A month ago, I successfully defended my PhD thesis! This marked the end of a period of four years at Roessingh Research and Development and the University of Twente, in which I investigated how we could tailor coaching conversations with virtual health coaches. I was lucky that I got to perform my research as part of the amazing Council of Coaches consortium, which made the experience even more special.

I am grateful for everyone who joined the defence to support me (both physically and digitally), and that having my defence in front of a live audience was possible that day.

Many thanks in particular to my paranymphs, Roos Bulthuis and Silke ter Stal, who stood by me during my PhD and the defence, and to my supervisors, Dr. ir. Harm op den Akker and Prof. dr. ir. Hermie Hermens, for their guidance and support throughout the PhD process.

I also want to thank my opposition, Prof. dr. Dirk Heylen, Prof dr. Lisette van Gemert-Pijnen, Prof dr. Catherine Pelachaud, and Prof. dr. Deborah Richards, for the enjoyable and interesting discussion during the defence.

A digital version of my thesis – “Tailoring coaching conversations with virtual health coaches” – can be found in the university repository.

[Photos by Elroy van Sloten.]