My research topic is the neuroendocrinology underlying human caregiving behavior. How do hormones influence our brain, and thereby alter emotional regulation, social sensitivity, and empathic behavior; the core features of caregiving behavior.
More broadly, I am interested in the topics of social bonding, parent-child communication and interaction, facial mimicry, attachment behavior, and children’s social-emotional development.

I currently hold a position as associate professor (tenured) at the Institute of education and child studies at Leiden University.
2013 – 2019 Assistant professor, department of experimental psychology, Utrecht University
2012 – 2014 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Cape Town
2012 – 2013 Postdoctoral Researcher Social Neuroscience with prof. Jack van Honk
2008 – 2012 PhD (cum laude) effects of testosterone on social-emotional behavior and brain function
University Leiden profile page / download phd thesis / download CV