Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Professor of Floating Wind Energy, AE Faculty D&I Officer

I joined TU Delft in October 2013 and I am now a full professor of floating wind energy. I am also the faculty Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Officer, and in this role, I am part of the faculty management team since November 2023. I feel a large responsibility to ensure diversity and inclusion in our work environment. I think that these aspects are fully part of our academic excellence and they are essential to empower people to be the best version of themselves. Create a strong sense of belonging amongst our community and valuing differences, also in promotion procedures, is key in this respect. I also hope to be a role model for others, especially when it comes to managing work and family life.

Aside from work, I spend most of my time with my three children. I also like music, tennis, and comedy shows.

Associate Professor, Space System Engineering, D&I Communication

My name is Alessandra and I am an Associate Professor in the Space System Engineering section since September 2015. I hold a PhD in Physics (2004) from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and a Laurea in experimental physics from University of Rome La Sapienza (2000). My research interests are focused in the development of miniaturized radiation sensors which can be distributed on-board of micro-satellites and on the radiation hardness assurance of space electronics. I joined the D&I team because I strongly believe that in today's interconnected world, diversity is a reality in virtually every aspect of society. Exposure to diverse cultures, languages, backgrounds fosters innovation and creativity by exposing people to a wide range of ideas and approaches to problem-solving. It encourages critical thinking and broadens understanding by challenging conventional wisdom and promoting new ways of thinking. I want to contribute to promoting equity and inclusion by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, have equal access to opportunities and resources.

I live together with my husband, my daughter (16 years) and my son (14 years) in Leiden. I have many hobbies and not enough time to do them all including running, swimming, skating and skiing, travelling, photography, reading and cooking. I speak fluently Italian, English French and Dutch.

Assistant Professor, Air Transport and Operations Section, D&I Staff Development & Recruitment

I’ve been working at the faculty since May 2013. My main focus is on understanding and improving sustainability, safety and efficiency of airport operation. Currently I’m participating in the D&I staff development and recruitment team. By joining this team I wish to contribute to making our working environment more inclusive, safer, and more pleasant place to work. To achieve this goal both recruitment and staff development activities are essential.

In my free time I like to do hiking and in general spending time in nature, travelling and meeting with friends.

Research Engineer, Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects Section, D&I Communication

My name is Amy, and I am a Research Engineer in the Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects Section. I started in July 2023, and I help organize our experimental campaigns and all of the hardware our lab possesses. I am originally from the United States and moved to the Netherlands last year for this position. Within the D&I team, I work on the communications team. I am very passionate about making sure everyone has equal access and representation and that everyone feels like a part of a community, no matter their background or identity.

Outside of work, I live with my partner Justo and our many plants. We love to explore and travel around the Netherlands (and beyond), and I really enjoy arts and crafts, reading, ice skating, and surfing.

Assistant Professor, Aerodynamics Section, AE Faculty D&I Officer

My name is Anh Khoa and I am an Assistant Professor in the Aerodynamics section in the FPT department. My research consists in the development of AI-based techniques for the study and predictions of flows and fluid mechanics applications. Coming from an immigration background, I understand the challenges that underrepresent groups may face and that is why I joined the D&I team. Through the work done within that team, I believe that I can contribute to make our faculty a place where everyone feels safe and included and where diversity is celebrated.

I live in Delft, and in my spare time, I enjoy baking, reading and playing music. When the weather permits (or not), I also like running, hiking, cycling in the dunes and bouldering.

Assistant Professor, Flight Performance & Propulsion Section, D&I Education, D&I Staff Development & Recruitment

My name is Carmine and I am Assistant Professor of Flight Mechanics at the Flight Performance and Propulsion (FPP) section. I am part of TU Delft since May 2017, when I started my PhD research project on Direct Lift Control of box-wing aircraft. I believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment is synonym with cultural richness, an open mindset and continuous learning. I have joined the D&I team to contribute steering the collective effort towards a more stimulating and enjoyable work environment, where everyone can feel safe, motivated and excited to contribute to a shared sense of community.

I live in The Hague with my partner Sarah, and we both love taking walks in the forest and on the beach, or cycling along the dunes (especially when it’s sunny). I enjoy landscape and nature photography, even more so if it means hiking in nature. When it’s dark and cold, I like treating myself with food and boardgames in the company of good friends.

Assistant Professor, Flight Performance & Propulsion Section, D&I Outreach

My name is Chiara, I am an assistant professor in Propulsion & Power group, in the FPT department. My research focuses on heat transfer of two-phase flows and bubble dynamics for cooling and thermal management systems.

