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Yara Maljers is a cultural anthropologist with a specialization in rural development, visual ethnography, and the intricate relationship between humans and nature.
In 2016, she graduated with an MA in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology from Leiden University, where she honed her expertise in urbanization, rural development, migration, and sustainable development. Her ethnographic research spans diverse locations, including the Wadden Islands, the Philippines, Ghana, and Morocco. For example, she conducted studies on the perspectives of residents on Schiermonnikoog towards project developments, the connection between surfers and their natural environment in Rabat, and access to clean drinking water in the Northern-Luzon.
Yara is recognized as an expert in qualitative research methods, with a strong focus on ethnographic research and fieldwork. She has a passion for research and teaching, reflected in her background at Leiden University in Morocco, where she was involved in the social sciences as coordinator and lecturer of qualitative research methods.
In 2024, Yara joined the HZ research group Building with Nature as a researcher-lecturer. Here, she brings her anthropological perspective to various research projects, including SOURCE and Delta Wealth. Her primary focus lies in examining the societal impacts of technological and ecological measures in coastal zones. For example, she explores how traditional ecological knowledge and the unique perspectives of coastal communities can inform the development of sand nourishment strategies. Here, Yara’s work involves in-depth qualitative research within a coastal community in Zeeland, aiming to co-produce knowledge that is crucial for effective sand nourishment. +
Yvonne Vonk-Spekman has been an Account Manager for Technology, Water, and Environment at HZ Nexus since April 2024.
Yvonne was born and raised in Nijmegen. After completing secondary school (HAVO) in Ubbergen, she studied at the HZ University of Applied Sciences, where she earned both a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a degree as a Maritime Officer. She recently completed her Master’s in Marine Shipping Innovations with an average grade of 8.2.
After her bachelor's, she worked for four years as a marine engineer on merchant ships, traveling around the world. She then became a technical instructor in the Maritime Officer program. She enjoys bringing ideas and plans to fruition. In the coming period, she will focus on increasing the brand awareness of HZ Nexus. +
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In September 2023, Zulema Belloso joined the Water Technology Research Group. Prior to her role in the research group, Zulema played an important role at HZ University of Applied Sciences, where she developed and taught courses within the Industrial Engineering and Management program for seven years.
Her educational journey includes completing an MBA complemented by a one-year exchange program in Industrial Engineering and Management at the University of Twente. Her background also includes 18 years of diverse professional experience in multinational companies, spanning manufacturing, quality management, customer services, and human resources.
Zulema Belloso has been a leader in numerous local and international projects, with a strong focus on change management and high-impact organizational transformations. Currently, she expertly balances her role as Project Manager in the Water Technology Research Group with pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences, further deepening her understanding of environmental issues. In addition, she volunteers her time in various nature-related projects in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, demonstrating her commitment to the preservation of our natural resources for further generations. +