Hey there! I’m Sam, a molecular ecologist with a thirst for knowledge and coffee. I like to explore, not only by travelling, but also by finding new and creative solutions to the problems I encounter.

In my off-time, I like to learn to use (and build) new tools, ranging from 3D printers to embroidery machines. Apart from that, I play tabletop games with friends, cook, draw, do nature photography and play piano. I also enjoy bad puns, so… my apologies in advance.

A common theme for my projects is my focus on use of molecular detection methods for (routine) biodiversity monitoring. For my bachelor’s project, I studied the spatio-temporal distribution of macro- invertebrate environmental DNA (eDNA), the DNA that organisms shed into their environment. We found out that invertebrate eDNA can be highly heterogeneously distributed in water bodies. Thereafter, I compared eDNA-based detection to traditional capturing methods for mosquitoes on the Dutch Leeward Isles. eDNA- based detection turned out to be as good as traditional techniques. For my master’s project, I tried to genotype the African lion from stool samples, which proved to be unreliable.

As I like to investigate human impacts on biodiversity and want to stay in ecological and molecular research, a PhD at this consortium was an ideal opportunity. Apart from experimentally investigating the resilience of these important vectors, I hope to build an interdisciplinary network and find new collaborations within the field of vector ecology.