photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: chelitha zugten from art of colors
tamara hoveling
phd candidate at tu delft
about
did you know healthcare is one of the most polluting industries worldwide? much of this comes from disposable medical devices, often thrown away due to outdated design, strict regulations, or “just in case.” i’m tamara hoveling, an industrial designer and phd researcher in sustainable design engineering at tu delft who believes we can do better. my work explores how medical devices can be designed for a circular economy to improve environmental sustainability. besides this, i’m also passionate about inclusivity in healthcare and co-developed lilium with ariadna izcara gual, a patient-friendly alternative to the vaginal speculum.
i want young women to know that…
i want young women to know that they belong in engineering and science. your ideas, perspectives, and creativity are needed to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future. seeing others who look like you succeed can make all the difference, and you can be that role model for the next generation too. don’t let stereotypes or statistics define what you can achieve; your curiosity and talent can take you anywhere.
delft university of technology
tu delft underlines that women in technology are essential—not only for equality, but for progress. with more women in engineering studies, we unlock a wider range of ideas, perspectives, and solutions. this diversity is not a luxury; it is a necessity to tackle the complex technological and societal challenges ahead. innovation grows stronger when everyone’s talent is included. by stepping into technology, women help shape a future that is smarter, fairer, and designed for all.
dewis – delft women in science
tu delft | women in science (dewis) is an independent employee resource group that represents and supports women+ in academia at delft university of technology. since 2006, we have been working to promote gender equality among scientific staff and drive structural change within the university. we are dedicated to enhancing the recruitment, retention and advancement of female academics and educators, while cultivating a culture of openness, transparency and equal opportunity. through providing independent advice, advocacy and community building, dewis helps create a more inclusive academic environment in which all scientists feel respected and valued, and equitable representation is recognised as vital for excellence, innovation and societal impact.