1. What was your favourite course during your student days?

Society, taught by the legendary Herman Deleeck. Truly inspiring. The very young Walter Weyns wasn’t bad either.

2. Did you ever fail an exam? If so, which one?

I once got an 8 for Computer Science (terrible professor) and a 9 for French (shame on me), but I never had to retake an exam. Three months of summer holidays... what a joy!

3. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done to relieve study stress?

I never really suffered much from stress. My mother did have these stress-relief drops, though, and she thought I should take them anyway. That actually made me nervous.

4. What was your most memorable student experience?

I absolutely loved my first two years at what was then UFSIA. A whole new world opened up to me. Discussing political issues, meeting new people and all those fun student parties. But probably the most defining experience was our research project on accidents in youth organisations. That’s when I realised how much I enjoyed doing research.

5. Did you ever have a student job? What did you do?

Cleaning at UZA. Great motivation to keep studying.

6. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?

It’s okay to cry. Letting the tears flow isn’t a weakness, it’s a superpower.

7. If you hadn’t become a professor, what would you be doing now?

Doing research somewhere else, perhaps? Or something in advertising or television, something a little more creative?

8. What was your first thought this morning?

It’s going to be a good day.

9. What is your favourite book, and why?

A photo album from my childhood. I love looking back at old photos. The most impressive book I’ve read in recent years is probably Sapiens by Harari.

10. What kind of music or which artists do you enjoy listening to?

Too many to mention. I love listening to heavenly female voices like Phoebe Bridgers and Olivia Dean, but I’m just as happy listening to the Beastie Boys or Rage Against the Machine. In recent years, a little late perhaps, I’ve also discovered the magic of Fleetwood Mac.

11. If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be and why?

Nelson Mandela. How on earth do you manage to be that forgiving? A true hero!

12. What travel destination is still on your bucket list?

Thailand. I’ve never been and I’m curious to discover it. And California. I’ve been many times, but I just love it there.

13. What is your favourite way to spend a free Sunday?

Cycling in nature with friends, stopping by to see my parents, and having dinner with my children.

14. What is the most interesting or surprising thing you’ve learned recently outside your field?

That there were no horses in America, and that they were brought there by the Spanish in the late 15th century.

15. What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Moving to the US with my family for a year. Dropping my children off at schools where they didn’t know anyone, and being a complete nobody at the university there.

16. What is your most treasured possession?

Ella, Kamiel & Viktor.

17. How do you unwind?

Listening to music. Working in my garden. Or sitting on the sofa with my girlfriend, just talking about our day.

18. Do you have a hidden talent your students don’t know about?

Not really. I’m pretty much an open book: no secrets, no tricks up my sleeve. I am very good at building sandcastles, though.

19. When you look to the future, what do you see?

Hmm, I find it difficult to look too far ahead. Since my divorce, I’ve been at my best when living in the here and now. For the moment, I’m not looking beyond 2028. What I see then is a new, hopeful politician becoming President of the United States.

20. What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Make a choice, and love the choice you make. It’s not easy, but I’m getting better at it.