About Us

Some numbers...

Who will be going on the Study Tour Kodara 2026?

Committee members

Participants

Supervisors

Introducing the committee members...

Brechtje van Biesbergen (Chairwoman and External Affairs)

Hey, I’m Brechtje and currently I’m 22 years old. I’m in the 2nd year of my double masters degree Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. I couldn’t choose, so why not do both. I’m part of AEGEE and a sorority called Quenouille. I love to make and drink cocktails in my free time. When I feel like it, I really enjoy my racing bike or running trough the parks of Enschede. The only thing I’m still missing is a board year, so this is the perfect opportunity for that! I hope to see all of you join the tour!

Alysha Folst (Secretary and External Affairs)

Hey there! My name is Alysha Folst, and I am the Secretary, and one of the officers of External Affairs of Kodara. As the secretary I am responsible for our mail and the contact with the participants. As Externals, Brechtje and I will arrange case assignments for our participants at companies. I am in my fourth year of IDE, but I decided to take a gap year, which I’ve spent at Solar Boat Twente as a Structural Engineer. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading and watching TV shows and movies. I am very excited to organise this trip with my fellow committee members. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me or the other committee members!

Tjitse Vlaanderen Oldenzeel (Treasurer)

Hello! I am TJ. I am 23 years old and in the first year of my master’s Industrial Design Engineering. I like boxing, fashion, photography and Hip Hop. I also like running, reading, skating and drawing. I’ve had many different side jobs since I was 11, so that’s 12 years now, but for now, I’ll be busy with money, because I’ll be the treasurer.

Jitske Verwaal (Educational Affairs)

Hey, my name is Jitske. Last year, I was busy building a hydrogen race car at HyDriven. I am currently in the first year of the master’s IDE. I love adventures and travelling, therefore I am really excited about the Study Tour! I will be responsible for the educational part of the Study Tour, and I hope to learn a lot of new things about design and other cultures.

Kim Holtman (Public Relations and Travel Affairs)

Hey! My name is Kim, and I fulfil the roles of Public Relations and Foreign Affairs. As Public Relations, I will be responsible for the branding of Study Tour Kodara, such as social media and the final report. As Foreign Affairs, I will be responsible for planning the business visits and activities in India itself! When I have some free time, I love to be creative. This can go from painting, to sculpting, to writing, to graphic design. I also love mountainbiking and, mostly, hiking in nature, preferably long hikes through mountains. I am looking forward to planning this trip to India with my amazing fellow committee members! But most of all, I hope to see you there!

Introducing the participants...

Colin Harmsen

Hello, my name is Colin, I am 21 years old and after completing the Creative Technology bachelors I am currently in my pre-masters Industrial Design Engineering. Next to my study I am in an active yearclub from A.S.V. Taste and I live in a lively house at Residentie 7-2 on campus. I am also a member of Skeuvel where I skate for the competition team. Furthermore I work for Study Information Centre and NanoLab and my hobbies include photography and playing the guitar.

Djurre de Jong

Hi, my name is Djurre de Jong. I am from the Netherlands, 22 years old, and currently in my third and final year of the Bachelor Industrial Design Engineering. I also did a Pre-Master in Industrial Engineering & Management where I learned about Production & Logistics Management. My interest lies in CAD, manufacturing technologies, prototyping, and design-led project management. Next to studying I try to keep myself active in extracurricular activities like a board year, committees and sports.

Elisa Mićić

Hi, I am Elisa, a 21 years old Masters student. I like to design products that revolve around user experience, such as medical devices, educational games, apps/online platforms, but the exact direction I am still figuring out. For me it is most important to understand the user and brainstorm and experiment for a design that fits their needs while also being aesthetically pleasing. Within project groups my skills include planning, keeping the team on track, conceptualization and designing visuals. In my free time I like to make art and do sports, it relaxes me and gives me new inspiration for projects. Besides my study I’m an active member in my study association where I organize events and make graphic design for the magazine. I am excited to learn new skills by participating in Study Tour Kodara!

