Jolien Pauwels graduated in 2021 with a Master's in Business Economics at the University of Antwerp. She is currently affiliated with the Department of Transport and Regional Economics at the University of Antwerp as a Ph.D. researcher. Her research interests are situated in the field of aviation economics and airport management. Her doctoral research will address the current challenges of regional airports and formulate opportunities for governments and airport operators to foster a sustainable future for regional airports.