In my role as biomimicry project manager I fulfill multiple functions. Firstly, I develop and promote educational programs to integrate biomimicry into education, from primary schools materials to guest lectures for teachers. Furthermore, I conduct research on biological innovations and translate scientific findings to creative solutions and advice. Lastly, I work on spreading the overall awareness and understanding of biomimicry and help connect different biomimicry specialists together.

At the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research I completed my second internship in December 2021. During this time I worked with my supervisor on a research project I looked at the erodibility of different microtopographies of intertidal flats. I did fieldwork, collected samples, and conducted measurements. I also analyzed a large dataset using R and wrote a report on my findings, which also included a literature review.

For about a year I interned at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. With my supervisor I worked on designing and conducting an experiment looking into the effect of sediment dynamics on the survival and recovery of benthic algae. During this internship I did field work, made measurements using a (PAM) fluorometer, and learned how to work out statistical analyses on large datasets. I learned to program in R, so I could understand the data analyses and create figures. Lastly, I worked on writing a scientific report of the work I carried out.

Oak Tree was a mental health student initiative founded by UCR students. With a small group we tried to focus on providing students with resources and information on mental well-being, as well as organizing events such as seminars. For 1.5 years I was chair of Oak Tree and I chaired the meetings, as well as occasionally making minutes. I acted as spokesperson for Oak Tree towards the faculty of our university and we held meetings with them to discuss efforts at UCR for mental well-being.

Music Society at University College Roosevelt is the board responsible for organizing music events, such as open mics or classical concerts. As PR manager, I was responsible for promoting these events on social media and university channels. For each event I was required to create a poster with all the necessary information, post several times and help with the organization and execution of the event.

I acted as an ambassador for the Youth Energy Society Challenge (YESC) in Zeeland. YESC was an initiative started by the Royal Society of Science in Zeeland (KZGW) to involve the youth in the energy transition. As an ambassador I mainly helped in creating short films on hot topics regarding the energy transitions. I would interview experts on screen about their view or a particular topic in a 7 minute video. These videos were broadcasted on TV and used in educational settings in for instance high schools. I also helped with some smaller events, such as reaching out to primary and secundary schools to get them involved in this program.

Over the summer of 2019 I worked at a hotel as an assistant to the receptionist. This included managing the breakfast buffet, clearing tables, doing the dishes, refilling the buffet, and occasionally cleaning of common rooms and chambers.

For about 2.5 years I tutored mathematics at my high school (in Dutch) to several younger students. I greatly enjoyed this and found it challenging at times. I learned how to employ my creativity to explain mathematical concepts in various ways.

For one month I volunteered at schools in Nepal, where I repainted classrooms and interacted through games with the children. We visited three schools in Kathmandu and stayed anywhere between a few days to two weeks. It was a wonderful yet challenging experience. I enjoyed learning about a culture so different than the ones I was familiar with. I learned to take initative and I improved my English skills.