dr. Dipl.-Phys. H.K.E. Stadermann (Kirsten)

Modern physics fascinates me, and seeing students and teachers grow brings me joy. I am convinced that, as physics teachers, we bear a significant responsibility for the future. After all, the major sustainability issues of our time demand more than just the transmission of objective subject knowledge. It requires teachers to have the pedagogical skills and self-confidence to discuss complex modern physics and ethical dilemmas with their pupils. Based on this vision, I have always been interested in how to stimulate the curiosity of all pupils.

My career began as a researcher in laser physics in Germany. I then spent many enjoyable years working as a physics teacher in secondary schools in the Netherlands. Since 2022, I have been affiliated with the University of Twente as a researcher and teacher trainer. My work and research focus on two main themes: quantum physics and sustainability in science education. The title of my thesis is “Connecting Secondary School Quantum Physics and Nature of Science”.

Within the first theme, I focus on making quantum physics tangible and ‘human’. In the Quantum Lab (QLab) at the University of Twente, we run quantum workshops for secondary school classes. I also enjoy supporting teachers in bringing abstract theory to life so that they can spark their pupils’ curiosity about modern physics.

The second main theme concerns complex issues such as climate change. These topics require an innovative didactic approach, for example through the use of storytelling. Together with (prospective) teachers, I develop engaging, transdisciplinary education through Professional Learning Networks (PLNs), for instance.

For both quantum physics and sustainability, it is important that we strengthen the self-efficacy of science teachers, so that they do not shy away from these important themes, but can bring them into the classroom with confidence.

I enjoy the challenge of guiding our students in their development into teachers who will shape the next generation into critical, responsible citizens.

PRIZES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

2016  DUDOC PhD grant (part-time scholarship for teachers, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education Culture and Science OCW)

2015  Dutch delegate at the European Science on Stage festival in London

2009 Dutch Physics Teacher of the Year Award, by the Netherlands’ Physical Society NNV

2024 Kirsten is appointed as Teaching and Learning (T&L) Fellow of the University of Twente for the period 2024-2026

Expertise

• Physics

  • Quantum Physics
  • Quantum Technology

• Social Sciences

  • Physics
  • Nature of Science
  • Teachers
  • Schools
  • Students
  • Perspective

Organisations

Publications

Other contributions

• 'How High Schools Teach Quantum Physics', APS Physics Magazine, May 2019, https://physics.aps.org/articles/v12/s61
• 'Teaching High Schoolers How Science Works', APS Magazine, November 2021, https://physics.aps.org/articles/v14/150
• 'Quantumfysica brengt begrip', Didactief, Juni 2022 
• Downloadable teaching material Quantum Physics (Dutch and English version)
• 'Leren hoe wetenschap werkt, Nature of Science integreren in het quantumfysicaonderwijs', NVOX, September 2023

Research profiles

Courses academic year 2026/2027

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Courses academic year 2025/2026

Courses academic year 2024/2025

Address

University of Twente

Ravelijn (building no. 10), room 4343
Hallenweg 17
7522 NH Enschede
Netherlands

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