Dr. Jolanda Verspagen

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Jolanda Verspagen is an aquatic ecologist currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Freshwater and Marine Ecology group at the University of Amsterdam's Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics. Her research primarily focuses on phytoplankton, which are crucial for global carbon fixation and serve as the foundation of aquatic food webs. She combines experimental data with mathematical models to investigate the interaction between rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations and the dynamics of freshwater phytoplankton communities. Her work addresses how changes in carbon chemistry affect phytoplankton bloom size and species composition, particularly in the context of competitive interactions among different phytoplankton species. Jolanda's academic background includes extensive experience in field monitoring and laboratory experiments, as well as a PhD focused on the population dynamics of the cyanobacterium Microcystis at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She has also contributed to understanding the impact of invasive species on algal blooms, collaborating with water management companies to explore biocontrol methods using quagga mussels. Through her research, Jolanda aims to elucidate the ecological roles of phytoplankton and improve freshwater ecosystem management strategies.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2015-01-01 — Present

University of Amsterdam • Amsterdam, Netherlands

Teaching and researching the dynamics of freshwater ecosystems, particularly focusing on the interactions and roles of phytoplankton.

Requirements for University of Amsterdam

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:92
GMAT
Total Score
Required:560
Overall
Required:560
Prerequisites
Academic Bachelor's degree in a relevant field Mathematics and Statistics proficiency Micro- and Macro-economics courses
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's Diploma and Transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Motivation Letter
  • English Language Proficiency Certificate
  • GMAT or GRE score report
Specialization Notes

Includes departments like Economics, Business Administration, Finance, and Marketing.