Jasper Knegt

Hi, my name is Jasper Knegt, 24 years old and I am a 6th year student at UT. I am originally from Haarlem where I have lived my entire life before I came to Enschede. In my free time I like to go to second hand stores for clothing and cameras. I also love to repair cameras, mainly analogue, and of course, use them too! I am also part of student association AEGEE where I am part of a yearclub, Exorbitant, and a dispuut, Kadmos. Within S.G. Daedalus I have done a lot of different committees and a board year as the Officer of Internal Affairs of the 22nd board. I also organised the Elevenbeertour as part of the 11BT committee last year.

Jelle Vuursteen

Hey! My name is Jelle Vuursteen, and I come from a small village in the beautiful province of Drenthe. In my free time, I like to be with friends or watch films. I also like to do DIY, although I haven’t gotten around to it lately. Right now, I am in my third year of Industrial Design Engineering, and I am looking forward going to India with this group!

Jelle Wielink

Hey there! I’m Jelle, a Master’s student Industrial Design Engineering. During my time at the UT, I have broadened my horizons with not just studying, as I have done two board years, worked on the side and did several committees. This has strengthened my abilities gained in my studies, but also my soft skills. Besides studying, I like reading books, watching TV and doing some sports, but I also like to relax by building scale models with Lego!

Jutta van Engelen

Hi, my name is Jutta van Engelen and I am originally from a town close by Amsterdam. In spring 2025, I have started with my masters in Industrial Design Engineering following the track Human-Technology Relations. My interests lay mainly with branding and brand management, Packaging and sustainability. Next to my studies, I like to stay busy by being active at the study association S.G. Daedalus, where I did a full-time board years as the Officer of External Affairs and have been in multiple committees. Some of my other hobbies are drawing and painting. I am looking forward to the trip and learning about the design histories and culture in India.

Luna Claassen

Hi, I’m Luna. I’m currently studying a Master in Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) and a Master in Education in the Sciences (EB). In my IDE-master I focus on materials, surface engineering, and management. For my EB master, I teach in Dutch high schools in the subjects Onderzoek & Ontwerp (design) and Physics. In my free time I enjoy sports like swimming, running, and cycling, as well as reading, baking, cooking, and riding my motorcycle. I’m really looking forward to discovering what India has to offer in terms of culture and design, and to travelling together with a group of designers to experience the country!

Luna Klaase

Hi, my name is Luna Klaase. I am a third-year Industrial Design Engineering student, currently following the ‘Learning to Teach’ minor to pursue my passion for sharing the Technasium mindset with students. I would describe myself as a creative, enthusiastic, and sometimes a little chaotic Dutch girl with a big passion for drawing, designing and crafting. I can be quite a challenge for myself because I always want to do everything perfectly and find it hard to rest until my work is finished. At the same time, I am proud of my persistence and determination to keep going no matter what. In my studies, I am proactive and open-minded, with a broad range of interests, always seeking new projects and opportunities to combine with my learning and personal growth. Outside of my studies, I love animals, especially my cats and gerbils, I enjoy playing football and I am very family oriented.

Marit de Vos

Hi! I am Marit, a master student in IDE and Humanitarian, who enjoys studying and all other opportunities which come with being a student. Previous years I have been broadening my horizon in multiple ways, by different projects, by travelling, by enjoying all sorts of activities and by doing a board year. Last year I finished my Bachelor of Industrial Design with a great assignment, which gave me the opportunity to visit Kenya and to get some insights on Humanitarian Engineering. I would love to broaden my horizon further and gain some experience in different companies, and I am curious to what this year will bring me.

