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About me

I am passionate about a wide range of scientific topics. This passion has driven me to pursue double degree programmes, allowing me to explore the intersections of various scientific disciplines. These double degrees have served as a platform to discover even more fascinating fields of research at various renowned institutions. I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience to unravel some of the mysteries of neuronal signalling. I also had the privilege of working with the Departments of Physics and of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, working alongside brilliant minds to tackle complex scientific challenges on new carbon capture methods.

These experiences have formed the basis on which I now conduct my own research in the field of neuromorphic computing, supported by my own grant. This fascinating field perfectly intersects my interests in physics, mathematics, neuroscience and more. 

General info

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Education

Sept. 2019 - Aug. 2022

Master Theoretical Physics
Distinction: Cum Laude, GPA 4.0
Utrecht University
Honours Programme: Double Master's programme

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Sept. 2019 - Aug. 2022

Master Mathematical Sciences
Distinction: Cum Laude,
GPA 4.0
Utrecht University
Honours Programme: Double Master's programme

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Jan. 2022 - July 2022

Visiting Graduate Student
University of Cambridge
Received: Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarship offer
Research student at the Department of Physics

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Sept. 2016 - Aug. 2019

Bachelor Physics & Astrophysics
Distinction: Cum Laude,
GPA 4.0
Utrecht University
Certificate: Best Bachelor Thesis Presentation

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Sept. 2016 - Aug. 2019

Bachelor Mathematics
Distinction: Cum Laude,
GPA 4.0
Utrecht University
Certificate: Best Bachelor Thesis Presentation

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2010-2016

Gymnasium
Distinctions: Cum Laude; Best Science Student

KSG De Breul, Zeist
N&G and N&T profile (natural sciences)

Certificates:

  • U-Talent: Programme at Utrecht University for talented high school science students

  • Cambridge English CPE

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Research

Sept. 2022 - Present

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PhD Candidate

Utrecht University
I am a PhD candidate in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics, under the supervision of Prof. René van Roij and Dr. Cristian Spitoni.

Feb. 2019 - June 2019

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Research Intern

Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam
Instead of a regular bachelor thesis, I got the chance to join the axonal signalling group led by Prof. Maarten Kole at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

Other Experiences

2019-2021

Rowing Coach

A.U.S.R. Orca, Utrecht

I coached the women’s eight. Along with three fellow coaches I selected, trained and guided a crew of 8-10 rowers during an intensive and incredible year of high-performance sport.

2017-2019

Student rower

A.U.S.R. Orca, Utrecht
I rowed for the lightweight men's eight. I trained  6 to 9 times a week in an eight with my crew and regularly went to national regattas.

(Some of my) Talks

23-01-2024

Brain-like computing in a brain-like medium: towards aqueous neuromorphic iontronics

NWO Physics, Veldhoven

Speaker at the Dutch national Physics conference in Veldhoven. 

30-11-2023

Towards brain-inspired devices for energy efficient computing

QBio Symposium, Utrecht University, Plenary Speaker

Plenary speaker at the QBio Honours programme Symposium.

21-06-2023

Unveiling the capabilities of bipolar conical channels in neuromorphic iontronics

Faraday Discussions, University of Edinburgh, Plenary Speaker

Plenary speaker at the international 2023 Faraday Discussions conference "Iontronics: from fundamentals to ion-controlled devices".

03-05-2022

Capturing carbon and mimicking neurons with water, salt and nanochannels
University of East Anglia, Norwich, Plenary Speaker

Guest speaker at the UEA's "Big Talks", which are Physics/Math talks organized for the researchers and students at the UEA.

Awards, Scholarships and Grants

GPS4S research grant

Utrecht University

The "Graduate Programme Science for Sustainability" grants are highly sought after unique grants awarded to a select handful students across the Faculty of Science who write their own research proposals (UU wide announcement here).

Best Bachelor Thesis presentation

Utrecht University

Award offered to the best Bachelor Thesis presentation out of all 40+ presentations.

Best Science student

KSG De Breul

Award for the best science student out of all the graduating students (roughly 120 students).

Anker 1

14-11-2023

Slimme Gasten

Wetenschapsknooppunt UU

"Slimme Gasten"  is a public outreach project where young researchers visit primary schools to talk with children about research, giving me the most enthusiastic and interesting audience I have had to date.

07-07-2023

Kennis & Co Podcast

NOS/NTR

I was invited to be on the Kennis & Co podcast. This is a science podcast of the NOS (Dutch Broadcasting Foundation) and NTR, hosted by the Dutch national radio (NPO radio 1).

Public Engagement appearances

Anker 1
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