Unlocking Equitable eHealth: A Conversation with Tessa Dekkers
Step into the dynamic world of the University of Twente, where ideas thrive and curiosity knows no bounds. RedacCie had the pleasure of chatting with Tessa Dekkers, known for being our newest Module Coordinator of Health Psychology & Applied Technology! Here's a glimpse into our conversation:
Tessa Dekkers works in the department of Psychology, Health and Technology. They joined the university in the year 2019. Before that, they did their PhD at Delft University of Technology. They are in the eHealth research group and teach in the Bachelor of Psychology as well as the Health Psychology & Technology, Positive Clinical Psychology, and Health Sciences Master.
Tessa shared how they found their way to the University of Twente, bringing with them a background in Psychology and Health from their previous adventures. Their journey to Twente was fueled by a desire to blend Psychology with technology—a perfect mix for their academic pursuits.
Outside of their work, Tessa wears many hats, including being part of initiatives like "Th!nk with Pride," where they integrate diversity and inclusion at UT. Th!nk with Pride is a platform at the University of Twente for queer people, run by teachers as well as students with the goal to make campus more inclusive. Moreover, they live with their partner and 1.5 years old child in Deventer.
It became clear during the interview that Tessa’s personal goals and academic interests are closely connected. When asking them about their personal contributions to society and what they aim for by conducting their research, Tessa explains how they try to make eHealth accessible to everyone in society and no specific group. For them, it is important that everybody in need has equal access to help and that it is not determined by their origin, gender etc. They're all about making eHealth (that's using digital tools for health) fair for everyone. Whether you're young or old, struggle with reading, or come from different backgrounds, Tessa believes that everyone should benefit from Health Technology.
Switching gears, we talked about their role as a teacher. Teaching a minor comes with its challenges, but Tessa faced them head-on. Replacing Christina Bode as the Module coordinator, it was their first time this year to coordinate the whole Health Psychology & Applied Technology Minor! As a student of this year’s Health Psychology & Applied Technology Minor, I recognised how well organised and structured it was, so I asked Tessa about it. Tessa and their team work hard to create fun learning experiences, even if it means dealing with evening exams and juggling different tasks. They give credits to all tutors who worked to organise the Minor and especially thanks Christina for all the help of doing that 10 years! Furthermore, for the first time since the Minor started, a BMS market was organised during which students could try out all kinds of eHealth gadgets (from talking robots to VR headsets for meditation). The idea was conceived by last year’s tutor team with a lot of work from Nienke Peeters. For Tessa, it is good that the Health Psychology & Applied Technology team is working as well as it does and the communication goes so well. As a student, you also really had the impression!
Tessa is happy with the organisation of the Minor, but underlines how they are open to new ideas at all times. The door is open for every student who might have another idea about the Module, you can always reach out to them!
Getting to know the behind the scenes work of a Module organisation was quite interesting to me as a student. For example, the work that goes into regulating exam times which just appear to us students on our rooster is quite a challenge for Module coordinators. In case you have to pick your second year Elective or your Minor still, Health Psychology & Applied Technology is definitely a recommendation! Especially if you, like Tessa, want to get into the details on how to improve the lives of people with sickness, no matter the background!
To find out more about Th!nk with Pride and the Health Psychology & Applied Technology Minor, here are some URLs:
Th!nk with Pride🏳️🌈: https://www.utwente.nl/nl/thinkwithprideut/
Health Psychology & Applied Technology Minor: https://utwente.osiris-student.nl/onderwijscatalogus/extern/cursus?cursuscode=202000340&collegejaar=2023&taal=en
