I like to focus specifically on urban ecology and greening the city. Within the NL Biodiversity & Society research group, I am involved in multiple projects and studies. For example, I conduct research at Knowledge Naturally!, a project together with the municipality of Leiden about cultural heritage and greening, and Living Lab Alblasserwaard. Additionally, I am active in Green Circles - Green Healthy City.
Keywords
Nature-inclusive, urban ecology, biodiversity en ecosystem services
Researchinterest
I aim to assist clients from society (such as businesses or government agencies) with inquiries regarding nature-inclusive or climate-resilient living, housing, and working.
During my Master's studies in Biology, specializing in Biodiversity and Sustainability, I focused primarily on Dutch (urban) ecology and enhancing biodiversity. I see biodiversity as a network that acts as a sturdy safety net. In unfavorable conditions, such as heavy rainfall, drought, or extreme temperatures, a strong and biodiverse network can help restore the area. One could say that the safety net must be robust enough to withstand a hard blow. There is still room for improvement in many places, including urban areas, regarding nature-inclusive living. Therefore, I strive to advise others on this matter.
CurrentTopics
A selection of the topics I am currently working on;
Erfgoed Deal Leiden (in Dutch)
Groene Cirkels - Groene Gezonde Stad (in Dutch)
Knowledge Naturally! Green knowledge made useful
Green Circles
In themedia
- From the Knowledge Naturally! project, two toolboxes have been designed for ecological mowing management in road verges. I was a guest at Omroep West to discuss these studies further. Listen to the radio interview from February 26, 2024 (in Dutch).
- At the start of the first edition of the ten-day National Bee Count, there was much attention in local and national media. I explained the importance of this count for bee populations in the Netherlands, why it lasted for ten days, and how citizens could participate in this research on various radio stations and RTL News. Listen to the radio interview at Den Haag FM from April 15, 2024 (in Dutch).
