Advent calendar - December 10th - Frits van der Velde

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, support staff and technicians of our research groups and team - providing a glimpse into their typical day at work. In Episode 10 meet Frits van der Velde, Research Technician in the Physics of Nanodevices group of professors Bart van Wees, Tamalika Banerjee, Caspar van der Wal, and Marcos Guimaraes.

My name is Frits van der Velde, and I work as a research technician within the Physics of Nanodevices (FND) group. Ever since I was a child, I have had a deep passion for technology: building, repairing, and understanding how things work has always been a natural part of who I am. That curiosity eventually led me to my role here at the university.

My work is divided between two worlds: NanoLab Groningen and the FND research group.

At the NanoLab, I play my part in keeping the facility running smoothly and reliably. This includes maintaining and servicing a broad range of vacuum-based systems, ensuring that all equipment is in optimal condition for our diverse community of users. One moment I might be troubleshooting a vacuum issue, and the next I am performing precision maintenance on a delicate piece of equipment. No two days are the same, and that variety is exactly what makes the job so enjoyable.

Within the FND group, my focus shifts more toward technical design and engineering. I create mechanical designs, detailed technical drawings, and customized solutions that support ongoing experiments as well as future research setups. Translating a researcher’s concept into a functional design, and later seeing it operate in the lab, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I truly appreciate the freedom to use my creativity to develop practical and inventive solutions something that makes my work both challenging and fulfilling.

What I value most in both roles is the combination of hands-on technical work and the opportunity to support colleagues and students from all around the world. Helping others move their research forward whether by repairing a system, designing a new component, or simply sharing technical knowledge gives me a great sense of purpose and satisfaction.

My passion for technology doesn’t stop at work. At home, I spend much of my free time in my own metal workshop, where I enjoy machining, welding, and creating practical solutions from scratch. I am also in the process of renovating my house, which gives me plenty of opportunities to apply my technical skills in a completely different setting. Working with my hands whether in the lab or at home is something that truly defines me.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

See all Advent Calendar items 2025 here!