Maaike de Voogd

Maaike's path to her current research focus was not linear. Initially exploring fields like Forensic Science and Medical Laboratory Research, she realized they were not the right fit. After completing her bachelor's degree, her search for the perfect discipline led her to look into a Master's in Biology. This field immediately resonated with her, and she was convinced this was the path she wanted to pursue.

During her Master's in Biology at Leiden University and her research internships at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Maaike developed expertise in various soil invertebrates, including woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, harvestmen, and pseudoscorpions. She began volunteering for Taxon Foundation and Taxon Expeditions, conducting biodiversity inventories in urban areas while simultaneously educating local residents and green space managers about these often overlooked creatures. This successful volunteer work ultimately led her to establish her own one-person company.

Currently, Maaike splits her time between her work as a part-time researcher of wild bees at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center and running her company, focusing on the soil invertebrates she now passionately studies. She will be on Saba in the second half of January 2026 to conduct an inventory of the local soil invertebrate species and is eager to share her knowledge with the community about these fascinating groups of animals.

Maaike will be on Saba from January 15-29, 2026. We will be updating our calendar with activity dates and times as we continue to coordinate our event. Stay tuned!