The research team
The research team of the PROMISE-project consists of the following researchers:
- Prof. Dr. Tineke Fokkema (fokkema@nidi.nl), Senior Researcher at NIDI within the theme group Migration and Migrants and endowed professor of Aging, Families, and Migration at Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Prof. Dr. Basak Bilecen (b.bilecen@rug.nl), Professor of Sociology at the UG
- Dr. Nina Conkova (conkova@leydenacademy.nl), Senior Researcher at Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing and LUMC
- Martha Talma (m.talma@movisie.nl), Senior Project Manager and Researcher at Movisie
- Dr. Warsha Jagroep (w.jagroep@pharos.nl), Senior Advisor/Project Manager at Pharos
- Prof. Dr. Bianca Suanet (bianca.suanet@liu.se), Professor of Aging and Social Change at Linköping University
- Mirjam Kingma (m.l.kingma@rug.nl), PhD Candidate at the UG
- Milynn Koene (koene@nidi.nl), PhD Candidate at NIDI
The PhD candidates of the PROMISE-project
Two PhD candidates have been appointed to work full-time on the PROMISE-project. They introduce themselves below.
Mirjam Kingma
My name is Mirjam Kingma, and I started as a PhD candidate for the PROMISE-project in September 2024. The PROMISE project aligns closely with my research master’s degree in Migration, Ethnic Relations & Multiculturalism from Utrecht University. Within the project, I focus on the qualitative aspects of the research under the supervision of Başak Bilecen, Tineke Fokkema, and Bianca Suanet. Additionally, I am involved in evaluating the training program for professionals and the adaptation and evaluation of the interventions.
Milynn Koene
My name is Milynn Koene and I have been working as a PhD student for the PROMISE-project under the supervision of Tineke Fokkema and Nina Conkova since September 2024. I have a background in sociology and completed my research master Migration, Ethnic Relations & Multiculturalism at Utrecht University in 2023. Afterward, I worked as a researcher in the field of diversity and inclusion at the same university. Within the PROMISE-project, I will focus on investigating the underreporting of loneliness among older migrants, identifying groups of older migrants who are particularly prone to loneliness, and adapting and evaluating a number of interventions.
Meet our research assistants
Since January, our research assistants have enthusiastically started their work within the PROMISE-project. They are currently focused on recruiting participants for the in-depth interviews and translating the necessary materials, such as the information letter and recruitment flyer.
Starting in March, they will conduct qualitative interviews with older migrants, transcribe and translate them, and assist in coding the interviews. We are excited to introduce them to you.
Yuefei You
Born in a small town in Southern China, I am connected to my roots as the granddaughter of farmers and tailors. In 2024, I graduated with a master degree in Visual Anthropology from the University of Amsterdam. My research experiences involved different ethnic groups, including Surinamese, Indonesians, and overseas Chinese communities. I am always curious about how people’s affections, memories, and imaginations intertwine with the ever-changing landscapes, shaping their identities and perceptions of the world.
Mahdis Mirzadeh
My name is Mahdis Mirzadeh. I am originally from Iran and moved to the Netherlands three years ago to pursue my second Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology, focusing on migration studies at Leiden University. My first Master’s degree was in Linguistics, during which I gained several years of experience documenting endangered languages, conducting interviews, and performing linguistic documentation.
I also have extensive experience in cultural anthropology and qualitative research, with key skills including conducting in-depth interviews, building trust with participants, transcription and translation of qualitative data, and data analysis using innovative methodologies.
I approach my work with optimism, ambition, and cultural sensitivity, firmly believing that “there’s always a way” to overcome challenges. I look forward to contributing my expertise to this field and collaborating with the researchers and societal partners to create meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Derin Şanlitop
My name is Derin, and I am originally from Istanbul, Turkey. I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology, gaining experience in labs focused on suicide, and language and cognition, which sparked my interest in research. I then pursued a master’s in clinical psychology at Utrecht University, where I wrote my thesis on body image among Zimbabwean citizens.
Myrthe Reuzel
Hello, my name is Myrthe Reuzel (20 years old). I am currently following the research master Behavioral and Social Sciences with a focus on social psychology. In my free time, you will probably find me outside in nature (preferably running) or visiting local cozy cafes. Listening to others, fairness and open-mindedness are important values to me. In combination with my interest in migration, I am sure that this project will be a very valuable, inspiring and educational experience. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully contribute my bit together with you!