As a nanomaterials scientist I aim to understand processes in order for them to be used in applications. My various studies sparked my enthusiasm to approach problems using both experiments and calculations for full understanding. After my master project on plasmonic nanoparticles I worked as a PhD candidate in the lab of dr. van Huis and prof. van Blaaderen. During my PhD I extensively studied a class of nanomaterials called rattle-type particles, which consist of a nanoparticle core able to move within a hollow nanoshell. I used liquid-cell electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and finite-element calculations to study the interactions and hydrodynamics of the system. Using electric fields to control the position of the core particle made assemblies of these particles promising candidates for switchable photonic colloidal crystals. During the regular meetings I developed my communication skills and I used my punctuality and responsibility to regularly be the chair of group work discussions.