معرفی
Emma Zaal is a researcher at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Arts, specifically within the Discourse and Communication (DISCO) department. Her work focuses on educational approaches, particularly work-based learning in science education, dietary behavior, and communication studies. She contributes to research examining how academic programs prepare students for both academic and societal careers.
Education:
- Master Communication and Information Sciences: Computer Communication (Cum laude), University of Groningen (2017-2018)
- Research Master Linguistics: Language and Cognition (Cum laude), University of Groningen (2015-2018)
- Bachelor Communication and Information Sciences, University of Groningen (2012-2015)
Dr. Zaal's research interests center on work-based learning in higher education, particularly examining how science master's programs prepare students for academic versus societal careers. She investigates employer perspectives on graduate preparation and analyzes alumni outcomes. Additionally, she explores dietary behavior, specifically vegetarian and vegan choices, using reasoned action approaches across Dutch and U.S. populations. Her methodological expertise includes questionnaire and interview design, experimental persuasive research, and conversation analysis.
Her publication record shows a clear trend toward examining educational models that bridge academic training with real-world application. The research consistently focuses on work-based learning approaches in science education, comparing their effectiveness against traditional research-oriented tracks. More recently, she has expanded into dietary behavior research, applying similar methodological approaches to understand sustainable food choices.
Professional Activities:
- Academic presentation: 'Changing the landscape by changing our diet' (2020)
- Lecturer for 'Questionnaire & Interview Design' bachelor's course (2018-2019)
- Research Assistant for 'The Societal impact of an academic work-based learning program' (2018-2020)
Dr. Zaal maintains an active research profile with publications in journals including Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Industry and Higher Education, and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. Her work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and responsible consumption.
