I obtained my masters degree at the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands, in 2001. Part of my research experience was gained in the field of Neuroethology, working on a 7.5-month project to detect the presence of Solitary Chemoreceptor Cells (SCCs) in the barbels of the Brown Bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus). My supervisor at the time was Dr. R.C. Peters, a biologist who shows strong devotion to his students. The rest of my research experience was obtained during another 7.5-month project in the department of Marine Biology at the University of Groningen. Under supervision of Prof. J.J. Videler and R. Gesser (his PhD-student), I worked on the swimming kinematics of juvenile flounders. Prof. J.J. Videler displayed a strong enthusiasm about his field of research and that (together with the occasional stories and pictures from his scuba-diving trips) got me interested in kinematics and biomechanics of movements.

From 2001 until 2004 I worked as an assistant system administrator, before going back into biological research.

Currently my research in the Jacks lab concerns the neuronal pathways involved in integrating multi-modal sensory input in the hawk moth (Manduca sexta). In short it means I am looking at the effects of optical input on odor-guided flight.

Given my background (working with fish) and the fact I am the only person in the lab who doesn't have an affinity with insects, I may seem to be a little out of place in this lab. Fortunately most of the work we do in the lab involves computers and besides, insects are among the best model organisms to use in neurobiology. To be honest, my moths aren't that bad any way, especially when you see them growing up from little larva to big harmless moths.

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