I have an Engineering degree (MSc level) in Applied Physics from the University of Groningen (1991) I Finished my PhD in Materials Sciences in 1997 with a thesis on ‘Mechanical Properties of Highly Porous Ceramics’, this PhD research has been funded by  Shell KSLA.

During  my PhD study, I became increasingly interested in doing applied research within the context of business. In 1997 I joined KPN Research, the research department of the National Dutch Telecom operator developing platforms and systems for innovative Internet Services.  I broadened my scope of applied research working  at TNO, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research , from 2003-2009.

My interest and experience lies in Innovation Management. Starting with innovative ideas and optimizing the process of innovation across the whole chain of innovation: realization of innovation.

In my current position as Dean of Center of Expertise Energy at Hanze University of Applied Science.

I combine the innovative aspects of the energy field, solving problems within companies with training young professionals for future jobs in Industry.