Now working in the Student Grievance and Discipline team, Evianne has established herself as a substantial contributor to the University community, serving as the Professional Staff representative on the University Council, assisting with the University’s newly released draft Access and Inclusion Plan 2020 – 2023, contributing to the Accessible Environments Advisory Group and being an active member of the Ally Network.

(1) In a nutshell, my job is to…
Handle formal complaints submitted to Governance Services, and try to resolve them.

(2) The question I hear most often in my work is…
“Can I get a response ASAP? My case is urgent!”

(3) The thing I find most rewarding in my role is…
Having the opportunity to meet and work with truly wonderful and kind people across the University. I had amazing colleagues in my old team and I feel very welcomed in the Governance Services team.

(4) The bravest thing I’ve done is…
Participate in a live-broadcast reality TV show in the Netherlands. The winner became an ambassador for people with a disability in the Netherlands. I went through many (televised) rounds, including ‘walking’ on the catwalk in different outfits (ball gown and bikini!) and I had multiple interviews with politicians, fashion models and journalists as part of TV and radio programs and print media. I was ultimately second-runner up – so I decided to do a PhD instead!

(5) A place that’s special to me is…
I’m originally from the Netherlands but I moved to Curaçao – a small island in the Caribbean  – with my family when I was young. People might know Curaçao from the blue-coloured liquor, or the island next door – Aruba (from the Kokomo song). I just have beautiful memories of the island and life there. I would love to go back and visit, but it’s just so far from here and not easy to get to. Anyone in Physics working on a warp drive?

 (6) My guilty pleasure is…
Watching Bondi Rescue while I’m cooking. I’ve seen some episodes three times! *feeling embarrassed*

(7) I’m scared of…
Snakes and sharks! Anyone have any suggestions how to handle a face-to-face situation?

(8) My hidden talent is…
Swimming! I really enjoy swim training at the Macquarie pool. People have low expectations when they see me arriving in a wheelchair –  no one expects the girl in the wheelchair to be any good at swimming or to have competitive swim times. Haha!

(9) Something I’ve never done but wanted to try is…
There’s a few things: learn Italian, write a novel, and obtain an PADI open water certificate. And then there are also a couple of things that are probably off-limits for me because of my Brittle Bone Disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta), because the fracture risk is too high: surf on the ocean, ice skate, sailing, dive in water from great heights and run.

(10) A moment I’ll always remember is…
It perhaps sounds very cliché but, but it’s totally true: My wedding day was just the happiest day in my life. It’s a day I will never forget. We felt so fortunate to have all our family and friends all together in a gorgeous old Cambridge college. The UK weather even brought out the sun for us (rain was predicted…)!