Nand Peeters is a new researcher in the SIM² KU Leuven cluster. In the interview below you can get to know more about this Belgian researcher with a background in solvent extraction.
Why did you chose to come to the laboratory of prof. Koen Binnemans?
I applied for an internship in the lab of prof. Binnemans because of my interest in inorganic chemistry. After having followed various courses that prof. Koen Binnemans teaches, I decided to apply for an internship in his group. I am also interested in analytical analysis, and during this internship I will work with analytical techniques that are all very new to me. A big advantage for me is that I will get used to working with these techniques that I will need for my thesis research next year.
What was your favorite toy as a kid?
Lego of course! My mother thought that the best way to stimulate the brain of a young boy was to buy a lot of Lego stuff. She bought me all kinds of Lego like Lego Star Wars ships, Lego Medieval castles, Lego Harry Potter stuff and so on. I usually made the things according the plan and then immediately broke it back of to make larger things like a defending wall with watch towers, this with all sorts of Lego themes reckless divided through each other. I was convinced that if I would have built a huge fortress by myself, I could make it to the front cover of the Lego magazine! After my mother died I promised myself to never get rid of all the Lego stuff she bought me (which is quite a lot), but couple years ago I sold it all to a collector for a good price because it was just eating dust at my attic.
How do you recharge?
When I am not in the LIC-laboratory, most probably you can find me at the local bars in Leuven. Also, during the weekend, I am a bartender at the famous ‘Dubh-Linn’ Irish Pub in my hometown. My main interests apart from chemistry are: 20th century history, gastronomical food and drinks (that’s why I am a little bit chubby), jogging, shouting at my local football club “Sport Na Arbeid Keiberg (SNAK)”, go to the shooting club, listen to music, watch a lot of movies, etc. Finally, I really enjoy taking a walk with Babs, Ares, Pax, Stella and Chulli (a few of my friends dogs) and drinking with friends.
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Bio: Nand Peeters was born in Hasselt (Belgium), in 1994 and now lives in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem. He achieved his professional bachelor in chemistry at the University college UC Leuven-Limburg (2012-2015). Last year he successfully completed his bridging program towards the master of chemistry at KU Leuven, and subsequently enrolled in the first master year. His main interests in chemistry are analytical analysis, solvent extraction, inorganic chemistry, instrumental analysis, research, nuclear and radio chemistry, separation processes etc… Currently, Nand is doing an internship on the topic of separation of Pt, Pd and Rh by solvent extraction with ionic liquids. He is very eager to gain as much practical experience as possible, in order to gain the necessary skills to complete his thesis research at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK-CEN) in Mol (Belgium). After completing his master studies, Nand wants to continue researching inorganic materials.
