• 1957 - Born in Schaesberg (the Netherlands)
• 1975-1978 - University of Nijmegen, Bachelor Biology
• 1979-1983 - University of Groningen, Master Biology
• 1984-1985 - Stichting Stichtse Milieufederatie (NGO) and Utrecht University 
• 1985-present – Utrecht University
• 1990 - PhD Water flow as a major landscape ecological factor in fen ecosystems
• 2003-2007 - Endowed chair Landscape Ecology (initiated by WLO, Werkgemeenschap Landschapsecologisch Onderzoek)
• 2007-present - Full chair Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University
• 2007-2016 - Head of Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development (Department of Innovation, Environmental and Energy Sciences), Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University