What do you do with chemistry? 

‘I am an associate professor in microbial electrochemistry and technology at the Delft University of Technology. Have you ever imagined that microorganisms were able to utilize renewable electricity to convert C-waste such as CO2 to valuable chemicals, materials, feed, and food? They sure can! This Power-to-X process is called microbial electrosynthesis and is the major focus of our research. My group is dedicated to identifying, studying, and overcoming limitations across various physical and temporal scales, towards scaling-up the technology for industrial applications.’ 

Which current research line are you most passionate about and why? 

‘It’s hard to pinpoint just one research focus because microbial electrosynthesis is such a fascinating field, both scientifically and technologically. At the intersection of microbiology, materials science, (electro)chemistry, and engineering, a range of complex, interdependent phenomena—many still unexplored—occur. I’m fortunate to have an outstanding team of PhD students, postdocs, and MSc/BSc students, who are investigating these phenomena in parallel. Through a multiscale approach, they explore processes from the nanometer to the meter scale. I’m excited about all of it!’ 

Who serves as a source of inspiration for you? 

‘I’ve never been one to draw inspiration from famous personalities or scientists. For me, inspiration is much more personal. Early on, my father was a major influence, particularly in how he interacted and communicated with people in various settings, even under pressure. Since the birth of my children, they’ve reshaped my perspective on what truly matters in life, constantly reminding me to keep things in balance and prioritize what’s important.’ 

What is your most cherished memory from your time as a student? 

‘During my MSc in Chemical Engineering in France, I had a few influential teachers, but what truly changed my life was taking a gap year to work on fuel cell scale-up in Vancouver, Canada. That experience broadened my worldview and ignited a passion for living abroad and exploring new cultures. This drive led me to pursue a six-month internship in New Zealand, complete my PhD in Australia, and eventually build my career in the Netherlands. It’s been an incredibly inspiring journey!’ 

Why do you think it’s important to be a member of the NBV? 

‘To me, NBV serves as a vital national platform for networking and knowledge exchange among Life Sciences professionals across various disciplines. I particularly value the opportunity to gain insights from fields I might not otherwise have the time to explore, and NBV provides the perfect setting for that. It also brings together scientists with shared interests, fostering the exchange of ideas and the potential for new collaborations.’ 

What does this photo mean to you? 

‘On the photo, I am on a hike with my eldest son, Théo. I love how curious he is about everything, which we can also see on the photo. And I love hiking, so experiencing that with him is great! My family is very important to me, and I really cherish all those moments, with my kids and my wife, Meggie.’