How did you come up with the idea to become a REC Impact Fellow at UvA?

'Having completed both my Master of Science and MBA at the University of Amsterdam, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the university. My studies were a transformative experience, and I’ve long wanted to give something back and stay closely involved with the community.

In my professional life, I’ve worked on projects related to education, outreach, and training the next generation of talent. Becoming a REC Impact Fellow felt like a natural extension of that — a way to bring my professional experience together with my passion for education and impact.

I also recently founded Meridian Science, where we place a strong emphasis on working closely with universities and students. We believe that today’s students are tomorrow’s scientists and entrepreneurs. Being part of the Fellowship offers a hands-on way to contribute to their growth and share our model with the next generation.'

What was your first experience on campus?

'My first experience on campus was more than twelve years ago, when I had just moved to Amsterdam. I was immediately struck by the university’s rich history and  forward-thinking nature. The UvA is a place that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, which is reflected in its diversity of courses and curriculum. I admired how the university actively engaged with pressing global issues, and how it created space for meaningful conversations around these topics.'

What do you hope the Fellowship will bring you?

I hope to build a strong and dynamic network of people in Amsterdam who are excited about exploring new ideas at the intersection of different fields. At Meridian Science, we work at the crossroads of 'biotech and web3, an emerging area with huge potential for impact. Through the Fellowship, I look forward to collaborating across disciplines, connecting with researchers and students from diverse backgrounds, and creating an ecosystem that fosters meaningful dialogue. I also hope to contribute to the academic conversation by publishing papers on relevant topics, and I’m very open to collaborating with anyone interested in exploring these themes further. Whether through joint publications, meetups, or interdisciplinary projects, my goal is to help bring these novel topics to life and build a community that thrives on innovation, education, and impact.'