I am an associate professor in education economics at the department of Economics of the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE). 

My current research focuses on the analysis of both student and school performance. I am interested in the role and limitations of using tests to measure such performance as well as in the various determinants of performance. A more detailed description of my research is found under ‘research’.

Together with Andries de Grip I am theme leader of the research theme ‘Learning and Work’ within the Graduate School of Business and Economics.  Within this research theme we focus on innovative research, where collaboration between various disciplines (in and outside the SBE) and with important societal organisations (e.g. schools and ministries) and companies is crucial. For more information see our website.

Within our department I coordinate the master specialization Education and Labour Economics. A more detailed description of my education activities is found under ‘education’.

In addition, I am programme manager of the ‘Educatieve Agenda Limburg’. This is a cooperation between the institutes of higher education in the region (Maastricht University, Zuyd Hogeschool, Fontys Hogescholen and Open University), the vocational education institutes (MBO), schoolboards in primary and secondary education, and the Province of Limburg. Main goal of this project is maintaining and expanding good education in the region. Education in which students learn things that fit their talents and interests, and which matches the needs of future education, or the labour market. We believe that by collaboration between all relevant actors, and active monitoring of progress, this can be achieved. More about my activities in this programme is found under ‘activities’.