Internships at Bioclear earth

Hello! My name is Esmee Binnekamp

I am a fourth-year Biotechnology student at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden. I am currently completing my final-year internship at Bioclear Earth.

As part of this project, I’m mapping earthworm populations in soil samples using the DNA that earthworms leave behind. This DNA is known as eDNA (environmental DNA) and can be detected in soil samples using qPCR or sequencing techniques. This enables us to identify the species of earthworm present in a soil sample without first having to isolate the worms. Earthworms are extremely important for soil health. According to traditional methods, they are counted manually. They are then classified based on their physical characteristics to assess soil quality. However, this traditional method has some limitations. This is why I want to test if this process can be made more efficient with the help of eDNA. I also want to investigate whether detecting earthworms with eDNA could provide Bioclear earth's current microbiome research with additional information.

I am enjoying my experience at Bioclear earth. I really like the positive working atmosphere.

Esmee Binnekamp

Internship project: mapping earthworm populations in soil samples using DNA

Hello, my name is Lotte

I am a 25-year-old Biomedical Research student at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. For my internship, I am focusing on the degradation of TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), which is the smallest PFAS molecule. PFAS substances occur in soil, water and even food. Due to their extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds, these substances are difficult to degrade, meaning they can accumulate in humans and the environment.

In my research, I am simulating various conditions described in the literature as potentially promoting TFA degradation. By doing so, I hope to gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to the degradation of this persistent molecule.

Bioclear earth really appealed to me because it is a company that is committed to restoring and improving natural systems, with a focus on biological and sustainable solutions. Also, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. You are given the space to contribute your own ideas and work independently, which is very nice.

Lotte van Dijk

Internship project: degradation of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)

Hello! My name is Rens Hoekstra

I am a fourth-year Biology and Medical Laboratory Research student at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and I am currently completing a six-month internship with the Bioenergy research team.

The main focus of the Bioenergy team is fermentation processes for biogas production. During this process, microorganisms convert organic waste into methane (biogas) and carbon dioxide. The biogas produced can be used to generate electricity or heat, or purified into biomethane. Biomethane can then serve as a direct replacement for natural gas in the existing gas network. This offers enormous potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and CO₂ emissions, and to increase our energy independence.

My research at Bioclear earth is to investigate whether additives can be used to optimise the anaerobic digestion process.

Rens Hoekstra

Internship project: Optimising anaerobic digestion for biogas production

Are you interested in an internship at Bioclear earth?

Send a personal motivation letter and your curriculum vitae to info@bioclearearth.nl.