'My research looks at how systems thinking and computer modelling can help policymakers deal with behavioural and social problems, such as loneliness, gambling, or unsustainable behaviour. These issues are rarely caused by one single thing. They come from the way people, social networks, institutions, and the wider environment all influence each other. I build models that help show how a policy might spread, take hold, or backfire once it's put into practice.

During my postdoc at the POLDER Institute of the UvA, I visit organisations, such as ministries, and help them bring systems thinking into their everyday work. To do this well, I first need to understand how they already operate, which also means I get to learn from many different perspectives.

I've always been drawn to interdisciplinary work. Disciplinary boundaries can feel artificial to me, especially when tackling problems that affect society as a whole. A systems perspective lets me bring together ideas from people across many different fields, and turn that mix of thinking into real change. Ultimately, I don't want to simply tell policymakers what to do. I want to help them think in systems.'