In an inspiring fusion of academic rigor and societal engagement, Dr. Kayla Green recently celebrated a milestone rarely seen in academia - a societally engaged PhD defense of her research. Following her cum laude graduation from Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) in October 2024, Green took her work beyond the university walls, presenting her findings on youth well-being to a panel of practical experts during a groundbreaking societally engaged PhD defense at Albeda College. This event, a collaborative effort between EUR and Albeda, underscored the transformative power of uniting scholarly research with real-world application.
A new model for impactful scholarship
The societally engaged PhD defense, held on March 24, 2025, reimagined the traditional PhD defense by inviting a committee of practitioners to evaluate the societal relevance of Green’s work. Chaired by youth worker Bianca Boender, Albeda education leader Gamze Karaca Cobanoglu, psychologist Thijs Launspach, and policy officer Puck de Gier, the session emphasized actionable insights over theoretical debate. Their probing questions highlighted how Green’s research - centered on fostering resilience and equity for youth in a rapidly changing world - could directly inform policy, education, and community initiatives.v
Rotterdam alderman Faouzi Achbar opened the event, stressing the urgency of Green’s work: “Youth well-being is not a given. Collaborations like this between EUR and Albeda show how institutions can drive meaningful change with communities, not just for them.”
A bridge between worlds: Kayla’s dual role
The event also marked a pivotal career step for Green, as Albeda announced her appointment as Equal Opportunities Practor. In this role, she will merge her academic expertise with hands-on mentorship at Albeda, fostering inclusive education practices while continuing her research at EUR’s SYNC Lab under Prof. Eveline Crone. “This is transdisciplinary collaboration at its finest,” Crone remarked. “Kayla’s work exemplifies how science and practice can co-create solutions for young people’s futures.”
Albeda’s Executive Board member Simone Fredriksz echoed this sentiment: “By linking academic excellence to vocational education, we empower students and strengthen Rotterdam’s social fabric. Kayla’s leadership will ensure equal opportunities remain central to our mission.”
A vision for engaged research
Michiel Besters, Director of Engagement & Research Services (ERS) at EUR, attended the defense and praised its innovative format. “What stood out was how Kayla’s defense transcended academia to engage stakeholders who live the challenges her research addresses. This model - where scholars present their work not just to peers but to policymakers, educators, and youth advocates - is the future of impactful research. It’s how we ensure knowledge doesn’t stay on shelves but sparks tangible change.”
Creativity and connection
The celebration included creative touches that mirrored Green’s commitment to accessibility. Attendees received a magazine-style version of her thesis, co-designed with Dimitri Mau-Asam, distilling complex findings into engaging narratives. Moreover, during the ceremony there was also an interactive workshop by Jamal Lachkar, founder of Life After School. “What are the things that you wished you had learned at school?” Jamal enlightened us by showing that we all can make meaningful contributions to the lives of youth if we just take the time to connect with them.
Looking ahead
As Green steps into her practor role, her work signals a bold step forward for EUR-Albeda collaborations. By embedding researchers in community contexts and vice versa, both institutions aim to amplify their impact on Rotterdam’s youth - and set a precedent for how universities can serve as engines of societal progress.
In the words of EUR Rector Magnificus Jantine Schuit: “Science thrives when it listens. Kayla’s defense wasn’t just about answering questions - it was about asking new ones, together.”
