Maaike Engels

Dr. Maaike Engels is an academic researcher and advisor at the University of Groningen's Teaching Academy Groningen. She holds a PhD in Psychology from KU Leuven and has expertise in educational research, staff development, and student engagement. Her work focuses on peer dynamics, teacher-student relationships, and the impact of social environments on academic and emotional development. Engels currently advises on educational grants and innovation, supporting interdisciplinary research initiatives and teacher training programs. She has held roles including a postdoc investigating primary-to-secondary school transitions and a visiting researcher in multicultural classroom contexts.

Education: PhD in Psychology (KU Leuven, 2018), Research Master in Educational Sciences (Utrecht University, 2014), BSc in Educational Sciences (Utrecht University, 2012). Professional roles include ownership of De Onderwijsclub (educational consultancy) and knowledge broker for Kennisrotonde NRO.

Research emphasizes longitudinal studies on adolescent engagement trajectories, peer status effects, and the role of teachers in fostering positive academic outcomes. Key findings highlight the importance of social relationships, classroom context, and teacher support in mitigating loneliness and enhancing student success.

Awards include the Bridging the Gap Fellowship (2019) and multiple travel grants for conference participation. Engels has organized interdisciplinary events like the Behavioral and Social Sciences Symposium and contributed to datasets such as the Peer Relations in Transition study. Her work aligns with UN SDG 4 (Quality Education).