I am eager to contribute to the D&I activities, as I think it is one of the more direct ways to have an impact on younger students and future generations! I have been communication officer of the Women in Engineering group in my previous university for 3 years, so I hope I can continue here in Delft with you all.

I love mountains and all the activities I can do there, as skiing, running, and climbing too. This is why I moved to the Netherlands. Another passion is cinema and arthouse films.

Assistant Professor, Wind Energy Section, D&I Outreach

My name is Donatella and I joined the Wind Energy section in the Flow Physics and Technology Department in June 2020. I have always worked in a diverse and multicultural environment and I am aware that there are still many challenges that need to be addressed to fully exploit everyone’s potential and make sure that we all achieve a sense of belonging regardless of our background. I joined the D&I team to actively contribute to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and to create an environment where all staff and students can thrive.

I live in Delft with my husband Nic and my lovely daughter Caterina. During the holidays we love travelling and exploring new places. In my spare time I enjoy hiking in the countryside and dancing. Spending quality time with my family and enjoying the company of good friends are always the best ways to give myself a recharge.

CAD Specialist, D&I Education

I am Eddy van den Bos, CAD specialist of the Aerospace Engineering faculty. The CAD team is allocated under the ASM department. 
Arranging matter in space is something I was enthusiastic about since my youth. What started with playing with LEGO and later solving space geometry assignments on the chalkboard for my math teacher in high school, ended up being the responsible teacher for the Engineering Drawing course at the faculty.  I have a background as Industrial Design Engineer. Prior to working at the university, I worked for several Engineering companies. My designs are used all over the world, you probably threw garbage away opening the lid of a bin which I designed. I strive for equality. My credo for this is to treat every person as you would like to be treated, recognizing the qualities in everyone.

I live in Delft in the centre with my wife Gerda. I am father of three adult daughters and a grandfather. I have a cat and a dog. Next to CAD, I am an enthusiastic musician, playing the bass guitar in the band Cooper for over 30 years already. 

Assistant Professor, Flight Performance & Propulsion Section, D&I Education

My name is Francesca, and I work as an assistant professor in Sustainable Aircraft Propulsion in the FPT department. I work with flames and lasers in the Combustion Lab. My motivation to apply to the D&I team is that I believe creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment is the best way for everyone to feel part of a community and thrive. I have been a STEM ambassador for several years, and I am truly passionate about enhancing the inclusivity and accessibility of STEM studies.

In my spare time, I find joy in being outdoors surrounded by nature. I love traveling and engaging in all kinds of sports (running, cycling, going to the gym, boxing with the sack), watching musicals, and going to the theater.

External Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Frandjescka Balootje is a member of the communication team of Aerospace Engineering. She is mainly responsible for all the external communication, but is also involved in various projects within the team. Next to that she is also the Alumni Relations Coordinator for AE Alumni & the Mentor Alumni Programme. She organizes faculty events such as the opening of the academic year and the new year’s breakfast with her other communication colleagues. In her free time, she is a presenter, writer and actress.

PhD Candidate, Control & Simulation Section, D&I Education

I’m Isabelle, currently pursuing my Ph.D. in the Control & Simulation section. As a member of the D&I education team, I’m dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students within our faculty, by focusing on supporting underrepresented groups. My hope is that every student, regardless of their background or identity, can feel valued and equipped to thrive not only during their studies but also in their careers beyond.

In my leisure time, I find great joy in singing, particularly choral singing, and exploring dance styles such as house dance and lindy hop. I also like to do sports, cherish get-togethers with friends, and love to go on hiking trips.

PhD Candidate, D&I Outreach

I am Jane and I am working on my PhD on Biomorphic Drones for Multimodal Locomotion under the Control and Simulation Section of Control and Operations Department. I believe that diversity enhances creativity and it’s in the pathway to sustainable innovation. I am convinced that the world’s biggest problems can only be solved when we break boundaries that segregate humanity and instead nurture connection, belonging and inclusion. My participation in the cause for Diversity and Inclusion is my service to that mission. Practically, my goal is to hone workspaces to become more inclusive and develop skills for authentic human connection.

My current life goal is to be happier by forming deeper relationships, regularly exercising such as strength training, martial arts, and rock climbing, exposing myself to awe in the form of practicing music and exploring nature, and learning!

Assistant Professor, Aerospace Structures & Materials Department

Julien van Campen is an Assistant Professor in the Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics section of the Aerospace Structures and Material department. He works on the design and analysis of composite pressure vessels for the storage of (liquid) hydrogen as aviation fuel and thereby helps to facilitate the energy transition. His research on the design low-cost light-weight high-performance composite structures further contributes to make transportation more sustainable. He aims to be an LGBTIQ+ role model for the students of the Aerospace Engineering faculty. Additionally, he is the chair of True U, the LGBTIQ+ organisation for TU Delft staff. Julien is married, he is an avid hobby pastry chef, and together with his husband he loves hosting dinner parties for family and friends.

