Suzanne Vos
PresidentHi, my name is Suzanne, I’m a second year Masters student in Veterinary Medicine and a proud member of the VSDW. I’ve been passionate about (especially African) wildlife for a long time and mainly conservation, endangered species and human-wildlife conflict really interest me. With the VSDW I hope to be able to further educate fellow adventurers and myself on various topics regarding wildlife and working in developing countries.
Annet Ligtenberg
Vice-PresidentHi, my name is Annet, a third year Masters student and a co-founder of the VSDW. For the last years I have tried, together with this wonderfull team, to connect students with professionals in fields as wildlife and development. We try to create awareness and help fellow students with their wildlife ambitions. My personal interests lie in wildlife conservation, especially primates, and agricultural development. I look forward to seeing you at our future events!
Barbara Meeus
PR intern - webmasterSince I was a little child, I wanted to practice veterinary medicine. Over the last years, I learned a lot about all the animals in the world. My interest slowly started to grow into wildlife, especially into wild cats. I stepped into the VSDW, to make my dreams come true, step by step. I would like to receive more information and meet new people who can tell me things about their experience in the wildlife. Not only for myself, but also for the other students who are dreaming about the wildlife dream.
Liselotte van der Togt
PR externNowadays, people become more and more aware of the effect that humans have on wildlife and nature, on climate change and even on human health itself. For veterinary students it is necessary to gain more insight in these matters and get the opportunity to pursue their interests in wildlife and development. Being part of VSDW means I get to learn more about wildlife and gain more experience in this field. Moreover, it means I will be helping other students gain more awareness and knowledge about animals they are not familiar with.
Lisa Van Acker
ReporterBeing part of VSDW is not only about learning about development in the wild, but also about developing in your own veterinary study and future career. I hope to make contacts around the world and share learning opportunities with other students and wildlife lovers.
Florin Meijer
TreasurerHi, I’m Florin Meijer, second year master student in veterinairy medicine. During my travels, I got very interested in everything about wildlife. Especially in the conservation of endangered species and the interaction between local communities and wildlife. I’m very happy to be part of the VSDW team to help educate our fellow students, provide information and create networks.
Yannick Van de Weyer
Commission memberAs a future vet, I want to be of use to those countries and species that need it the most. I’ve always had a special interest in wildlife and conservation. Therefor I would love to work together with local communities from developing countries in order to preserve endangered species and wildlife in general. Definitely in times like these where those countries are facing overpopulation, starvation, corruption and poaching. I believe that the VSDW will help me towards taking my first steps in this exacting, yet fulfilling adventure.
Alyzee Pelgrims
Commission memberHello, I am Alyzee Pelgrims, a 2nd master student veterinary medicine. I’ve always had interests in wildlife and this year I took the step to go to South Africa for 3 weeks to work alongside a wildlife veterinarian. It is there that I fell in love with African wildlife. I would like to make more contacts myself in the wildlife world, learn more about wildlife in general and I would like to make sure that other students can also have a great experience with wildlife like me. Furthermore, I think it is important that we, as a graduating veterinarian, still have a broad base in the area of animals. After all, we do not graduate as a dog doctor or cow doctor, but as a general veterinarian.
Ilse Geerdink
Commission memberHi there! For years I’ve been dreaming about working and traveling all around the world combined with Veterinairy medicine. Being part of the VSDW is my first step in the right direction. Because of my wide range of interests (ruminants, birds, marine mammals, .. you name it) the VSDW is a great way to learn more about all the different species and projects in wildlife. I’m very excited to get to know new people and listen to their stories, as well as working on my own personal development as a vet to be!
Zoë Everaert
Commission memberWell, hello! My name is Zoë and I’m a first years master student. When I chose to become a veterinarian, my main motivation was the wellbeing of animals. To me it’s important not only to cure them, but also to fight for their rights. A lot of wild animals are being used as an attraction in foreign countries for tourists: elephant riding, petting lions and taking pictures with them, swimming with dolphins and watching them do tricks, etc. but also poaching is a big problem. I think as a human being, it’s best not to interrupt the life of wild animals and just let them live in their natural habitat. We have to inform people and make them aware of the problems nowadays. Besides that, I’m also just fascinated by their greatness and I’m especially interested in wild felines. I hope I can do some beautiful things with VSDW.
