I am an assistant Professor (tenure-track) at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, part of the Department of Communication and Information Sciences. I was previously a postdoctoral researcher at the Winston National Center on Technology, Brain, and Psychological Development of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, I was part of the Social Environments and Adolescence (SEA) lab of Prof. Maheux. I was also a Guest Professor in Communication Sciences at the University of Antwerp’s Department of Communication Studies. I remain affiliated with the Media Psychology Lab at KU Leuven, where I finished my doctoral studies. I was previously a visiting scholar at the University of Munich in Germany. I currently surve on the editorial board of the Q1-ranked journal Archives of Sexual Behavior and I was the Student and Early Career Representative for the Children, Adolescents, and Media Division of the International Communication Association from 2022 to 2024.

With my research, I explore how digital media experiences relate to critical developmental tasks, including body image, sexuality, and identity development, as well as mental health. This includes the development of theoretical frameworks grounded in communication science and developmental psychology, and the uses of multimethod approaches (e.g., focus groups, experimental studies, daily diaries, longitudinal studies).

At KU Leuven, I explore with three PhD students the complex relationships between digital media use and youth development through a multidisciplinary lens. With Thi Willems, I am currently investigating adolescents’ pornography use from a positive psychological perspective. With Laure Dedecker, I am inverstigating digital media use of youth with visible differences. With Esmée Mooren, I am exploring the role of digital media in the lives of children with visual impairment. My research ultimiately strives for digital inclusion and strongly

My research is supported by competitive grants, including Horizon Europe, BOF, and FWO funds. My work has been featured in numerous international research publications (Q1-ranked journals across five domains defined by ISI-WOS), and I have authored 8 book chapters (1 currently in press) on digital media and youth development. I have presented my research more than 30 times at major international conferences in communication and psychology. My contributions were recently recognized with a Best Published Article award from the Children, Adolescents, and Media (CAM) Division of the ICA.

Additionally, I am frequently invited to speak at academic and public events (e.g., Eetexpert, 2020; Apenstaartjaren, 2024) and I have been featured in various media outlets, including Journaal Laat, Jong Talent in Knack, De Morgen, De Standaard, and the docuseries Chasing Beauty.

Below, you can find my full resume.