Niels graduated in environmental technology and microbiology at the University of Wageningen. After his study he started to work as a researcher at the faculty of environmental technology in Wageningen. In 1999 he took the next step in his career and began working for Bioclear earth. Since 2008, he has been working for Stichting Bodemcentrum (merged with Stichting Bodembeheer Nederland early 2017) and Stichting Bosatex as well, through a secondment. He is appreciated for his expert knowledge, open communication, his drive and his talent for listening.  Stakeholders value his empathy and awareness of the human factor in the problems concerning contamination.

In his spare time Niels likes outdoor activities, like working in his organic vegetable garden, repairing cars, mountain biking and hockey.