25 June 2019
In October 2013 I started with my PhD at the department of Physiology, which I completed in 2017. After doing a postdoc at the University of Sydney, I’m back at the department and quickly designated as ‘Urine Leider / Urine Leader’. A short explanation: I’m going to validate a new developed device that can be located in the toilet in order to directly measure the urine composition (i.e. specific gravity, electrolytes, proteins, blood, etcetera). Furthermore, I’m going to continue my work in the field of human thermoregulation, in which I will focus on physiological aspects of the thermoregulation and further strengthen my nickname ‘Koelvest K(C)oen’.
Could you describe yourself in a few words:
I am modest, helpful and performance orientated. In daily life I try to combine these to get the best for everyone.
What do you normally do in the weekends?
My weekend normally consists of playing futsal on Friday, hanging out with Kim or my friends on Saturday and playing football on Sunday. When the football season is over I like to play tennis or to cycle/run/or play and watch other sports. Furthermore, I love to watch a movie or TV-show or play a board game with my friends or family.
What are your hobbies and can you tell us something about your favorite one?
Besides playing or watching football, I like nearly all sports. Furthermore, I like travelling the world and playing board games. And as competitive as I am, I always want to win!
Could you describe your best holiday?
From 24th of July till the 18th of March we (myself and Kim) were living in Sydney. We had a lovely time in the big city and enjoyed travelling different parts of Australia (Uluru (= the red rock), Great barrier reef, Whitsunday Islands and Melbourne). The department were I was working (Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory) was responsible for measuring the ambient conditions during the Australian open and we provided the organization and players with advice regarding these ambient conditions. This results in me measuring the ambient conditions in Rod Laver Arena during the quarter finals and semifinals of the Australian Open, while having the best seats in the stadium (on court).
After 6 months in Australia, we went to New Zealand for a road trip in a campervan of 5 weeks. New Zealand is by far the most beautiful country I have seen thus far. Extraordinary nature, great hiking options, a new landscape every 5 minutes and very friendly people. We were a little disappointed to go back to our hometown ‘the real Zeeland’ after 8 months Down Under.
What is your dream for the future?
A successful scientific career, see more beautiful places in the world, continue to enjoy all things in life, and of course a climate chamber in Nijmegen.
This is a photo of Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge, the iconic buildings of Sydney.

In the monthly 'Employee's Personal Touch' an employee answers a few questions about the work, all with a personal touch. Now Coen Bongers tells us his story.
In October 2013 I started with my PhD at the department of Physiology, which I completed in 2017. After doing a postdoc at the University of Sydney, I’m back at the department and quickly designated as ‘Urine Leider / Urine Leader’. A short explanation: I’m going to validate a new developed device that can be located in the toilet in order to directly measure the urine composition (i.e. specific gravity, electrolytes, proteins, blood, etcetera). Furthermore, I’m going to continue my work in the field of human thermoregulation, in which I will focus on physiological aspects of the thermoregulation and further strengthen my nickname ‘Koelvest K(C)oen’.
Could you describe yourself in a few words:
I am modest, helpful and performance orientated. In daily life I try to combine these to get the best for everyone.
What do you normally do in the weekends?
My weekend normally consists of playing futsal on Friday, hanging out with Kim or my friends on Saturday and playing football on Sunday. When the football season is over I like to play tennis or to cycle/run/or play and watch other sports. Furthermore, I love to watch a movie or TV-show or play a board game with my friends or family.
What are your hobbies and can you tell us something about your favorite one?
Besides playing or watching football, I like nearly all sports. Furthermore, I like travelling the world and playing board games. And as competitive as I am, I always want to win!
Could you describe your best holiday?
From 24th of July till the 18th of March we (myself and Kim) were living in Sydney. We had a lovely time in the big city and enjoyed travelling different parts of Australia (Uluru (= the red rock), Great barrier reef, Whitsunday Islands and Melbourne). The department were I was working (Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory) was responsible for measuring the ambient conditions during the Australian open and we provided the organization and players with advice regarding these ambient conditions. This results in me measuring the ambient conditions in Rod Laver Arena during the quarter finals and semifinals of the Australian Open, while having the best seats in the stadium (on court).
After 6 months in Australia, we went to New Zealand for a road trip in a campervan of 5 weeks. New Zealand is by far the most beautiful country I have seen thus far. Extraordinary nature, great hiking options, a new landscape every 5 minutes and very friendly people. We were a little disappointed to go back to our hometown ‘the real Zeeland’ after 8 months Down Under.
What is your dream for the future?
A successful scientific career, see more beautiful places in the world, continue to enjoy all things in life, and of course a climate chamber in Nijmegen.
This is a photo of Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge, the iconic buildings of Sydney.