Dr. Wim Van Westrenen

Professor

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Biography

Wim van Westrenen is a Full Professor of Earth Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He conducts high-pressure and high-temperature experiments to study the evolution of rocky bodies within the solar system, focusing on rock samples under extreme conditions. His recent research includes the evolution of the interiors of Earth, the Moon, Mercury, and Mars, as well as studies regarding the solidification of the Moon's magma ocean and its role in water evolution. He is also involved in the development of open access codes to simulate the chemical compositions of rocky exoplanets' atmospheres. As a Program Director of the VU MSc Earth Sciences program, he has taught various courses at the Bachelor's and Master's level including Earth materials and planetary science. Van Westrenen coordinates the Planetary Exoplanetary Science (PEPSci) network, which connects geoscientists and astronomers funded by the Dutch Research Council. He served as head of the Department of Earth Sciences from 2015 to 2020 and is a member of the Young Academy KNAW. His academic contributions have received recognition, including the Vening Meinesz Prize in 2006.

Research Interests

Experience

Full Professor

2013-01-01 — Present

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam • Amsterdam, Netherlands

Conducts research in Earth Sciences, focusing on high-pressure experiments and planetary evolution.

Head

2015-01-01 — 2020-12-31

Department of Earth Sciences • Amsterdam, Netherlands

Led the Department of Earth Sciences, overseeing curriculum and research initiatives.

Awards

#

Vening Meinesz Prize

2006-01-01

Courses

Advanced Planetary Science Applied Stratigraphy Master Earth Sciences Case Studies in Petrology

Requirements for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
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:24
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field 12 ECTS in Research Methods/Statistics 12 ECTS in Clinical Diagnosis/Assessment
Application Checklist
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Official Transcripts
  • Motivation Letter
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Specialization Notes

Administered under the Department of Clinical Psychology for Master's in Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology.