All Paths Lead to Biology Vol. 6

Biology is a fairly broad section of science encompassing everything from the study of cells to cladistics as well as conservation and astronomy. Such a vast multitude of majors also entails a similarly large and varied array of pathways leading towards them. All Paths Lead to Biology is a series by the Broke Biologists delving into the stories of how biologists have arrived to where they are and what drives them.

In this volume: Damian Meijerink, pictured inset in Thailand.

Much like many other biologists, Damian Meijerink’s path into science wasn’t straightforward, “I first started studying industrial business management, it was fun - but I knew it wasn’t for me.” Feeling unsure about his choice in undergraduate studies, the Dutchman reflected back on his high-school days and which courses he enjoyed the most - biology sprung to his mind immediately. Damian transferred into a Bachelor of Science, but when asked for a specialization he hesitated, he was split between environmental studies and animal behavior and wasn’t sure of which track to take. He decided to combine them, specializing in Migration Behaviour and choosing mostly environmental science electives. However, Damian’s time at Groningen University wasn’t the catalyst for his continued interest in biology.

Upon the completion of his Bachelor’s, the newly accredited biologist traveled to South East Asia to indulge in one of his passions, “I’m really into coffee. I went to Thailand and Laos to discover the coffee there and it really opened my eyes to sustainable development and the idea of a circular economy as well as biodiversity conservation. Coffee plantations clear a lot of jungle, which is a problem already, but to make money from coffee means you have to mass-produce it or go into specialty coffee - all of which have their own set of issues.” Intrigued by the concept of sustainable development and how it could help different aspects of society, Damian began to think about pursuing further studies in that field. Returning to the Netherlands inspired by his travels, he narrowed his Master’s options to two programs at separate universities, Utrecht University (Circular Economics) or Leiden University (Biodiversity & Sustainability). Deciding to stay within the biological realm, Damian chose Leiden.

A change from his initial entrance into the field, the Dutch biologist is more confident in his choices. Reflecting on his undergraduate experience, Damian does express some regret as to not choosing the environmental specialization, admitting that part of the reason he didn’t take it were the questions surrounding potential job opportunities and the practical uses for such a degree after graduation. Currently halfway through his postgraduate, the 25-year old is more certain about his future and what he wants from it, “I’m interested in up and coming communities that are struggling and how we can help them implement sustainable development to improve agriculture, promote fair trade and building nations with the idea of achieving a circular economy.”

While his interest in these topics became evident during his trip overseas, he believes they stemmed from his earlier academic choices and a desire to meld both business and environmental sciences. When prompted about where exactly he thinks he’ll find himself after his masters, he admits some uncertainty but knows what he’d prefer in the meantime, “I hope to travel a lot more, I don’t care where I go, I just want to go somewhere that isn’t the Netherlands and experience research in different areas,” he laughs, “All my research has been in the Netherlands, and I’d like to change that. Doing some work overseas I believe could help me grow professionally.”

(Photo courtesy of Damian Meijerink; This interview was originally posted on the Broke Biologists)