Simon is a Master's student in methodology and statistics and organisational psychology at the University of Amsterdam. He holds a bachelor's degree in social sciences from Amsterdam University College. Before entering college, he spent some time working in online journalism.

Simon's research interests include the evolution of cooperation, norm-enforcing institutions such as punishment and leadership, and intergroup conflict. He is also keenly interested in methodology, in particular behavioural game theory, statistical methods for the analysis of economic games, and the philosophy of behavioural science; and is a strong supporter of open science.

Originally from Germany, Simon has experienced the excitement and challenges of studying abroad in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. As an alumnus of Amsterdam University College - the liberal arts and sciences college of the University of Amsterdam - he is also intimately familiar with the particularities of studying in a broadly interdisciplinary, internationally oriented and academically intensive programme, like PPLE.