Niek earned his bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences in 2022, followed by a master’s degree in 2024, both from Maastricht University. During his specialization, Niek discovered a passion for Regenerative Medicine. For his master’s thesis, he conducted research at MERLN and the Department of Toxicogenomics at Maastricht University, focusing on the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles to deliver DNA-LNA oligonucleotides to myogenic stem cells. His work aimed to block the replication of mutant mitochondrial DNA in stem cells from patients with mitochondrial myopathies.

This experience triggered Niek’s interest in utilizing nano-biomaterials and stem cells to combat genetic diseases. From September 2024 onwards, he started a PhD trajectory under the guidance of his former supervisor, Dr. Sabine van Rijt. His research continues to focus on the genetic correction of mutant myogenic stem cells to combat mitochondrial myopathies, while also exploring silica nanoparticles for biomolecule (pDNA, mRNA, peptide, protein) delivery with the goal of advancing genetic correction and enhancing stem cell therapies in context of other diseases like osteosarcoma.