Joy in Academia Joy in Academia

In this episode, we talk to Zuleika Sheik, an assistant professor at Utrecht University. Zuleika Sheik is a decolonial feminist scholar whose dissertation received the cum laude distinction in 2021. Her work centers on a decolonial feminist critique of the modern and colonial knowledge systems. Join us as we chat about her vision for an alternative university and her work towards achieving that goal. 



Interviewers: Zehra Colak & Zakia Essanhaji

In this episode, we talk to Leila Mouhib, lecturer at Université de Mons and Université libre de Bruxelles. Leila Mouhib work focuses on anti-racist praxis in higher education. Join us as we talk about education as an emancipation tool, the importance of merging personal and professional identities, and creating spaces for like-minded and racialized academics.



Interviewers: Dounia Bourabain & Onur Sahin

In this episode, we talk to Daphina Misiedjan, an assistant professor at Erasmus University. Daphina Misiedjan is a law academic and member of the prestigious Young Academy (KNAW). Her work focuses on climate injustice and how this further affects already marginalized groups. Join us as we chat about her academic career that mostly revolves around bridging the gap between science and society and making a positive change for marginalized communities.


Interviewers: Zakia Essanhaji & Daudi van Veen⁠

In this episode, we talk to Jamila Mascat, an assistant professor at Utrecht University. Jamila Mascat is a philosopher whose work centers political philosophy and postcolonial studies. Join us as we chat about her journey through philosophy, raising awareness for Gaza in university spaces, and joy as a political feeling.

Interviewers: Onur Sahin & Zakia Essanhaji

In this episode, we talk to Durwin Lynch, a PhD candidate at Athena Institute (VU) and a researcher in the Representing Europe project. Join us as we chat about his research on healing from our colonial past, the connection between spirituality and joy, bridging science and community and how these topics relate to his involvement with the grass-roots initiative the “Keti Koti Table”.



Interviewers: Zehra Colak & Daudi van Veen

In this episode, we talk to Sarah Ahannach (UAntwerpen), and Samira Azabar (Radboud University), both post-doctoral researchers but from entirely different disciplines. Join us, as we chat about their shared experiences on what it means to be a committed activist scholar, why they find this essential, and how it is perceived in academia. 

Interviewers: Dounia Bourabain & Zakia Essanhaji