Between 5 and 16 January 2026, I visited Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where I was hosted by Professor Evangelia Demerouti from the Human Performance Management Group in the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences. Supported by the Business School’s Visiting Researcher Fund, this visit became a deeply rewarding experience that contributed not only to my research but also to my personal and professional development.
As working lives become increasingly fragmented and the boundaries between work and nonwork blur, my PhD project explores how employees’ experience outside work interacts with work activities to shape their well-being and performance over time. A key theoretical framework adopted in my research is the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, which was originally developed by Professor Evangelia Demerouti and has become one of the most influential theories in organizational behavior and occupational health psychology. Having the opportunity to discuss my research ideas directly with Professor Evangelia Demerouti was something I had long hoped for, and it was both inspiring and grounding to engage with the theory at its source.
Arriving in Eindhoven during one of the most disruptive snowfalls in the Netherlands in the past five years has made for an unexpected and memorable start to the visit. While the cold weather initially disrupted travel and campus access, I felt welcomed and supported even before meeting in person. I had an online meeting with Professor Evangelia Demerouti early in my stay, during which I presented my conceptual model and discussed my broader research interest. Her feedback was generous, constructive, and deeply thought-provoking. She offered valuable guidance on sharpening my theoretical positioning, clarifying key assumptions, and strengthening the contribution of my work. These conversations continued during the second week of my visit, when we were able to meet in person and further develop these ideas. She also encouraged me to reflect on the broader academic research, such as how theory can speak to real-life work experiences and issues, and how scholars can contribute meaningfully to improve our working lives. The opportunity to receive the feedback and suggestions was invaluable, and it gave me renewed clarity and confidence in my research project.
Beyond meetings with Professor Demerouti, the visit allowed me to experience TU/e’s research environment more broadly. I was warmly welcomed by members of the Human Performance Management group. Nathalie van de Kamp kindly introduced me to faculty members and PhDs. I really appreciated the chance to talk with fellow PhDs and faculty members at TU/e to learn about each other’s research projects and academic experiences. Joining group lunches and coffee breaks also offered insight into the rhythms of academic work in the Netherlands and helped foster a sense of connection and community.
Towards the end of my stay, I had the opportunity to attend one of Professor Evangelia Demerouti’s seminars at Tilburg University, where I also met faculty members from the Department of Human Resource Studies there. Engaging with scholars in a different institution further broadened my perspective and highlighted the importance of academic mobility and intellectual exchange across universities.
Although two weeks is a relatively short period, this visit was a rich and formative experience. It allowed me to deepen my theoretical thinking, refine my own research, and gain first-hand feedback and suggestions from other academics. I am sincerely grateful to the Business School for supporting this visit, to my supervisor Kristina Potocnik for facilitating the connection and making this visit possible, and to Professor Evangelia Demerouti and the wider TU/e community for their generosity, openness, and intellectual engagement. For doctoral researchers considering an institutional visit, I would strongly encourage applying for such opportunities. The insights gained, both academically and personally, extend well beyond what one might initially expect.