Where did you study?
I studied at the University of Groningen, where I completed my Bachelor of Laws (and Honours College) and the Master of Legal Research. My specialisation was in private law, following courses on (commercial) contracts, liability law, property law and corporate law. I wrote my thesis about the requirements for injunctive relief in (Dutch) climate litigation cases.

What is your research about?  
As a PhD candidate I will research the duties of corporations regarding their negative impacts on climate change. I will mainly focus on forms of liability in private and corporate law. My PhD position is embedded in the research programme ‘Integraal Privaatrecht’ and therefore my research will take Dutch law as its primary viewpoint. The negative effects of climate change do not conform to jurisdictional boundaries. As such, comparative legal research will be an essential part of my PhD, drawing on developments in liability law from other countries for inspiration.

Are you planning on teaching afterwards?
I will likely start teaching by the end of the first year or in the second year of my PhD. I am looking forward to gain experience in this regard and to contribute to the development of the students. I am also excited about the prospect of teaching after my PhD.

I think teaching would contribute significantly to my development as a lawyer. I would also enjoy the opportunity to translate my research into teaching and expose students to developments in legal research and current issues pertaining to the topic at hand.

What moved you to write a PhD?
During my studies I have gained experience with legal research as an editor of Ars Aequi and as a student-assistant, and by writing papers. During my master’s programme I decided that I wanted to do a PhD, because I enjoyed writing papers and editorials on various topics, and I was always motivated to understand the foundations of a specific problem. As a PhD candidate I enjoy significant intellectual freedom, and I have the time to do in-depth research. As regards the topic of my PhD, I wish to contribute to a fair solution to corporate accountability for climate change, with due regard to all the stakeholders involved.