I am a lecturer in Physical Geography with principal research interests in abrupt climate change, ecosystem dynamics and palaeoecology. After completing my BSc/MSc degree at Utrecht University (NL) and my PhD at the VU University of Amsterdam (NL), I did postdoctoral research in Stockholm (SWE), New Brunswick (CAN), Amsterdam (NL) and Nottingham (UK). I taught at Birkbeck University of London between 2017 and 2025 before joining the department of Geography at Royal Holloway in May of that year.

Biodiversity loss is one of the major problems of the 21st century as it is threatening to cause large-scale, irreversible environmental changes. My research aims to use palaeoecological data to study biogeographical processes such as rates-of-change, natural baselines and species- and ecosystem dynamics, in order to enable more effective nature conservation and restoration. My main research questions focus around the following items:

• Understanding the natural and anthropogenic processes that drive environmental change on timescales ranging in age from the penultimate interglacial to the present.
• Combining subfossil chironomid analysis with other palaeoecological and geochemical techniques to reconstruct past changes in lake ecosystems and their surroundings.
• Reconstructing spatial climate, ecosystem and biodiversity dynamics through the development of open-access palaeoecological databases.

My teaching philosophy is based on research-led teaching and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. Wherever possible, I try to employ hands-on or process-based learning and to combine a range of different teaching styles. I am a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and hold a Dutch Higher Education Teaching Certificate (BKO). I currently teach on the following modules:

GG1017: Becoming a Geographer

I teach the Statistics and Data Visualisation section of this yr1 module, combining lectures with hands-on computer practicals. The section provides students with skills that not only will form the basis of their work in yrs2 and 3 (particularly when carrying out their own research), but that will also form a valuable contribution to their CV.

GG2043: Biogeography

The Biogeography module draws on diverse disciplines including geography, climatology, geology, ecology and palaeoecology and covers topics that span from evolution to nature conservation. The module employs a combination of lectures, exercises, presentations, a lab practical and a site visit. Learning about environmental issues such as species extinction and habitat destruction will serve as a basis for informed concern about the Earth and its people