1. First, list your current professional title. Second, describe your background, experience, and research as it relates to Quality-of-life studies. 

I am the deputy scientific director of the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organization (EHERO) based at Erasmus University Rotterdam. I also serve as a visiting associate professor at the University of Johannesburg, associate editor for the Journal of Happiness Studies, and as an executive board member at ISQOLS. I am passionate about studying human happiness, particularly in relation to work, migration, and societal dynamics. My work is motivated by my commitment to developing and disseminating evidence-based information on human happiness to support organizations, policy makers, and individuals in making informed decisions. To bridge the gap between science and practice, I regularly engage in research collaborations with practitioners, such as policy makers aiming to improve societal well-being and organizations working to enhance employee well-being.

2.  What initially attracted you to the field of quality-of-life studies?

I studied marketing, where I learned to sell products for as much money as possible to customers who didn't actually want them. I soon realized that I found no purpose in this. Instead, I aspired to do something beneficial for consumers. This led to my interest in how consumption can be used to enhance consumers' happiness and quality of life. The topic of quality of life has always captivated me, and I continually feel a sense of purpose working on it.

3. What are some areas of quality-of-life studies you feel are lacking attention? Any advice for future QoL researchers?

Rightfully, many scholars use subjective well-being as an outcome measure. However, there is also much to be learned about the role of subjective well-being as an input variable—for instance, how the expected happiness outcome influences decision-making processes and how happiness triggers certain behaviors. My advice to QoL researchers is to prioritize methodological rigor, as a significant portion of current research lacks this. When inaccurate findings are used to guide policy and individual decisions, it can potentially do more harm than good.  

4. How long have you been a member of ISQOLS? Why did you choose to be a member of ISQOLS? How has your involvement in ISQOLS impacted your career/research/advancement in your knowledge of QoL studies?

I have been a member since 2014. As a junior researcher, I joined to learn more about quality-of-life research and to receive feedback on my work. Over the past ten years, I've learned so much about various topics in the realm of quality of life, and I've built a large network of friends that continues to grow every year. What I particularly like about ISQOLS is the supportive, informal culture.

5. Feel free to include any other important comments or things you'd like to share with the ISQOLS community.

Research is a slow and sometimes frustrating process. My motivation to keep going has always been the reminder of my long-term goal: contributing to people's quality of life by disseminating evidence-based information. All ISQOLS members may benefit from keeping their bigger purpose in mind during difficult moments because our research truly matters. Along the way, remember that while it’s nice to be important, it’s more important to be nice.