A bit more about me

I am fascinated by how things work, from machines to cells, brains and humans. I am excited to work towards a healthy and sustainable future by connecting with and inspiring others. Finding innovative solutions in research and development tickles my imagination and sparks my enthusiasm.
 

Analytical

I am a scientist, developer and teacher. I studied Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Utrecht University, UC Berkeley and UMass Amherst. I obtained my PhD in Biophysics at the VU Amsterdam in the lab of prof. Erwin Peterman. I then took a dive in the wonderful world of fungi with prof. Tom Shimizu at the AMOLF institute in Amsterdam in collaboration with prof. Toby Kiers.

Currently, I am developing and maintaining the home-built 2-photon microscopes and behavioural rigs in the lab of prof. Rainer Friedrich at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research in Basel (Switzerland). It gives me great satisfaction to set up projects and help my colleagues design and run experiments, from last-minute patches to long-term technical innovations.
 

Curious

I am most curious about how things function; I like to learn what makes people tick and I am fascinated by nature. I persevere to find innovative, out-of-the-box solutions for unforeseen challenges in new areas. I am motivated by challenges in which I can focus my curiosity and creativity on groundbreaking and innovative projects.

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I enjoy creating overview and bringing people together to ensure dynamic and productive teamwork. The last two years I have been TA at the Transylvanian Experimental Neuroscience Summer School (TENSS). I thoroughly enjoy teaching and giving people the agency to understand and make things themselves.

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Creative
Making makes my day. Designing, developing and creativity play a major role in my personal life. Most of my furniture I have made myself, and I strive towards a completely self made wardrobe. Continuing to make musical instruments is a major goal. Music is always on my mind. Whether I'm listening, to funk, folk, Fauré or a lot in between, or making music with my clarinet, practicing at home or in an amateur symphony orchestra.
 

Grounded
Connection is important to me. I highly value qualitative connections with others. Personal development, introspection and (Vipassana) meditation constantly teach me about myself and my connection with others.

Being in nature grounds and inspires me. A weekend or holiday will likely bring me to an outdoor activity. From a stroll trough the woods nearby to a sailing expedition in the Arctic. If I'm not hiking or on a ship, I'm likely dancing at a balfok festival.