Team Smartfood welcomes Microbiology Analyst Dieke Klein Holkenborg
06 July 2026
In April, Dieke Klein Holkenborg joined Smartfood R&D as a Microbiology Analyst. Dieke graduated in “Biology and Medical Laboratory Science” from Avans University of Applied Sciences in Breda. During various work placements, Dieke discovered her passion for food microbiology. For example, at AB Biotek she worked on optimising beer brewing using enzymatic solutions, and at Royal Agrifirm Group she contributed to the development of a continuous fermentation method for the production of protein-rich fungal biomass.
Dieke naturally has a real ‘can-do’ attitude and a healthy dose of curiosity.
“I wasn’t quite sure what to expect beforehand, as this is my first ‘real’ job in this field, but I’m really enjoying it. I might have expected the laboratory work to be more routine, but it isn’t. It’s always something different; with every sample, you have to keep thinking on your feet – that’s what makes it interesting!”
Dieke is following the in-house training programme at Smartfood R&D to become a Food Microbiology Analyst. With her positive mindset and keen curiosity, she has already managed to get to grips with a large number of tasks. What makes working on food shelf life at Smartfood R&D so special?
“No two days are the same, and every sample brings new challenges. I find it fascinating to see why some preservation methods work well under certain conditions, whilst others are less effective. The diversity of the work and the fact that you’re constantly learning create a certain dynamic that keeps me challenged.”
Thanks to her eagerness to learn, her ability to listen actively and her critical eye, Dieke is already holding her own in in-depth discussions with her colleagues. In doing so, she is already making an active contribution to our mission: we provide answers to questions about shelf life. In the short time she has been with Smartfood R&D, Dieke has already made significant progress in her role as a Microbiology Analyst. We see Dieke as a valuable addition to the Smartfood R&D team and are therefore looking forward with confidence to a successful and long-term collaboration!
