Projects - dr. M (Monique) Simons

Monique has a background in Human Movement Science and a long-standing interest and research experience on health promotion and communication via digital (game)technologies. She conducted her PhD at the VU University in Amsterdam on active video games as a tool to prevent overweight in adolescents. Currently, she is working on diverse research projects on digital (game)technologies for health promotion, with a special focus on the interactions between technology, environment and health behaviors.

In her research she seeks for novel research designs and interventions (e.g. micro-randomized trials, Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials, Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions) and technology-based data acquisition opportunities (e.g. sensing technologies, Ecological Momentary Assessment, Beacons, GPS). Distinctive feature of her research is the close collaboration with policy, industry and the end-users (quadruple helix approach). She strongly believes that involving all stakeholders during the whole research process (from identifying and articulating research questions to implementing research findings) is crucial for creating scientific and societal impact.

Further, she is involved in diverse teaching activities such as supervising bachelor, master and PhD students, contributing to summer schools and hackathons. On a course level she develops, coordinates and lectures courses for bachelor and master programs. On a program level she was involved in the development and accreditation process of a new master program (Data Science for Food and Health).