Gerdine Meijer

In the heart of technological innovation and human development, Gerdine's journey weaves through the realms of mechatronics, research, and the human touch. Her story begins with a foundation in biomechanical engineering, where from 2007 to 2011, as a PhD researcher at UTwente, she dedicated herself to the intricacies of the human spine. Gerdine's pioneering work involved developing and validating a finite element model of the spine and rib cage, a breakthrough aimed at enhancing scoliosis correction through a newly developed implant. Her research, enriched by supervising student assignments and contributing to international conferences, marked the inception of a career committed to making a difference. Transitioning to a postdoctoral role between 2011 and 2013 at TU Eindhoven and UTwente, Gerdine further honed her expertise. She adapted her spine model to predict the long-term outcomes of scoliosis treatments, pushing the boundaries of medical and engineering knowledge. However, 2013 brought a pivotal moment of introspection. Gerdine embarked on a gap year, a quest to reconcile her dual passions for technical innovation and nurturing the human spirit. This year of exploration affirmed her desire to blend the rigor of technical research with the profound satisfaction of helping others. Her commitment to service found a new outlet in volunteering, starting in 2013 and continuing alongside her professional career. Gerdine offered her time and compassion to those with dementia or mental disabilities, providing valuable one-on-one interactions that brought smiles and light into lives often overshadowed by challenges. Gerdine's professional path took a practical turn in 2014 at Panalytical, where she served as a Process Improver. Her insights and advice to the management and development team significantly enhanced the quality, efficiency, and workability of product development processes, bridging the gap between technical excellence and operational effectiveness. In November 2015, Gerdine returned to academia, joining Saxion as a lecturer and researcher in mechatronics. Here, she imparted her knowledge of mechanical engineering and project management to eager students while also coaching them and developing new educational materials. Her role evolved into that of a senior lecturer and researcher by May 2019, where she took on additional responsibilities, including leading the curriculum committee and spearheading the development and implementation of new modules. The culmination of Gerdine's experience and passion for both technology and people led her to become the Team Leader of the Smart Mechatronics And RoboTics Research Group at Saxion in May 2022. In this role, she masterfully aligns the skills and capacities of over 35 team members with the projects at hand, embodying the essence of HRM, teambuilding, and personal development. Gerdine's journey is a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with a heart for service, showcasing a career that not only advances technology but also enriches human lives.