As a researcher at the Quantitative Biodiversity Dynamics Group (QBD) of Utrecht University, my work combines individual-based modeling with theoretical ecology to tackle key challenges in biodiversity conservation. My research explores how habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, and restoration influence species richness and community dynamics, factors that determine the resilience of ecosystems.

A central part of my work focuses on dispersal modeling and ecological connectivity, where I develop tools to simulate how species interact with their environment and move through fragmented landscapes. By linking movement ecology with restoration science, I aim to provide insights that can guide conservation efforts. My goal is to create predictive tools that improve habitat restoration, helping it deliver real benefits for biodiversity and ecosystem health.

I also study human-wildlife conflicts and the broader effects of human activities on biodiversity, examining how these pressures alter ecological systems. In addition, I lead the citizen science project ‘Aanwaaiers’, where volunteers across the Netherlands place soil-filled pots in their gardens to track seed dispersal in urban environments. By involving the public in data collection, this project helps us understand how seeds move through cities, contributing to our knowledge of urban biodiversity and ecosystem connectivity.

Find out more on my personal website.