Mette Bruinsma

Dr. Mette Bruinsma is an Assistant Professor in Cultural History at Utrecht University, Faculty of Humanities, Department of History and Art History. She has held this position since 2022 and previously served as a Temporary Lecturer at the same institution from 2021-2022.

Dr. Bruinsma earned her PhD in Human Geography from the University of Glasgow (2017-2021), a Research Master in Historical and Comparative Studies of the Sciences and Humanities from Utrecht University (2011-2014), and a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Utrecht University (2007-2010).

Her research focuses on the history of science (19th and 20th century), university history, history of academic education, and student life/experience. She also investigates connections between the history of knowledge and human geography, particularly regarding the exchange, production, and consumption of knowledge. Methodological and epistemological questions concerning (spatial) scale, space, and place form another key aspect of her research agenda.

Dr. Bruinsma's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the history of geography, particularly examining student geographers and the production of geographical knowledge. Her 2024 book "Dissertating Geography: An Inquiry into the Making of Student Geographical Knowledge, 1950-2020" represents a significant contribution to understanding how student geographers have shaped the discipline. Her work often bridges the history of science with geographical thought, creating interdisciplinary connections that enrich both fields.

• Journal of Historical Geography (2024): Conversations in geography
• Journal of Historical Geography (2024): Fieldwork nearby and far away
• Geography Compass (2020): Revisiting the history of ideas

Dr. Bruinsma is actively involved in teaching history courses at Utrecht University, including Introduction to Historical Studies and Research Lab I.