What do you do at the VU and how long have you worked there?
“From 2005 to 2007 I worked as a student assistant at the Institute for Geo- and Bioarchaeology, and then from 2008 to 2017 as a researcher and later PhD student at Geology & Geochemistry. After a short break, I came back to work at VU as a postdoc in 2018 and since 2022 I have a permanent appointment as assistant professor. So I've been walking through the corridors of the W&N building for more than half my life... I specialise in archaeological and forensic isotope research. That is why my work is embedded in the Earth Sciences department, because it has all the necessary facilities and expertise when it comes to data quality and the generation of isotope data. But my research mainly focuses on archaeological and forensic questions.”
What is the best thing about working at the Faculty of Science?
"Without a doubt, it is the interesting cacophony of incredibly fun and enthusiastic colleagues, all with different backgrounds: climate researchers, die-hard geochemists, archaeologists, forensic scientists, etc. This not only keeps the lunches lively, but also provides a nice foundation for multidisciplinary collaborations .”
What could the faculty do better?
“In an ideal world, we would have more opportunities to employ the essential technicians to facilitate all that research as well.”
Which book, film, album do you think your colleagues should read, see or hear?
"Book: Bij Nader Inzien by J.J. Voskuil. A classic if you ask me. Movie: I'm a big fan of Marvel, so take your pick. And Album: from Pearl Jam to Clouseau, but for now the Soundtrack by Amélie from Yann Tiersen.”
What did you do on vacation?
“We traveled through Costa Rica with the family for two weeks in April/May, so this summer holiday we decided to stay at home and enjoy the Dutch summer weather. So days out, concerts at Caprera, zoos and megalithic tombs combined with a small sampling campaign for one of my studies and days of working (from home).”
Who do you pass the baton to?
“I am happy to hand over the baton to Niels de Winter, who also works at Earth Sciences. He recently received a nice Veni grant for great research into small water droplets that are recorded in (fossil) shells.”
Dilemmas
Are you beta or alpha?
60% beta, 40% alpha 😊
Online meetings or on location?
On location, without a doubt. And if possible with a drink afterwards.
Elevator or stairs
Lift up. Stairs down (sometimes).
Spar or mensa?
Spar.