Nadja Bobić

My name is Nadja Bobić, and I am a 22-year-old master’s student in Industrial Design Engineering at the University of Twente, following the Management of Product Development track. My previous background is in Creative Technology, which has given me a strong foundation in creative problem-solving and focusing on technology-driven designs. I am passionate about human-centred and sustainable design, especially in the process of turning creative ideas into structured, feasible, and impactful products. My strengths lie in product and project management, keeping teams motivated, organised, and goal-oriented. What excites me most about IDE is the combination of creativity and practicality. I find it extremely important to design with intention, empathy, and impact. Joining the study tour allows me to expand on these perspectives and see how sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand in real-world contexts.

Nick Holtman

Hi! My name is Nick Holtman and I’m 22 years old. I’m currently graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering. After that, I want to start two master’s programs: Industrial Design Engineering and the first-degree teacher training program for physics. Within design, I’m primarily interested in developing ideas, modeling, and regulation, as well as evaluating designs, for example, through user testing. I enjoy working with people, which is why I chose the teacher training program and Industrial Design Engineering. A fun fact about me is that I’m a huge fan of public transport, so I don’t mind delays very much.

Sanne Duwel

Hi everyone, my name is Sanne Duwel and I’m a first-year master’s student. My passion lies in designing with and for people, which is why I’m specializing in the track “Human Technology Relations.” My coursework focuses on creating products that truly address user needs. My interests include brainstorming for creative solutions, graphic design, ergonomic design and engaging directly with users. Beyond my studies, I am actively involved in multiple committees for both my student association, AEGEE-Enschede and the study association.

Alexandra Tark

My name is Alexandra Tark, and I am currently in the 3rd year of my Industrial Design Engineering Bachelor’s. During my time at the university, I have been a part of many student-led and run bodies, such as being part of the ET Faculty Council, the IDE program committee and many committees within S.G. Daedalus, as well as having done a board year there as Officer of Educational Affairs. Picking IDE as my study was driven by my passion for the arts and enjoyment of various craft hobbies.

Wes Wikkerink

Hey! My name is Wes, I’m 22 years old and finishing up the last year of the Industrial Design Engineering Bachelor. During the Bachelor I also did a pre-master Mechanical Engineering, including a full module in Aircraft Engineering. My strong suite within the field mostly lies within group coordination, idea integration and realisation, always striving for the best result. In my spare time, I make music and am busy with a large variety of creative projects, including graphic design and art. Lastly I am pretty active within S.G. Daedalus, having done a board year there and participating in multiple committees.

Introducing the supervisors...

Bjorn de Koeijer

Dr. ir. Bjorn de Koeijer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Design, Production and Management at the University of Twente. In his research, he focuses on the interplay between design, engineering, and multidisciplinary decision-making processes. His expertise centralizes around packaging design and engineering, strategic and operational packaging development, and sustainability- and circularity-related challenges. As lecturer, he is involved in the BSc and MSc programmes for Industrial Design Engineering. De Koeijer is co-founder of Dutch national sustainability transition platforms (Packalicious, CRiSP), and has disseminated work in packaging- and sustainability-oriented journals and conferences.

Jairo da Costa

Dr. Jairo da Costa Junior is an award-winning Brazillian product designer and Assistant Professor at the Chair of Interaction Design. He also serves as Adjunct Senior Lecturer and is a co-founder of the Bio-Based Materials Design Lab in the School of Design at the University of Western Australia. Jairo is also a juror at the iF DESIGN AWARD, one of the world’s most prestigious and important design awards. His research and teaching explore how systems thinking influences design theory and practice. He has worked in multidisciplinary environments, applying research in industry, teaching, and promoting multicultural dialogues across Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.

Peter Chemweno

Peter Chemweno is an Assistant Professor in Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Twente and programme director of the master’s in Humanitarian Engineering. Originally from Kenya, his background inspires his passion for using socio-technological solutions to address challenges in underserved communities. His research spans robotics safety, healthcare simulation, and smart manufacturing, with a focus on enabling the “Industry of the Future.” Peter has contributed to teaching in the Bachelor of Industrial Design Engineering and is a member of the examination board. Outside academia, he enjoys brisk jogging in nature, travelling, and CrossFit.

Wouter Kets

To be added…