Testimonial Julia Doornbos

After obtaining the Research Master in Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen, I started as a PhD candidate at the Cultural Geography department in October 2018. My PhD project builds on previous work from my Master’s and explores the influence of colonial family histories on everyday geographies of four generations of Indo-Europeans in the Netherlands.

The Research Master was a solid basis to develop academic writing and research skills and the program confirmed my earlier thoughts of pursuing an academic career. In the near future, I see myself passionately working at a research institute in an interdisciplinary and vibrant environment. As such, I feel that a PhD position is the perfect learning opportunity to further develop methodological and analytical skills but also personal and academic competences.

At the Faculty of Spatial Sciences I experience an extremely pleasant atmosphere. What attracts me about the Faculty are the close relations and opportunities to collaborate and interact with URSI researchers and PhDs from the different departments. For instance, various events are organized such as informal coffee moments within the departments, lunch seminars, workshops and social events with other PhD students. In my opinion, this offers an interdisciplinary and inspirational work environment.

My experiences as a PhD candidate so far are positive and I am excited to further develop my PhD project in the upcoming years. I would definitely recommend a PhD position at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences. Not only because of the pleasant work atmosphere, but also because of the freedom and flexibility to develop a PhD trajectory which fits your personal goals and needs.