Aranka Dol

Aranka Dol is a Lecturer and PhD Candidate at Hanze University of Applied Sciences' Institute for Communication, Media and IT. Her research focuses on emotional eating behavior, ehealth interventions, and dialectical behavior therapy applications. She holds a background in Russian linguistics and organic nutrition education. Currently developing a personalized virtual coach for obese emotional eaters, combining mindfulness and emotion regulation strategies. Supervisors include Prof. Lisette van Gemert (University of Twente) and Prof. Tatjana van Strien (Radboud University).

Research interests span virtual coaching systems, behavioral change technologies, and health self-management. Co-promotors include Olga Kulyk (University of Twente) and Hugo Velthuijsen (Hanze University). Active in academic collaborations across the Netherlands, presenting at international eHealth conferences and publishing in journals like Journal of Eating Disorders and Frontiers in Psychology.

Her work emphasizes data-driven approaches in healthcare technology, with recent studies exploring patient preferences for coaching strategies and societal barriers to healthy lifestyles. Recognized for contributions to health innovation through interactive technologies, as highlighted in media commentaries on eHealth advancements.