Meet our new colleague Jens van den Berg

1. Can you share a bit about your background and previous experiences?
I was born and raised in Canada, where I lived for 20 years before moving to the Netherlands for my engineering studies. I began with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Twente, followed by a Master’s from Delft University of Technology. In addition to my engineering major, I completed minors in philosophy and large-scale data analytics, which helped me develop a more unique approach to various projects.

Throughout my studies, I had the opportunity to collaborate with several renowned organizations. I worked with Schiphol Airport and DeNoize on exploring the causes of stress in airports and developing innovative ideas on how sound can play a role in the passenger journey. Additionally, I worked with Ethereal Matter in San Francisco, where I worked on new business cases focused on the use of virtual reality in physiotherapy and fitness. Most recently, I worked with Airbus and the LDE Centre for Sustainability on analysing and visualising economic data to support sustainable aircraft infrastructure.

2. What inspired you to join our team/NAG?
My decision to join NAG was influenced by a combination of factors. Aviation has been a significant part of my family’s history, which naturally sparked my interest in the field. My grandfather was a machinist with The Netherlands Naval Aviation Service, frequently flying with Mariners and Catalinas. He later became a licensed pilot, and took up gliding in his spare time. My father has a double Master’s in aerospace and has had an extensive career with Fokker and Bombardier, and now runs his own consultancies. Even my younger brother is following in the same path, he is currently studying aeronautical engineering at InHolland. Having a family so deeply embedded in the aerospace industry led to my interest in aircraft and the aviation industry as a whole. This is also the reason why I eventually chose to do my thesis in that direction.

Through my thesis work I acquired a strong foundation of knowledge in sustainable aviation, and I was eager to use it to try and make a tangible impact on the industry. I think NAG is the best place for me to contribute meaningfully in this space, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.

3. What excites you most about the role of Project Manager Strenghtening Eco System?
What intrigues me most about this role is the unique opportunity it offers to both grow within the aviation industry, and in project management, while simultaneously continue learning from the wide range of experiences that job offers. This position represents my first major step into what I consider a true career, and being able to take that step at NAG is incredibly rewarding. I’m eager to learn what it is like to network and collaborate with large corporations and governments, and more importantly, connect innovative startups within the ecosystem. The chance to help foster innovation and drive meaningful change is what motivates and excites me the most.

4. What do you hope to achieve or contribute?

As I mentioned before, I really hope to help connect SMEs within the industry and facilitate meaningful working relationships that can drive innovation. In that way, I may not be directly involved in creating these innovations myself, but what I can do is aim to support and empower these companies to focus on what they do best. I think the most important achievement for me would be fostering a sense of positive and productive collaboration among NAG and LiT member companies. I really want to make them feel like their membership is worth it, and I really look forward to seeing their innovations grow and take shape over time.

5. What’s one fun or interesting fact about yourself that you’d like us to know about?
I like making things. My study afforded me the opportunity to learn skills in both graphic design and also CAD design, which has come in quite handy as a general skill. I often use it in my spare time for hobby projects. My brother and I have a small workshop at our parents house where we have some 3D printers and a laser cutter so that we can make anything from serious repairs like parts for cars, or just general things for fun. So far we have experimented with several plastics, metals, and even can even make leatherwork.