Student testimonial

Janne van ’t Klooster: The Laboratory of Nematology is a very welcoming and close-knit community

In May 2024, I finished with six very enjoyable months of doing my Masters’ thesis at the Laboratory of Nematology. I have a background in Plant Sciences and was eager to learn more about host-parasite interactions. Because I had also heard good stories about Nematology from fellow students, the choice to perform my thesis here was easily made. I studied the genetic variability of potato cyst nematodes in the Netherlands and explored the nematodes present in soil samples from Dutch potato fields.

My supervisors enabled me to perform a variety of activities. These were set in the field, greenhouse, lab and in data analysis. In the lab, I was able to use the newest sequencing equipment. Besides, my supervisor taught me how to use the data analysis program R in practice, even though I barely worked with it before. Next to gaining these useful skills, I have also learned how to plan and perform experiments on my own. This thesis has helped me to decide what future projects I would like to get into, and to gain the right background experience and knowledge to do it.

Not only my supervisors were always very willing to help, I have also received a lot of help and inputs from other staff members and students. This really motivated me to make the best out of my thesis period. The Laboratory of Nematology is a very welcoming and close-knit community. Because of this, it was very easy to get to know everyone and engage in scientific discussions. I am very grateful to have worked with this vibrant group!