Open to roles · creative technology, game development, data & HCI

Hi, I'm Nikki. I combine
computer science with creativity.

Detail-oriented creative technologist in my mid-twenties. My interests include game development, creative technology, human-computer interaction, data analysis, data visualization, and bioinformatics research.

Nikki Rademaker

Me (Nikki)

Based in:Haarlem,
The Netherlands
Education:MSc Creative Intelligence & Technology
BSc Bioinformatics
Currently:Looking for work

Selected projects

A few things I've made.

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.

  • MSc Thesis
  • Scientific Research
  • Data Analysis
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • State Anxiety
  • Theory-of-Mind
  • 2025

Beyond the Mood Swings

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 · 2024

The Riddle Experiment

GPT-4 vs. humans solving Black Stories. Published at CLIN & CogSci (2025).

Exhibition · 2024

Formula 1mpossible

A racing game that sheds light on gender bias in research.

BSc Thesis · 2022

Studying Anatomy in VR

A VR learning environment for the anatomy of a zebrafish embryo.

Also worth a look

More projects

Shades of Morality
Platform Game · 2024
Moonshooters
Space Game · 2024
Gotta Catch 'em AIl
Pokémon generator · 2023
Poetic Taybot
Markov-chain poet · 2023
Treasure Hunt
Sound-driven game · 2024
Greg the Egg
Arduino Creature · 2024
Arithmekids
Educational Game · 2020

Research

Publications

Aug 2025
The Black Stories Experiment: Two Groups Are Trying to Solve a Riddle Game Behind a Screen, Only One Group Is Alive
Cognitive Science Society
Jul 2025
The Riddle Experiment: Two Groups Are Trying to Solve a Black Story Behind a Screen, Only One Group Is Alive
Computational Linguistics in the Netherlands Journal

About

A bit about me.

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.

Skills & tools

  • Game Development
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Visualization
  • Research Design
  • Python
  • Pygame
  • C#
  • Unity
  • VR · HTC Vive
  • SQL
  • Processing
  • PureData
  • Arduino
  • Procreate
  • Canva
  • Excel
  • LaTeX
  • Qualtrics
  • JASP
  • BLAST
  • Galaxy

Languages

  • Dutch (native)
  • English (fluent)