Our Hub
From the simple beginnings of a Working Group, to a community that spans multiple institutes, universities, and even businesses. The e3DNA hub aims to centralize and empower eDNA research across the Netherlands. Our members are diverse in their expertise and interests, but we are an inclusive network and always willing to add more names to the ones below. Read on to see who shares our vision to bring and expand eDNA approaches for a more sustainable future.
Dr. Kat Stewart
e3DNA Co-Chair
Assistant Professor
Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
"My research interests are grounded in developing and using novel eDNA toolkits for conservation management and eco-evolutionary questions"
Dr. Krijn Trimbos
e3DNA Co-Chair
Assistant Professor
Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
"My central focus is on eDNA methodological development, understanding human impacts, environmental biomonitoring, and driving societal impact"
Dr. Kevin Beentjes
Project Leader ARISE Sequencing
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Naturalis Biodiversity Center
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"As sequencing team lead of ARISE, I deal with anything from single-specimen DNA barcoding to genome sequencing and metabarcoding of complex environmental samples"
Jelle Dercksen
PhD candidate
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Delft University of Technology
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"I'm focussed on advancing the application of eDNA-based biomonitoring in rivers and streams, by developing an approach that estimates the extent of eDNA transport."
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Emilie Didaskalou
PhD candidate / Research Technician
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Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"I'm currently creating an approach to non-invasively sample population demographic information using eDNA and linking it to ecological and evolutionary questions."
Elsa Girard
PhD candidate
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4D-REEF/Marine Biodiversity Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center
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"During my PhD, I hope to shed light on the molecular and ecological distribution of large benthic foraminifera in coral reefs using single-cell and eDNA samples.."​
Dr. Kevin Groen
Post-doc
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Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"My broad interests have spanned developing and deploying terrestrial eDNA approaches, to using metabarcoding to assess the diets of wildlife"
Dr. Alena Gsell
Assistant Professor
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Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"Parasites and pathogens can play pivotal roles in community composition and food web structure in aquatic ecosystems but are hard to detect. I'm interested in the potential of eDNA approaches to assess disease agents more effectively."
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Kaushar Kagzi
PhD candidate / Junior lecturer
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Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"My work focuses on using eDNA/eRNA approaches to assess the impact of anthropogenic pollutants (e.g., pesticides, microplastics) on aquatic biodiversity."
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Dr. Jan Macher
Assistant Professor
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Naturalis Biodiversity Center & Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"My focus is on using eDNA and other molecular methods to understand the effects of human influences on species and communities in coastal and marine ecosystems"
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Dr. Arjen Speksnijder
Group Leader Metagenomics/ Lector
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Leiden Center for Applied Biosciences, University of Applied Sciences Leiden & Naturalis Biodiversity Center
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"With my group we develop nucleic acid-based methods for analyzing complex biological systems and translate this into practical applications for society. I have a strong focus on eDNA monitoring in water, soil and air with Nanopore sequencing technology."​
Martin van der Plas
PhD candidate
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Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"I study the effects of stressors on aquatic community composition through eDNA metabarcoding."
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Jeroen van Kuijk
Ecological Advisor
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AKTB
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"I'm particularly interested in conserving island herpetofauna and use eDNA to understand the invasion dynamics of Caribbean Iguanas."
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Jiaxin Zhang
PhD candidate
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Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"I am trying to use eDNA methods for the assessment of plant-pollinator networks and to answer ecological questions."
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Daniel Zumel
PhD candidate
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Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"I am exploring eco-evolutionary dynamics within hybrid zones through eDNA to enhance conservation strategies and practices"
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Dr. Bernardo Antunes
Post-doc
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Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"I'm using landscape genetics to make the most of eDNA datasets and answer questions about species ecology, evolution and conservation."
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Kornelia Serwatowska
Laboratory technician
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Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University
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"I'm managing the institutes DNA labs and train staff & students on molecular techniques."
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Dr. Chris Barratt
Researcher
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Center for Genetic Resources, Wageningen University
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"I use genomics and spatial modelling approaches to understand environmental and anthropogenic impacts on species and their populations. I recently started using eDNA to search for a critically endangered frog species in East Africa, and to assess landscape level biodiversity in Dutch agricultural landscapes"​​