Policy Coordinator AE Faculty Graduate School, D&I Staff Development & Recruitment

My name is Laurike in ‘t Veld and I have been working at the AE Faculty Graduate School since September 2020. I was motivated to join the D&I team because I am convinced that social safety is incredibly important to experience joy in work. I would like to help in fostering an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment in which diversity and inclusivity are approached in a mindful and proactive manner.

I live in Leiden with my partner Chris and our daughter Mila. In my spare time I love to be involved in amateur theatre plays, read graphic novels, or watch scifi films. I also love to go on hiking trips, preferably in more hilly and mountainous environments than the Netherlands.

Assistant Professor, Wind Energy Section, D&I Staff Development & Recruitment

I am Tercio, and I am an assistant professor in the field of aeroacoustics at the Wind Energy section of the Flow Physics and Technology (FPT) department. I was born and raised in Brazil, where I followed most of my studies. In 2019, I moved to the Netherlands for my PhD and am here since then. Personally, I enjoy my calm life in Delft, where I can spend time with my girlfriend, playing tennis, hanging out with friends, and listening to music.

By joining the team of D&I in the faculty, I hope to improve the integration of people of different backgrounds and cultures into the faculty environment. Together with the Staff development and recruitment team, we focus on determining the common issues encountered by faculty staff members with relation to diversity and proposing solutions to them.

AE Faculty Graduate School Officer, D&I Communication

My name is Marlon and I work as the Officer of the AE Graduate School since September 1st 2023. My motivation for applying to the D&I team is that in the extremely diverse environment of the TU Delft I think it’s very important for all people to have equal access to opportunities, to feel valued and to be their authentic self. My goal is that everyone feels recognised, included and connected in their place of work to thrive and feel a sense of belonging.

I live together with my husband Bob and our two boys Joep and Wout in Delfgauw and in my spare time I love to do sports (running, bootcamp and the gym), read, have a coffee with friends, do fun things with our family and I also always try to fit in time to be by myself as that helps me very much to recharge in my busy life.

Assistant Professor, Aerospace Structures & Materials Department, D&I Events

I am an Assistant Professor and Head of the intelligent Sustainable Prognostics (iSP) Group at the Aerospace Structures and Materials (ASM) Department. I joined the D&I team because I believe in creating a nurturing environment that is not only inclusive and safe but also actively celebrates diversity. My approach is intentional and forward-thinking, aiming to create a space where every voice is heard and valued.

Outside of my academic life, I am an enthusiastic traveler with a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. Skiing down powdery slopes and diving into the tranquil Mediterranean-Greek waters are among my hobbies. I also take every chance to revive my passion for water polo. And, of course, no day starts without a well-brewed espresso!

Assistant Professor, Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects Section, D&I Events

My name is Roberto and I am an assistant professor in aircraft noise and aeroacoustics at the Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects (ANCE) section. I first came to Delft in 2014 to start my PhD in the same section and after working as a postdoctoral researcher (2018-2022), I began my tenure track. My motivation for joining the D&I team is that I find it a very interesting topic and I want to help improve the quality and safety of the work environment in the faculty for everyone. In addition, as an international, I feel like I can provide a different point of view.

I live in Delft with my girlfriend Ligaya and our two cats and my hobbies are climbing, drawing, and sports in general. I also love just going for drinks with my friends and play some board games. I love organizing events and get-togethers, so that is why I joined the D&I events!

Assistant Professor, Control & Simulation Section, D&I Staff Development & Recruitment, D&I Communication

I'm Salua and I work at the Dept. of Control & Operations since April 2021. My motivation for joining the D&I team is driven by the desire to enhance female representation and ethnic diversity within our faculty’s permanent staff population. My goal is to demonstrate how gender and ethnic diversity significantly contribute to research excellence and impact, while also bringing fresh perspectives on communication and culture. I believe that by fostering inclusivity among these minorities, our faculty will truly excel on all fronts!

I love aquatic sports, especially snorkelling and scuba diving. I also enjoy backpacking and adventurous travels, particularly for watching wildlife and natural wonders. I also have a passion for painting, hand crafting and languages.

Academic Counsellor

Yinneke de Hoop works as an academic counsellor for both the bachelor and master students. She is also the coordinator of the AE bridging programme. Diversity and inclusion is one of her main field of interest and she is therefore excited to be working on this important matter together with her colleagues. Aside from work she enjoys trying out new restaurants, going to the gym or watch Netflix the whole evening. She recently became a cat mom who wants to play every time she wants to sleep.