Ms. Carlijn Koole, Junior Policy Support Officer (intern)

Carlijn holds a MSc in Ecology, Conservation and Biodiversity from KU Leuven, but after graduating, she felt something was still missing. A waving ocean got her attention and she started a second MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. During these studies she gained hands-on experience in whale research in the North Atlantic. Through eDNA sampling and photo identification, primarily of humpback whales, she developed a strong appreciation for the oceans and the role that scientists, citizens, policymakers, stakeholders and all other ocean enthusiasts play in the conservation thereof.

Furthermore, Carlijn brings a background in social research and experience working within a Marine Protected Area, providing her with insight into the practical challenges conservation policies encounter.

As a Junior Policy Support Officer, Carlijn contributes to several projects, including DTO-BioFlow, eDNAqua-Plan, MARCO-BOLO, and CS-MACH1. These projects aim to make marine data more findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR), because everyone deserves a fair chance to access data, understand marine ecosystems, and work together on our mission toward restoring our oceans and waters!