She doesn't just work with energy, she is energy. Sustainable energy, let's face it. Because Jacquelien Scherpen changed the university on Campus Groningen. It was the professor and director of the Groningen Engineering Center who ensured that the University of Groningen acquired a clear technical profile. And, at least as important: that gives women the confidence that there is also room for them in the field of technology. For Andel Hoekstra, for example. “Because of Jacquelien I know: it is possible after all.”
Technology is top sport
She has a trophy cabinet that every Olympic athlete would envy. Jacquelien recently won the ‘Prins Friso Ingenieursprijs’. “Very proud, of course,” she nods, “although I have to get used to all the publicity.” Jacquelien is one of the world's leading scientists in the field of measurement and control technology. She is the driving force behind engineering education in Groningen, set up various courses, and created the Science & Engineering Business Center, a partnership between northern companies and the faculty.
“We need diversity”
If it's up to Jacquelien, technology is for everyone. “Teams with diversity arrive at the best solutions. And with the current labor market shortages, we simply need women.” If possible, she visits schools to show how beautiful the profession is. "Because in primary and secondary education, students start to develop their interests."
A great source of inspiration
“I recognize that,” says Andel Hoekstra. The 28-year-old master's student of Industrial Engineering and Management almost took a different path. “At VWO I was advised to choose Mathematics A. But during my studies in economics, I missed the technical side.” She decided to continue to study and to do Industrial Engineering and Management. “I needed math B for that.” She passed the certificate with a ten. “I am sure that many more girls like technology. They just need to gain confidence that they can do it. Jacquelien is a huge source of inspiration for me.” Jacquelien: “My students sometimes forget that I was young myself. That I have been insecure and doubted too. But if you dare to choose, it can yield the best things.”
Combine disciplines
Andel is currently in the final phase of her master's degree. “I am researching a sustainable system in which the temperature in your house is adjusted to your behavior,” Andel explains. “Psychology combined with technology, I really like that.” According to Jacquelien, that is exactly what makes Campus Groningen so interesting: "Here we have everything in one place. Lawyers, psychologists, engineers, everything we need to make major social transitions possible."
“Together you can go fast”
Andel nods: “I really learned that from the Top Dutch Solar Racing Team. I was part of that team. There are so many opportunities here. So much knowledge. What you can't do yourself, someone else can. And when you work together, you can go super fast." If it's up to Jacquelien, we should tell those stories more often. “We are really building a beautiful ecosystem here. That buzzes. Innovates. Where great solutions are devised.
