Assistant Professor
Strategic program(s):
Biography
I am a mid-career researcher and implementation science specialist dedicated to strengthening healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. I hold a PhD in Rehabilitation Medicine from Utrecht University and have spent over a decade working at the intersection of research and practice, with a particular focus on health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
From 2015 to 2021, I was based in South Africa, where I worked to enhance the implementation of evidence-based models for secondary prevention within under-resourced healthcare systems. This work marked the start of my journey into implementation science and continues to shape my approach to research and collaboration.
Since returning to the Netherlands in 2021, I lead the implementation science research and education portfolio at the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht. In this role, I co-develop and evaluate implementation strategies aimed at improving the uptake and sustainability of effective healthcare interventions. I also coordinate the Implementation Science in Global Health Short Course, which supports researchers and practitioners worldwide in building capacity for implementation-focused work.
My research is guided by a strong interest in how context influences implementation outcomes and a deep commitment to inclusive, participatory approaches.
Current projects include:
iHeart-SA, integrating hypertension care into HIV services in South Africa;
CAPSTONE, building capacity for NCD prevention and management in Ghana and The Gambia;
IS4NCDs, advancing implementation science training and research for NCDs in Zambia and South Africa.
Research aim
Preventable maternal, newborn and child mortality and morbidity remain unacceptably high in many parts of the world. Inequities in access to quality, respectful and affordable care persist across and within countries, particularly for women, newborns, children and marginalized populations. Global Maternal and Child Health at Utrecht Life Sciences brings together researchers, educators, clinicians and societal partners to generate evidence and innovations that improve pregnancy, birth and early-life outcomes. We work across the continuum from discovery and clinical research to implementation science, health systems strengthening and policy translation, with a strong emphasis on equitable partnerships and capacity strengthening.
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