photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: sharmila vooren
esra bektas(she/her)
senior scientist specialist digital built environment at tno
about
i originally come from ankara, turkey. i have always been driven by curiosity, sought creative solutions for complex problems, and dared to operate outside of my boundaries. therefore, i moved to the netherlands in 2007 to pursue my ambition in research and obtained my phd degree at the faculty of architecture of tu delft. for more than 10 years, i have worked for tno as a research scientist and am fascinated with understanding end-of-life decision-making for civil infrastructures. i create models and assist rijkswaterstaat in prioritizing their aging structures in their replacement and renovation programs.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
don’t beat yourself up for plans that didn’t come true. as many turkish mothers say just like mine, there is good in every bad situation.
tno
tno believes in the strength of women, and that everyone should have the same opportunities to take part and to grow. in society, and also as an employee and colleague. by combining our unique strengths we can innovate and impact society. we love to showcase some of our talented tno women by collaborating with equals for international women’s day. by highlighting our women in tech and leadership, we hope to show girls and women that they are welcome in these roles. let’s continue to inspire and innovate!
would you like to work at tno? check out our vacancies!