Sanne van Gastelen

Tell us about yourself (Who are you? Where are you from? What is your educational background?)

My name is Sanne van Gastelen. I am a Dutch PhD-candidate working at the animal nutrition group of Wageningen University. I have a bachelor degree in biology and a master degree in behavioural neuroscience, both obtained at Utrecht University.

What is your area of expertise?

During my master, I was working on animal behaviour and welfare. Currently, my main focus is ruminant nutrition, methane emission, and milk composition (macro- and micronutrients).

Where does your focus lie within your current project(s)? (related to methane)

I am part of the project “Methane reduction in dairy cows”, funded by Top Institute of Food and Nutrition (Netherlands) and I focus on the development of prediction models for methane emission based on milk composition (in particular fatty acids, volatiles and non-volatiles) and mid-infrared spectroscopy. In addition, I focus on the effect of nutrition on methane emission.

What would be the added value for you of joining an international researchers network? (such as the METHAGENE network)

Broadening my network, working with knowledgeable people from different disciplines, exchanging ideas, and learn more about recent developments in the field.

What and/or who inspired you to make a career in science?

Mainly my own curiosity and the major thesis of my masters. During my major thesis I had the opportunity to design and perform an experiment regarding the effect of different bedding materials on cow behaviour and health. After data analyses and writing my thesis, my supervisor encouraged me to write a paper about it. And so the idea to continue in science was born.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy the cooperation with people from different fields (e.g. breeding, microbiota), and dealing with the whole package: designing an experiment, collecting and analysing data, interpreting and communicating the results. Finally, but definitely not least, I really like working with cows.

What is your most stand-out or surprising moment in science so far?

The different places where research has taken me so far and the people I have met.