Board 2026-2027
Ruben Hesters
PresidentHi everyone, my name is Ruben, and I am a second-year master's student. This year, I joined VSDW as the president. The main reason I wanted to be part of this organization is my interest in exotic animals. I believe these animals deserve more attention and specialized care, as they are becoming increasingly common as pets. Although the courses we take during the academic year are highly informative and engaging, I feel there is always more to discover, especially about the less familiar species that many people are now adopting as pets. Reptiles and amphibians, for example, as well as exotic birds or rodents like sugar gliders are fascinating creatures that often face complex veterinary challenges. However, they are frequently misunderstood or poorly cared for by their owners, mainly due to a lack of knowledge. As part of VSDW, I hope I can contribute to changing this problem. We should inspire both pet owners and aspiring veterinarians to learn more about these amazing animals. It’s important to raise awareness about their specific needs and proper care, ensuring they lead healthy lives and receive the attention they deserve. I'm eager to use this opportunity to help bridge the gap between veterinary science and public understanding, and I look forward to contributing to the growth and impact of VSDW in this field.
Quinten Stappaerts
Vice-PresidentHi, I’m Quinten, a second-year master's student with a lifelong passion for wildlife. Since I was a child, I've been fascinated by the creatures in my garden and beyond. My curiosity for learning about animals and sharing that knowledge with others has only grown stronger over the years. This drive led me to join the VSDW, where I look forward to working with fellow members to promote awareness and contribute to the preservation of the amazing world of wildlife.
Min Su Van Dyck
TreasurerHellooo! I’m Min Su, and I’m currently in my 2nd master's. I’ve always been curious about veterinary medicine involving zoo animals, exotic species and large mammals, as well as wildlife conservation. Unfortunately, some of these subjects are only briefly covered in our study programme, while others are not covered at all. With all the interesting workshops, lectures and other activities that VSDW organizes, students are able to fill those gaps. The connection between humans and animals is incredibly important, especially in today’s challenging world. I’m particularly interested in how veterinary medicine can make a difference in developing countries. Through VSDW, I hope to contribute in my own way. This year, I’m joining VSDW as treasurer. I’m excited to not only be part of such a fun and passionate team, but also to connect with like-minded people who share the same passion for animals. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter, filled with new experiences, inspiring people, exciting opportunities and, of course, lots of wildlife!
Indra Depaepe
PR-InternHi everyone! I'm Indra, one of the new PR-interns at VSDW and currently a first-year master's student. My interest in wildlife began at a young age, when I joined the WWF Ranger Club. Many years later, I'm happy to continue that passion with VSDW and contribute to the protection of wildlife and biodiversity. I'm excited to get involved, learn along the way and hopefuly inspire others to care about wildlife too! 🌿🐘
Isah Lodewijks
PR-InternHi everyone! I’m Isah and I’m joining the team as one of the PR-interns this year. I am currently finishing my last few bachelor’s courses and also entering my first master’s year. Early in my studies, I discovered my lifelong passion for wildlife could actually be a viable career path as a vet as well, and I’ve been busy trying to get there ever since. Unfortunately neither Belgium nor the netherlands (where I’m from) are known for their abundant wildlife, making hands-on experience hard to obtain without going abroad. While most of my experience with wildlife consists of theoretical studies, lectures and symposiums, I did have the privilege to get clinical experience with exotic and wild animals such as serval cats, deer, sugar gliders, camels, tropical birds and reptiles. I’m also currently volunteering at VOC Neteland in native wildlife rehabilitation. I hope I can contribute to an exciting year of events with the VSDW and share both knowledge and experience with the other students. I look forward to seeing you at our events!
Milee Schildermans
PR-InternHello, I’m Milee, a first-year master’s student and a PR intern since this year. My passion for wildlife has always been there, and attending VSDW’s lectures has only made it grow stronger. In November, I will have my first hands-on wildlife experience in Namibia, which I’m really looking forward to! I joined VSDW to learn even more about wildlife, discover the different opportunities and career paths within this field, and explore where my own passion for wildlife might take me in the future. I’m also excited to learn more about the different interests, experiences and passions of people working with or interested in wildlife, and to share that passion with others.
Robbe Verhelst
PR-InternHi everyone! My name is Robbe, and I’m currently a second-year master’s student in Veterinary Medicine. This year, I joined VSDW as a PR intern. My main interests within veterinary medicine are wildlife medicine and conservation, which are also the main reasons why I wanted to become part of VSDW. I have always been fascinated by wildlife, and my visits to Africa over the past few years have only strengthened that passion. Last summer, I finally had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife medicine in Africa, which gave me a first insight into the challenges of working with wild animals and made me even more certain that I want to explore this field further. Besides veterinary medicine, I’m passionate about nature and wildlife photography. I enjoy spending time outdoors, discovering new places and observing animals in their natural environment. Through VSDW, I hope to learn more about wildlife medicine and conservation, meet people who share the same interests and learn from those with experience in the field. As a PR intern, I’m looking forward to helping share our activities and making more students enthusiastic about wildlife and conservation. I’m excited to see what this year will bring and to contribute to another great year of VSDW!
Maeve Eykholt
PR-ExternHi I’m Maeve Eykholt, this year i am PR-extern together with Nelle. I’m currently in my second master and am thrilled to be part of this amazing team. VSDW, for me, fills a gap that our schoolbooks can’t fully cover. We are able to learn from colleagues, vets and interested parties about topics that I’m passionate about like wildlife (both close to home and further away), one health, conservation and veterinary sciences in third world countries. I am excited to learn more about these topics, make new contacts in these fields and to eventually be able to share this knowledge with my fellow students. I look forward to seeing you at our events!
