Teacher Education Department. Previous to this position, I was an English teacher at a high school in the Netherlands. My research revolves around citizenship education and the role of the secondary school teacher in this important but difficult task. I am a fan of movies, music, games, and cooking. As a member of the PhD council, I hope to address issues and concerns, as well as ideas raised by PhD students across the BSS faculty.
I am Winnie Yang, I am also a second-year PhD student from the department of Organizational Psy. My research focuses on modelling the daily accumulation process of work stressors, and its impact on employees’ self-evaluations. I like to play badminton, squash, and solving puzzles during my spare time. Happy to join the council!
My name is Sarai Balkenende, and I have just started my second year as a PhD student in the Department of Inclusive and Special Needs Education. With this project, we will develop a dynamic assessment procedure that supports teachers in identifying and monitoring individual goals and educational needs for students with complex communication needs. In my free time, I love to hang out with people, walk, pole dance, play (board) games, and try out new (creative) hobbies! Happy to join the council, to bring PhD students together :)
My name is Melissa González Loyola, and I am a second year PhD student in the Department of Sociology. My research focuses on substance use in adolescence within the context of social networks. In my free time I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, watching series, dancing, and doing arts and crafts. I also love being part of groups where I can help organize activities that bring people together to have fun and make new friends. I look forward to meeting you all throughout the year at the council's activities.
My name is Manon Werst, and I started my PhD at the GGZ Drenthe in January. My project looks at how young adults with a psychotic disorder use Social Media. I joined the PhD Council as an external PhD student, and I’m really looking forward to contributing to the council’s work and creating more opportunities for external students to meet and socialize. Outside of work you can find me on the squash courts, in the kitchen, or curled up with a good book. I look forward to meeting more of you soon!
My name is Cedric Meyer. I am a PhD student in the Department of Environmental Psychology. My research is part of a larger project on a transition towards a future-proof agricultural sector in the Netherlands. My research is on how different identities of farmers play a role in this transition. Next to this, I like to dance (currently boogie-woogie), to play board games and to bake bread. By joining the PhD council, I hope to strengthen our faculty's PhD community and its voice.
Last modified:03 December 2025 3.39 p.m.
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