Mathea Loen

Mathea Loen is a PhD Student at Center for Research on Discretion and Paternalism and the Department of Government (University of Bergen). She holds a Master’s Degree in Comparative Politics.

Mathea’s research interests include human rights, social norms and networks, public opinion, and public discourse, specifically in relation to children’s rights, child protection and family values in Europe.

What does a typical day for you look like?

I like to get up early and start my day with a workout. Then, I go straight to the office for work. After work I go home to my boyfriend and we cook dinner and relax with a film or a book – preferably Scandinavian crime. I try to be outside a lot, especially when the weather is decent, so sometimes we go for a walk or a run in the afternoon or evening.

Can you describe your office space?

It is never as tidy as I would like it to be, but everything is well-organised in folders and shelves. I sort my books by height, but they don’t always stay like that because I use them a lot and pull them out and put them back in many times a day. I have plants and photos in my office space because it makes me happy, and I prefer to be happy when I work.

Is there a book you’d recommend within your field?

My favourite book that I used in my master’s thesis is The Power of Human Rights, edited by Thomas Risse, Stephen Ropp and Kathryn Sikkink. A classic comparative politics book would be Polyarchy by Robert A. Dahl, and I also really enjoy Sidney Tarrow’s Strangers at the Gates.

What is your background?

I have a master’s degree in Comparative Politics from the University of Bergen. I also did my BA in Comparative Politics, but I did a year abroad at the University of Southampton. I loved being an exchange student and I would recommend all students to go abroad if possible.

If you had to choose a different field, what would it be?

A different academic field? Law or environmental science. I would also love to be a teacher. I have experience as a teaching assistant at the Department of Comparative Politics, and I really enjoy lecturing and working with students. I would teach history, social science and Norwegian to high school kids.

Is there a TV-show you are binging?

I love watching tv-shows with Lars Monsen. I am currently watching Med Monsen på villspor, in which he goes out on an adventure with a new celebrity each episode. It is a lot of fun and I learn so much about the Norwegian nature. I dream of going on a hike with Lars Monsen.

Your friend sets you up on a blind date with someone famous – who do you hope it is?

That would be either Jimmy Fallon, Jake Gyllenhaal or Henry Cavill.

Which podcast are you listening to right now and why?

I am listening to Ut av skapet – a podcast by Sølve Sundrehagen. It is about coming out as LGBTQI+ and the stories are wonderful. Some are also upsetting, but ultimately, all the stories are about LOVE!

Updated Fall 2020