Biography:

Serita Smit holds an MSc in Social Psychology from the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands with a specialization in Behavioral Influence. Early in her career, she developed a strong interest in poverty and the well-being of young people.

After completing her studies, Serita undertook an internship at the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), where she conducted an effect measurement using a quantitative survey and developed a training program addressing debt collection issues. Following this, she pursued a traineeship with the “Starters 4 Communities” program, where she supported a neighborhood initiative focused on breaking the stigma surrounding poverty and debt.

Serita then worked in youth care for almost five years. Toward the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, she relocated to Suriname, where she rediscovered her affinity for research, particularly in the areas of poverty, youth welfare, and societal change. Currently, Serita is involved with Youth Empowerment Suriname, where she conducts impact measurements to assess the effectiveness of their training programs. Additionally, she is in the process of launching a study on the psychological effects of scarcity in Surinamese society at the University of Suriname (AdeKUS).

Research:

• Here are the main outlines of my current research projects, with relevant links where applicable:
  • Scarcity Research: The impact of poverty on psychological wellbeing.
    Investigating the psychological impact of poverty, with a focus on how material scarcity affects thinking, feeling, and acting in Suriname.
  • Impact Measurements: Evaluating interventions and programs at YES, the Youth Empowerment Foundation Suriname. Learn more at the Impact Measurement Blog.

Publications:

Contact details:

serita.smit@uvs.edu
Tel: +597 764 3742
www.linkedin.com/in/serita-smit