Detail-oriented creative technologist in my mid-twenties. My interests include creative technology, human-computer interaction, interactive design, data analysis, data visualization, and online communities. I am fascinated by the way technology, storytelling, and creativity can bring people together.
Me (Nikki)
Selected projects
Below are a few projects I worked on during my time at Leiden University. The projects range from interactive applications and games to research-focused experiments.
A study exploring how different phases of the menstrual cycle may influence anxiety levels and social cognition. The project tracks daily anxiety and Theory-of-Mind across the menstrual cycle for two full cycles.
Read about my graduation project
GPT-4 vs. humans solving Black Stories. Published at CLIN & CogSci (2025).
A racing game that sheds light on gender bias in research.
A VR learning environment for the anatomy of a zebrafish embryo.
Also worth a look
My creative side
From a young age, I've always been a creative person. I loved doing DIY projects, drawing, and painting. Around the age of 14, I discovered digital art. It quickly became one of my favorite creative outlets. Music has always been a huge part of my life. I have always looked forward to new song and album releases, concerts, and everything that comes with being a fan. Because of this, many of my drawings are inspired by my favorite artists. I also enjoy creating artwork based on movies and other media that I love.
To share my digital art, I created an Instagram account called @digitaliseddrawings. Although I haven't been active on it recently, it still reflects my passion for drawing and the artists who inspire me. Through this account, I also met many people from around the world who share my love for music, concerts, and art. We still enjoy talking about new releases, concerts, and our favorite artists. Below are a few examples of my digital artworks.
Besides drawing, I also enjoy designing in Canva. I've used it to create personalized gifts for friends and family. I've also used it for more professional purposes. For my thesis project, for example, I designed a flyer to recruit study participants. I wanted the flyer to be visually appealing and catch people's attention. At the same time, it needed to clearly communicate the purpose of the study. I handed out the flyers in public spaces and left them at several locations to attract participants. The flyer I created for my thesis project is shown below.
Research
About
Hey! I am Nikki, a tech enthusiast and creative technologist in my twenties. I was born and raised in Haarlem, the Netherlands. I obtained my BSc in Bioinformatics (cum laude) in 2023 and completed my MSc in Creative Intelligence & Technology (cum laude) in 2025, both at Leiden University.
My academic background combines scientific research with creative and visual approaches. I am drawn to human-computer interaction (HCI) and making complex information more accessible and engaging. As a result, most of my projects focus on interactive tools and games, using techniques such as data visualization, data analysis, and game development.
Additionally, I am passionate about addressing and discussing data gaps in female health research. My thesis focuses on the under-researched nature of the menstrual cycle and its potential impact on women's general anxiety levels and social understanding skills. More information on this project can be found on the project page.
When I am not working on projects, I spend my time exploring my many hobbies. I love activities that spark my creativity and curiosity, such as reading, drawing, journaling, writing, and playing the ukulele. I also enjoy staying active by going roller skating or paddle boarding. On quieter days, I like to unwind by playing video games, listening to music, and relaxing with my two cats.
Most of my hobbies are not just fun ways to spend my time, they also help me stay creative and come up with new ideas. They have taught me how to think in different ways, which really comes in handy when I am designing projects or solving more complex problems.
