I am a Dutch Indonesian woman living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where i specialize in photomicrography and videomicrography. The art of photographing the tiniest life on this planet.
Fascination with Nature and a Love for Spicy Food
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve loved nature. My curiosity extends beyond mere observation; I’ve always sought to learn from, interact with, and conserve nature—not just for future generations, but for nature itself. Growing up with a Dutch mother and an Indonesian father, I was also raised with a love for spicy food. My grandmother would basically give me hot peppers as candy, sparking my lifelong passion for bold flavours!
Childhood Adventures: Exploring Nature’s Wonders
As a child, I spent countless hours exploring the outdoors—turning over rocks, peering into ponds, and discovering hidden life while snacking on a hot bapao. I frequently brought home animals, from insects to frogs and even the occasional wounded bird, much to my mother’s mixed emotions. Over time, I’ve learned to let nature be, only stepping in when absolutely necessary—although my husband still occasionally finds an orphaned animal in the house that needs to be brough tot a shelter.
University Life: Pursuing Biology and Music
After this journey I made a decision and pursued my studies in biology at the Free University of Amsterdam and the University of Groningen. I specialized in marine and behavioural biology and did an internship at the AAP foundation, an animal rescue organization. At the same time, I joined a pop-rock band, Collect Call from Mars, which was an incredible experience. I loved writing songs and performing on stage, balancing my creative and scientific passions.
Discovering Photomicrography at Micropia
This new direction led me to Micropia, Amsterdam’s microbiological museum. I began my journey at Micropia as a volunteer in their laboratory, but quickly became an integral part of the team. Together with a fantastic group of colleagues, we established the lab and museum, cultured microbes, and delivered engaging presentations about our microscopic world. I found great joy in educating our volunteers, interns, and visitors from around the globe about the fascinating realm of microbes. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for photomicrography. Combining my love for photography with my knowledge of microscopy, I began photographing microbes—and soon realized I had a natural talent for capturing their beauty.
Making Small Steps Toward a Sustainable Future
I believe that even small steps, whether through personal actions like going vegan or professional endeavours like photomicrography, can help protect our planet. Every action counts—just as microbes, small but mighty, play a huge role in sustaining life.
With only 1-2% of the microbiological world explored, the potential is vast. Microbes will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in creating sustainable solutions for our world. From bioremediation, where bacteria and fungi clean up contaminated environments, to biofuel production, where algae and yeast generate renewable energy, these microscopic organisms are already making an impact.
The Role of Microbes in our Lives
They also play a significant part in our health. Our bodies host trillions of microorganisms, forming what’s known as the microbiome. These microbes help with digestion, produce vitamins, and strengthen our immune systems. They protect against harmful pathogens by maintaining a balanced internal ecosystem. In healthcare, microbes are increasingly recognized for their role in treatments, from probiotic therapies to the development of antibiotics. Scientists are also exploring how the gut microbiome impacts mental health and diseases like diabetes.