Nelle Weltens
PR-ExternHello everyone, my name is Nelle and I am a first-year Master's student. I have always had a strong interest in wildlife and the conservation of wild populations and ecosystems. Throughout my studies, this interest has continued to grow, for both native and exotic species. Since these topics are rarely covered in our curriculum, I started looking for ways to deepen my knowledge on my own. That is how I came across VSDW, which immediately caught my attention! Now that I am part of the team, I am really looking forward to connecting with new people, learning more about wildlife and veterinary medicine in developing countries, and inspiring and informing my fellow students about these topics! This will be my first year in the VSDW team, where I will be fulfilling the role of PR-extern together with Maeve. I am looking forward to seeing you all at our events!
Ophelia Santens
Social Media ManagerHi there! I'm Ophelia, currently in my second master's year and passionate about wildlife. Since I was young, I've always admired wildlife veterinarians, and discovering VSDW in my first year was a dream come true. Given the current challenges facing our planet, I'm eager to learn more, educate others about wildlife and conservation, and connect with people in this field to make a positive impact together. I also love to travel and hope to one day combine my work with exploring different parts of the world. This is my fourth year as VSDW’s social media manager, and I’m excited to continue this adventure with all of you!
Kersti Raes
Social Media ManagerHi everyone! My name is Kersti, and I am a first-year Master’s student in Veterinary Medicine. My interest in veterinary medicine first began in primary school, after a lesson about our dream jobs. What started as a little girl’s dream grew into a real future plan during secondary school. I was therefore incredibly happy when I passed the entrance exam. When my parents asked me what I would do if I didn’t pass, my answer was : “I have to pass, there is no plan B.” Since then, I never regretted my choice to become a vet. It is quite the opposite: the further I get in my studies, the more fascinating it becomes and the more my passion for veterinary medicine grows. Joining VSDW was therefore a great way for me to share this passion with others. I also have a strong interest in wildlife. I have already taken part in several projects, including an exchange programme in Thailand and the Rhinoconnect programme in South Africa. These experiences have only strengthened my interest in wildlife. This year, I am one of VSDW’s Social Media Managers. Through our social media channels, I hope to share the world of wildlife in a fun, creative and accessible way. I am really looking forward to working with the rest of the team to share our passion for wild animals and to take you along with us throughout the year to discover everything VSDW has to offer! See you soon, either online or at one of our activities!
Lyann Wessel
Senior AdvisorHi, I’m Lyann, a third year master vet student and at this moment senior advisor at VSDW. I started my studies with an immediate focus on wildlife, and now that passion has only grown. My interest lies in a wide variety of species, big and small, and especially in rehabilitation and reintegration of animals back into the wild. With VSDW I learn more and more daily about the importance and intricacies of the connection between human and animal on this earth, and how to fulfill my roll in this to the fullest. I’m very excited to see what else we can learn together!
Lisa Lardenoije
Senior AdvisorHi everyone! I’m Lisa, a third-year and final-year master’s student in veterinary medicine, specializing in horses. This year, I’m excited to take on the role of Senior Advisor at VSDW. My love for wildlife started on an unforgettable trip to Africa, and ever since, I’ve been fascinated by everything wild and wonderful in the animal kingdom. I joined VSDW to explore the world of wildlife veterinary medicine alongside a group of enthusiastic students—because let’s face it, wildlife medicine doesn’t get nearly enough attention in our curriculum! After three years on the VSDW board, it’s time for me to take a step back. As Senior Advisor, I’ll be supporting the team from behind the scenes, sharing my experience and helping wherever I can. I’m incredibly excited to see what this year’s team has in store and, of course, to see all the fun things we’ll organize and what we can achieve together this academic year! Here’s to another wild year with VSDW!
Eline Dolmans
Senior AdvisorHi everyone! My name is Eline, and I am currently in my final year of veterinary medicine. For as long as I can remember, I have had a special interest in wildlife. From a trip to the zoo to a breathtaking documentary, I have always wanted to experience everything from the front row. I gained my first hands-on experience with wildlife by volunteering at a rescue centre, where I assisted the veterinarians working there. This brought me into contact with a wide variety of species, ranging from native wildlife to exotics. Besides this, I spent a lot of my free time volunteering at a bird shelter. Participating in Sukulu’s Wildlife Capture Experience took my passion for wildlife to another level and shifted my perspective on the future drastically. I am now determined to turn my dream into my profession. During this third year of veterinary medicine, I chose to pursue the Wildlife Major, further deepening my knowledge and experience in the field. After two fulfilling years as treasurer of VSDW, I am happy to continue contributing to the organisation in the coming year as Senior Advisor. Although I am taking a step back from my previous role, I cannot quite let go of VSDW just yet! The organisation has given me the opportunity to connect with people who share the same interest, learn from experts in the field, and grow both personally and professionally. Attending our events will give you insight into wildlife conservation, One Health, and so much more! So, see you there?
Elza Harmina Janssen
Senior AdvisorHi there, my name is Elza and I'm a third-year master student. I'm also a marine biologist and I have previously worked with dolphins and whales in Scandinavia and Portugal. During these experiences I started realising that I wasn't quite cut out for the work of a scientist as I was missing the daily hands-on experience with animals. This is where the veterinary study comes into play, because I've always wanted to become a vet since I was little. However, I don't want to throw my previous education and knowledge away. By joining VSDW I hope to help spread the word about wildlife, ecosystems and conservation, meanwhile learning about the medical side of it all. I can’t wait to learn more about veterinary wildlife and development together with all of you!
