Jonathan Tjien Fooh

Jonathan Tjien Fooh is a Researcher at the Athena Institute and Network Institute within the Faculty of Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Born in Suriname, he holds a BSc in Psychology (Anton de Kom University of Suriname, 2018) and an MSc in Cultural Anthropology (Utrecht University, 2021). His research focuses on systems of exclusion, decolonial frameworks, and untold histories, particularly through intersectional and decolonial lenses.

Key research areas include Javanese-Suriname cultural identity, migration, queerness, and the politics of belonging. He co-leads the 'Re/Presenting Europe: Healing the Afterlives of Colonialism' project and teaches courses on policy analysis, research ethics, and science museology. Notable works include the children’s book De Magische Tuin van Mbah Semie and contributions to the oral history project Geheugen van Noord Commewijne.

Current roles include coaching lecturer at the Athena Institute and project researcher in community-based colonialism studies. His work bridges academic research with public engagement, emphasizing marginalized narratives and decolonial methodologies.