Beyond the scientist: Tip Stille

19 November 2016

Tip Stille, PhD candidate at the department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine.

Where and when were you born?

Born in 1989, I grew up in the city of Rotterdam.

Where do you live and with whom?

After finishing my studies earlier this year, I just moved to Nijmegen two months ago. The new place in Nijmegen-Zuid, where I am living by myself, reduced my travel time from 2 hours to 5 minutes.

Who was your role model when you were a kid?

Sportsmen who have dominated the field for several years in a row. I have always admired guys like Michael Jordan and Roger Federer.

Why aren’t you doing the same thing now as your role model (or do you?)

Growing up, I spent a lot of time playing sports. Even though I have given it a shot when I was younger, making a career in sports is only reserved for the best of the best. Besides several injuries that made me quit volleyball, I’m not really sure I would have continued sacrificing everything for that one ultimate goal, without any insurance. Pursuing an academic career was always the plan.

What is the thing in your (work or other) history that you are most proud of?

Being able to combine competing in sports on a national level with an academic career was always something I was very proud of. And being a Rotterdammert of course.

What is it that you would like to achieve in work in the next 5 to 10 years?

After finishing my PhD, I want to become an interventional radiologist. Receiving a doctoral degree would be a big achievement, and starting a residency in Radiology afterwards would be a major step towards a long-term goal.

For what can we wake you up?

Long cycling trips, especially with good friends. Ending the day with a nice meal and a few Belgian beers would make it even better.

What is your hobby and how good are you at it?

Everything involving sports. Up to the age of 21 I played volleyball and beach volleyball on an (inter-)national level. Looking for alternatives, I tried a lot of different sports over the years. And although I am playing in a whole other league, the urge to outsmart my opponents still remains. Some of the recent activities include softball, squash and cycling. Besides the racing bicycle I also enjoy month-long trips through Europe, packed with a small tent.

What is your biggest irritation?

People with no sense of humor.

Who would you like to invite for dinner, if you had the chance?

After seeing some of his documentaries, I think Mark Beaumont has some interesting stories to share. Talking with someone who has travelled the world by bicycle while setting multiple world records would be very inspiring. And Scarlett Johansson, but preferably not at the same time. I don’t think I would stand a chance with mister globetrotter at the same table.

• Want to know more about these subjects? Click on the buttons below for more news.

  News homepage news & media