Having grown up in the Netherlands, Germany, and the US – with a Japanese-Brazilian mom and German dad – I basically came with built-in subtitles. Curiosity, a love of learning, and the ability to adapt quickly have been my drivers, whether I’ve been navigating the world of academia or the fast-moving pace of biotech. I now serve as Chief Research Officer at Leyden Labs.

My background spans both fundamental science and applied innovation, which means I’ve spent years chasing answers, and turning ideas into something tangible. Not everything works on the first try, but I’ve learned that even the ‘wrong’ answers can lead you to the right ones. I love absorbing knowledge and using it to move ideas and people forward. 

Stepping into leadership has meant learning to trust my gut, staying open to surprises, and approach both big-picture strategy and tiny details with the same curiosity. It’s also taught me that missteps are just part of the process—more like plot twists than setbacks—and that progress often looks more like a windy road than a straight line.

I’m excited to be part of this conversation and to meet others carving out their own winding paths—bonus points if you also enjoy learning things the hard way.