Kristen Harmse-Klaasen

Kristen Harmse has a wealth of work experience in the education and online learning space. Kristen began their career in 2013 as a Lecturer's Assistant at Stellenbosch University, where they mentored first year sociology students and graded their exams. In 2014, they moved to the role of Teaching Assistant, where they were responsible for preparing and teaching first, second, and third year Sociology and Social Anthropology students.

In 2018, Harmse joined 2U as a Learning Design Specialist, where they collaborated on the curriculum design and development of online short courses in partnership with the world's top universities. Kristen was responsible for the quality assurance of curriculum design, learning material, and assessments to ensure alignment with sound pedagogical principles. Kristen was later promoted to Lead Learning Designer, where they managed a team of Learning Designers.

Most recently, Harmse joined Apolitical as a Learning Designer in 2021, where they collaborated with partners on the design and development of course material for 21st century public servants. Kristen was later promoted to Partnerships Manager, where they worked closely with internal and external stakeholders to capture partners' vision for online learning offerings. Kristen also acted as a key quality assurance function for evaluations.

Kristen Harmse completed their Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at Stellenbosch University in 2013, majoring in Sociology and Psychology, as well as Philosophy. Kristen then continued at Stellenbosch University to obtain their Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology in 2015. In 2015 and 2016, Kristen Harmse attended Leiden University as part of an exchange program, studying Anthropology and Politics. Kristen concluded their education by obtaining a Master's degree in Sociology from Stellenbosch University in 2017.