Could you tell me about yourself and where you come from?
Jeroen; "I'm Jeroen Kool, born on the coast in Velsen, close to the North Sea Canal. I live near the dunes, a beautiful natural area perfect for cycling. It's a picturesque place with trees, bushes, and sand dunes stretching five kilometers from the sea inland, extending all the way to the top of North Holland, making it feel like an expansive nature reserve."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Jeroen; "I have a passion for cycling and motorcycling, and I enjoy spending time in nature, especially during vacations in the mountains and other beautiful areas. Since childhood, I've been fascinated by wildlife, from lizards and insects to photographing snakes. In my leisure time, I enjoy cooking, particularly barbecuing, and I like to explore different cultures and cuisines. Additionally, I'm a fan of TV series, although sometimes I admit to working too much on weekends. My love for nature is profound, but my passion for chemistry is equally strong."
Is that how you got into science?
Jeroen; "Yes, my interest in both nature and chemistry led me into science. I opted for a chemistry degree because the university was nearby, whereas biology would have required a lot of travel. Now, I work as a chemist with a strong fascination for biology, specializing in bioanalytical chemistry. For me, chemistry feels like cooking - mixing chemicals and observing the results in various ways. In my field, I focus particularly on separating molecules before further characterizing them."
What is your area of expertise?
Jeroen; "My specialization lies in analytical chemistry, specifically in high-resolution screening of biologically active mixtures. A prime example is toxic substances. We start by separating toxins into individual toxin proteins using analytical chemistry techniques. Then, we analyze these toxins using mass spectrometry and proteomics to identify them. After identification, we conduct bioassays to measure their effects, such as disrupting the clotting cascade, neurotoxicity, or affecting receptors. These detailed analyses help us understand the full impact of the toxin on the body."
Do you often collaborate with others outside your group?
Jeroen; "Absolutely, collaboration is crucial in our field. For instance, I collaborate with researchers in Brisbane who specialize in ion channels, an area outside my expertise. We send them our purified toxins, they perform measurements, and then they send us the results. Additionally, we have a collaboration with a company using organs-on-chips for vascular research. In the realm of toxin research, I also work closely with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. These collaborations extend across AIMMS, where teams in various domains of drug development support and collaborate with each other."
What impact do you hope your work will have on the world?
Jeroen; "I hope our efforts will lead to the development of a snakebite medicine that can help people worldwide. Creating a new medicine would be a significant milestone, with potentially lasting benefits for humanity. Additionally, we are actively involved in training young professionals in pharmacochemistry and chemistry; many of them find their way into academia, pharmaceutical companies, and various other sectors, including drinking water purification laboratories. It's particularly satisfying to see our alumni making meaningful contributions to society."
Want to learn more about Jeroen Kool? Click here to visit his personal page.