Internships
Internships at Bioclear earth
Are you interested in an internship at Bioclear earth? Send a personal motivation letter and your curriculum vitae to info@bioclearearth.nl.
Onze studenten aan het woord
Hi, my name is Veronica Borger
I am currently in my second year of a master's degree in Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Groningen. For my internship at Bioclear earth, I am working on a project investigating the effects of fertilisation on soil life and the nitrogen cycle. Specifically, I am examining a small part of this cycle: anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox). This metabolic pathway is unique to a specific group of bacteria, which are therefore also known as 'anammox' bacteria. By examining the impact of various fertilisation methods, I hope to gain a better understanding of these distinctive soil bacteria.
My internship is a nice mixture of grassland sampling, DNA testing with qPCR and analysing microbiological and chemical data. I am having a great time here with my friendly colleagues and I am glad that my internship enables me to contribute to research that will help farmers to make their farms more sustainable for the future.
Hi, I'm Feite van der Goot
I am studying Biotechnology at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, specialising in Process Technology. During my internship at Bioclear earth, I am conducting research into biogas production. I am focusing on the ex-situ biomethanisation process, whereby hydrogen (H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are converted into methane (CH₄) by microorganisms. I am also researching the fermentation process, specifically looking at how to make it more efficient and/or robust. In this way, I am contributing to the development of sustainable energy solutions.
The working atmosphere at Bioclear earth is very pleasant. You are given a lot of freedom and responsibility, allowing you to independently steer your project in the direction you deem important. Furthermore, the diverse projects carried out at Bioclear earth are particularly interesting.
My name is Simone van Lunsen
I am studying Data Science for Life Sciences at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. For my internship, I am researching the differences in the microbiome of resilient and disease-prone soils. The aim is to gain insight into questions such as, 'What interactions between microbes are seen in resilient soils but not in disease-prone soils?' To answer these questions, I am combining network analysis with machine learning. First, I create networks that map the interactions between microbes in soil. Then, I test whether these networks can predict whether soil samples come from resilient or disease-prone soils.
Although I work with agricultural data, the analyses I develop can also be applied to other datasets. Therefore, during my internship, I aim to produce a final product that could also be valuable for addressing other issues within Bioclear earth.
Prior to starting my current Master's degree, I studied Biology at Wageningen University & Research, after which I spent a year and a half volunteering on organic farms in Sweden, Germany and Spain. I get a great deal of motivation from connecting the dots between research and practice, which makes me feel very much at home at Bioclear earth. There is plenty of opportunity to discuss interesting topics with colleagues and you really feel like you are working together to find sustainable solutions. This is very satisfying and inspiring!
Hello, my name is Catarina
I am currently completing a Master's degree in Water Technology, which is a joint programme offered by Wageningen University, the University of Groningen, and the University of Twente. I live in the beautiful city of Leeuwarden in the province of Friesland, where I am in constant contact with nature.
My internship at Bioclear earth is on the subject of ‘Microbial identification of pesticide degradation potential in soils’.
During the internship, I study the microbial communities in soil and water that may be able to biodegrade pesticides and pharmaceuticals. I also attempt to identify the specific genes involved in degrading these substances. The main objective is to expand the Bioclear earth database and compile information on specific compounds from existing literature.
My name is Laurens Peer
I am currently completing a Master's degree in Biomolecular Sciences at RUG. After participating in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in 2022 and completing my first research project in molecular enzymology, I decided to look for laboratory-based research that would produce practical, sustainable results.
I found this opportunity at Bioclear earth, where I am now contributing to the MICRO4BIOGAS project. This project aims to improve biogas production from waste fermentation. My role involves researching two bacterial species that are important in this process: MBA03 and Geobacter. MBA03 is a species that was previously unisolated, but which occurs widely and frequently in biodigesters. The aim is to cultivate this bacterium and determine its exact role in the fermentation process. Geobacter, on the other hand, is already well-known, but it transfers electrons to the archaea that produce methane differently to most bacteria. Unlike chemical electron transfer, this method is direct, and therefore faster and more robust. By encouraging this method, we hope to speed up and improve the efficiency of the fermentation process.
Apart from the very sociable and stimulating atmosphere within Bioclear earth, I really like the fact that while learning I can contribute in my own way to a more sustainable world.
My name is Tsjitske de Jong
I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Biology at the University of Groningen, with a focus on Science, Business and Policy. This intersection between science and business appeals to me because I like to apply my scientific knowledge to practical solutions.
During my internship at Bioclear earth, I am focusing on risk areas for antimicrobial resistance. Specifically, I will be delving into wastewater, with a focus on hospital wastewater and sewage treatment plants. My research will have three parts. First, I investigate the exact nature of the problem. Next, I examine the solutions that Bioclear earth can offer, such as monitoring or filtration methods for antimicrobial resistance in wastewater. Finally, I explore market opportunities.
I am excited by the opportunity to develop my skills in advising on complex issues with the aim of achieving a cleaner water world. I appreciate being allowed to carry out this project at Bioclear Earth. It gives me valuable experience within the business world. I also find the guidance very valuable. I experience a nice balance between involvement and freedom.
Hello! I am Stijn Vloo
I am a fourth-year Biomedical Research student at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. For my graduation project, I am conducting practical research at Bioclear Earth on the purification of yard and plunge pool water contaminated with crop protection products.
Farmyard water arises when agricultural machinery is cleaned in the yard and is actively collected on site. Without treatment, it often contains pesticide residues that pose a risk to surface water. Plunge pool water comes from flower bulb cultivation, where bulbs are immersed in pesticide-containing water. This water also contains high concentrations of harmful substances.
The aim of my project is to develop an effective, sustainable treatment system for these polluted water streams. In light of stricter environmental regulations such as the Water Framework Directive, which requires near-zero pollutant emissions by 2027, it is crucial to find practical solutions for this type of water.
What I really like about this project is that it will lead to a practical treatment system. I am also given a lot of freedom to work out my own ideas and make independent choices within the research. In terms of content, the internship is challenging and varied, and aligns well with my education and interest in microbiology and biotechnology.
