NL
DE
My name is Charlotte van Corven, 27 years old, born in Oss, the Netherlands. I am currently a third year PhD candidate at the Department of Primary and Community care, in the theme of dementia care. More specifically, my research is about empowerment of people with dementia. I am affiliated with the Nijmegen University Network for Elderly care (UKON). This is a regional network between 15 elderly care organizations and the Department of Primary and Community Care of the Radboudumc. Studies conducted by UKON researchers help to improve the care provided at healthcare organisations, who in turn help us make sure that our research topics are always relevant.
Where do you live?
I live in Utrecht together with two friends, where we rent a beautiful house together. It has a closed veranda full of daylight, which is now transformed into a perfect office during daytime.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Can you tell us something about your child years?
My career perspectives evolved from princess, to firefighter, to surgeon. None of those came true, but I do not regret that.
I was born and raised in Oss, where I had a carefree childhood full of friends, sports, parties, and holidays.
What was your previous academic training, where did you study and why did you choose that study/those studies?
I studied Human Movement Sciences at the University of Groningen. I did the master Motor Function and Cognition in Healthy Ageing. I really enjoyed the multi-disciplinariness: combining medical science, psychology and physics. The research master allowed me to do a one-year research internship, which brought me here to the Radboudumc.
Of which of your research discoveries, you are most proud of?
In our project we investigated what the concept of empowerment means and includes for people living with dementia from the perspectives of people living with dementia themselves, their informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Our framework provides a basis for developing interventions to empower people living with dementia and to strengthen (in)formal caregivers in this empowerment process.
What is your most important scientific challenge in the coming 5 years?
The most important scientific challenge is to not only develop knowledge, but also share this knowledge and translate it into feasible products, and support them in implementing these interventions and products in daily practice.
If you could choose any mentor, who would this be?
If I could choose any mentor, I would choose exact the same mentors I have now: prof. Debby Gerritsen and dr. Annemiek Bielderman. They are a great supervision team and guide me through every step of my PhD.
Furthermore, I have ten great mentors who give me advice about life, who are residents of the nursing home I volunteer at.
What is your favorite topic: molecules - patients - population?
Patients.
What should be changed / improved in the scientific community?
The workload: that a scientific career is also possible within normal working hours ;)
Is there anything we can wake you up for in the middle of the night?
Singing ‘Total eclipse of the heart’ at karaoke bar Ome Willem in Utrecht.
What is the thing that irritates you most?
Negativity!
Who would you like to have dinner with, if you had the chance?
I would like to have dinner with the 70-year old version of myself. I bet she has good advice for me.
How do you relax from the demanding job being a scientist?
Strolling to my friends who all live in the same neighborhood after work. Or strolling even further and hike 40 km as practice for the four-days-marches.
Do you have a tip for our most junior scientists?
Value your own qualities. There are always people around you who are smarter, better at presenting their work, or have better plans for new projects, but there is a reason why you are where you are. Know what you are good at and value those qualities.
Please add a photo which represents a remarkable event or experience you were part of? Please explain.
Sending our project’s Christmas card is a party every year!
