… I worked for six years as a scientist

From 2015 to 2019, I worked as a PhD researcher at the BioMechanical Engineering Department at Delft University of Technology on the improvement of needle placement in interventional radiology. I worked together with medical doctors from the Erasmus MC, Rotterdam.

My research got published in several peer-reviewed journals. I presented my work at international conferences and got an award for Best Oral Presentation at the 6th Dutch Conference on Bio-Medical Engineering in 2017.

During my PhD, I supervised several interns and graduate students and I was involved in teaching courses, such as: Medical Instruments, Physiology & Engineering, and Applied Experimental Methods.

After my PhD, I did postdoctoral research at the Nuclear Medicine Department of Isala hospital from 2020 to 2022.

… And traveled the world

I love change, action, and challenges. I have a passion for traveling, languages, and cultures. In 2012, I cycled from Northern Argentina through Chile to the most Southern city in the world: Ushuaia. Almost 4000 km. Step by step.

In 2018, I bought a typical Andalusian townhouse. I renovated it and named it La Casita Cactus. A wonderful place, where you can find me often nowadays.

… During the first full COVID lockdown,

I started Doctor Tonke

I help PhD students to become independent and confident researchers by offering academic support.

I started my business “Doctor Tonke” with the Digital PhD Groups; support groups for junior scientists in Corona times. It was amazing to support these scientists and it showed to me the real need for more academic support.

… I’ve trained over 400 researchers

Doctor Tonke expanded quickly. My clients are private individuals, but also bigger institutes, such as Delft University of Technology, Maastricht University,  and University of Twente.

My online PhD Academy is up and running as we speak, with online courses and masterclasses for PhD students.

In 2022 I was finally able to organize the first academic writing retreat for researchers; something I’ve been waiting for a long time.

… I simply love to write and research

That’s why I work as a freelance medical- and scientific writer for companies, publishers, and universities. I do have e.g. experience in writing and creating scientific peer-reviewed journal publications, publications for medical specialists, interviews, conference and journal abstracts, academic posters, and many more.

I write in Dutch and English. A full list of publications can be found here.

… and to be on stage

As long as I can remember, I love to be on stage. From joining theater groups during high school and university to presenting at highly specialized academic conferences.

Since 2021, I work as a moderator/host for events in science, technology, and health. I’ve done this for example for clients such as Delft University of Technology, KNAW, and NWO.

Picture: Melvin Tas