NL
DE
My name is Merel Stemerdink, born on June 18th 1994, and raised in Drempt - a small town in the ‘Achterhoek’. I am a 3rd year PhD candidate, and I have been working in the departments of Otorhinolaryngology and Human Genetics since April 2020. My research is focused on developing a minigene therapy for the Usher syndrome type 2C, under the joint supervision of Prof. Dr. Hannie Kremer, Dr. Erwin van Wijk and Dr. Erik de Vrieze.
Where do you live?
I livein a studio in the most beautiful part of Nijmegen - Nijmegen Oost.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Can you tell us something about your childhood years?
As a kid, I wanted to become one of the Spice Girls. But by the time the Spice Girls broke up, and when I realized that I didn’t have the voice to become a successful singer – this must have been halfway primary school – I changed my mind. At that time my grandfather was seriously ill, and I remember being in the hospital when the doctors came to tell that he was probably not going to make it. Due to their efforts, he completely recovered (and is still alive and kicking), and from that moment I knew: I want to become a physician.
What was your previous academic training, where did you study and why did you choose that study/those studies?
Since I didn’t make it through the ‘decentralized selection’ to study Medicine, I started studying Medical Biology at the Radboud University in Nijmegen. This was my second choice – as I knew that in the 2nd year of Biology, 30 students could enter the study of Medicine. But at that time – when I was appointed one of these 30 places – my interest had shifted: while studying Medical Biology I enjoyed learning everything about the functioning of the human body, and especially to unravel the mechanisms behind the development of the diseases. Therefore, I preferred to continue studying Medical Biology over Medicine.
Which of your research discoveries are you most proud of?
In the two years that I work as a scientist, I would not say that I made a discovery which I am "most proud of" yet. For now, I’m grateful to be part of an inspiring research team and department in which, especially in the field of genetics, new techniques are developing so fast – which provides many opportunities. So hopefully I’ll be able to answer this question soon!
What is your most important scientific challenge in the coming 5 years?
As a first challenge, I would like to graduate and get my PhD degree. Furthermore, it would be wonderful if by the end of my PhD project, we could provide the proof-of-concept for minigene augmentation as a potential future treatment option for USH2C associated retinitis pigmentosa.
If you could choose any mentor, who would it be?
There is not a specific person that comes to my mind, but if I could choose a mentor based on specific character traits, it would be someone who is inspiring, honest and provides constructive criticism and therewith helps me to grow in my career.
What is your favorite topic: molecules - patients - population?
Molecules.
What should be changed / improved in the scientific community?
I enjoy being part of the scientific community, and also after completing my PhD project, I would love to continue my career in science. But I’m very much aware of the luxurious position we’re in as PhD candidates: having the opportunity to focus on our research project for 4 years without having to worry about writing grant proposals – a highly competitive field in which it is the question if your next research project will be funded. So something that should be improved: less competition.
Is there anything we can wake you up for in the middle of the night?
I would love to discover more parts of this beautiful world, so I wouldn’t mind being woken up at night to go to Schiphol and catch a flight.
What is the thing that irritates you most?
Carelessness/selfishness.
Who would you like to have dinner with, if you had the chance?
Michelle Obama. I recently read her biography and was impressed by her career path and the way she developed herself to become such a strong and inspiring person.
How do you relax from the demanding job being a scientist?
Cycling on my racing bike, and meeting up with friends and family.
Do you have a tip for our most junior scientists?
Try not to compare yourself too much with others (for example when one of your projects is moving not as fast as you’d like), but keep your curiosity and persevere!
Please add a photo which represents a remarkable event or experience you were part of? Please explain.
In 2019 my internship supervisor asked me to assist him in organizing an Innovation Workshop in Tanzania (this was during my 2nd master’s specialization ‘Science Management and Innovation’). In 2,5 weeks we helped Tanzanian students who had innovative ideas to improve Tanzanian healthcare, with developing a business model. A great experience (and it was not only them who learned a lot, but I also learned a lot while teaching and giving lectures for the 1st time). It’s great to see that now – three years later – some of them are young entrepreneurs who run successful businesses based on the business models that they developed during the workshop!
