‘In 2002, I completed my studies at the VU University Amsterdam, specialising in Hydrology. After training with an engineering firm and completing my dissertation research, I knew what I wanted: not just consultancy, but not a doctorate either. I was fascinated by the area where research and application overlap. There was a professor who asked whether I wanted to do a second traineeship with TNO. I didn't feel particularly inclined to take on another traineeship. So I asked, as a joke, whether there wasn't a job instead.

I started in Delft at what was then known as TNO NITG; later, I moved on to TNO Built Environment and Geosciences in Utrecht and, in 2008, ‘my’ Subsurface and Groundwater Systems unit merged into Deltares. Initially, my work dealt mainly with groundwater models, the purely technical side. I soon found out that I enjoy taking a broader view of things. Instead of concentrating exclusively on the models, I'm now trying to collect all the data we need to assess a groundwater system. I analyse an actual situation and make recommendations about measures and monitoring in the future: what we need to measure and how to go about it.

When I decided to go for broader development I was given every opportunity, but it's not something that happens all on its own. Everything is possible here but you have to take the initiative. The thing I enjoy in this job is working with people from different disciplines. Inside Deltares and in partnerships with other parties. That means teamwork, a broad approach to issues and: every project is different, you're innovating all the time.

With new projects, I want to see the site at least once so I understand what I'm looking at when I see the measurements on the screen. Last year, I travelled to India a couple of times. We're working on a large job there: groundwater management in a development project, where we advise on the location and protection of wells.’