Alissa is named Utrecht University's Teacher Talent of the Year 2025!

This year, Alissa was recognized with a remarkable achievement in education and has been named Teacher Talent of the Year 2025 for Utrecht University! Every year, one young teacher with less than five years of experience receives with this award. Alissa's creative approach to teaching has captured the attention of both students and colleagues. This student-nominated award is a testament to the hard work put into curriculum renewal an teaching in the field and the classroom.

Alissa is dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and personal and academic achievement go hand in hand. According to the laudation written by the selection jury, her enthusiastic teaching style captivates her students but also motivates them to explore Earth Sciences in depth.

Through innovative techniques, Alissa creates an open atmosphere that combines theory with hands-on experiences. She frequently incorporates real-world problems into her curriculum, allowing students to apply concepts like geological mapping and environmental analysis directly to their case studies. This method not only fosters deeper understanding but also enhances critical thinking.

This year, the selection process, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Teacher Awards, received an impressive 29 nominations. See the video below to learn about the three finalists for the Teacher Talent of the Year award!