Professor Dr. Michelle Achterberg

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Michelle Achterberg is a developmental neuroscientist appointed as Assistant Professor in Youth & Family Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam. She is the principal investigator of the SO-REBEL research team, which focuses on understanding how social rejection affects the brain and everyday life, particularly among today's youth who are hyperconnected digitally. Michelle has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Research Master's degree in Neuroscience. She completed her PhD in 2020, defending her thesis on the neural mechanisms of social and emotional regulation in childhood with the highest distinction (cum laude). Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the Dutch Neurofederation PhD Award and the Erasmus Research Prize for Exceptional Research. She aims to combine fundamental scientific research with societal impact, employing interdisciplinary approaches that integrate Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience while working closely with societal stakeholders.

Research Interests

Developmental Neuroscience Social Development Social Rejection Emotional Regulation

Experience

Assistant Professor

2020-03-01 — Present

Erasmus University Rotterdam • Rotterdam, Netherlands

Teaching and conducting research in Youth & Family Studies, focusing on social rejection and its effects on development.

Awards

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Dutch Neurofederation PhD Award

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VNOP Dissertation Award

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Erasmus Research Prize Exceptional Research

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KHMW JC. RUigrok Prize

Requirements for Erasmus University Rotterdam

Master Program

Requirements

IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:91

Prerequisites

Bachelor degree in Econometrics, Mathematics, Statistics or Industrial Engineering Advanced Mathematics (Calculus, Linear Algebra) Applied Statistics Econometrics and Time-series analysis

Application Checklist

  • Bachelor diploma or graduation statement
  • Official academic transcript
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Course descriptions for Mathematics prerequisites

Specialization Notes

Department of Econometrics / MSc Econometrics and Management Science.