"We can learn a lot from animals - their DNA, behavior, and evolution. The meerkat, featured in the Wild DNA logo, belongs to the mongoose family. A remarkable group of animals that have a cooperative strategy that's all about working together, with a surprising level of selflessness. Meerkats basically show us that strong structures, in combination with functional teamwork, make the dream work!"

Being both a zoologist, as well as an actress, I specialize in delivering engaging, impactful, and meaningful experiences that make science accessible and exciting for all audiences.

Through Wild DNA I offer:
 

• Unique guest lectures in life sciences, tailored to all ages 
• Tips about creative storytelling strategies to make complex information compelling
• Customized trainings and workshops for both academic & non-academic audiences
• Professional assistance with wildlife & nature related text and with content creation
• Coaching related to professional development and career matters
  

Whether you are looking for support to entertain, inspire, educate, or simply brainstorm: I am happy to help you out. Let’s collaborate - just like the meerkats!

Email info@wilddna.nl for more information & follow @wilddoctormanon on Instagram. The general terms and conditions can be found here (in Dutch only).

Coaching: Career Advice

"What especially stayed with me from the conversation I had with Dr. Manon de Visser, was how open and honest the discussion felt. The advice was truly tailored to me, while also leaving room to discuss my situation, doubts, and insecurities. I noticed that it helped me see my own position and value more clearly and to discover new perspectives on how I can refine my CV in a way that genuinely suits me. What I appreciated about her mentoring style was that she listened carefully, asked thoughtful follow-up questions, and summarized things clearly. The conversation did not feel forced, which made it feel pleasant and natural. I felt very comfortable throughout the entire discussion. After our talk, I felt more confident and better equipped to take the next steps in expanding my network and searching for a suitable job! For anyone who is uncertain about their next step or opportunities within the life sciences, I would definitely recommend these kinds of mentoring conversations, because they help provide clarity and organize your thoughts."

- Maureen Meijer, one of my mentees

Keynote speaker 'Art & Science'

"Manon gave a lecture for STUDIO 071 and Het Ontwikkelingatelier in the Hooglandse Kerk in Leiden during the art and science event TRINITY, part of Leiden European City of Science. The talk was about DNA mutations, about the fact that all life actually exists thanks to 'errors' of nature. About a thousand people attended the event. Manon's lecture was great! I also heard from guests that they thought it was an interesting and clear story. The collaboration with Manon went very smoothly and it was nice to see that Manon managed to tailor to the target group. She transformed her scientific knowledge about the animal kingdom and genetics in such a way that it was easy to follow for all visitors. She had also prepared slides that fit well within the theme of that evening. Those slides did not consist of text or bullet points, but of artistic and narrative - sometimes moving - images that were shown in the background. They gave her lecture extra impact. All in all, I can 100% recommend Manon as a (guest) speaker or creative storyteller!"

- Tim Juffermans, Studio071

Children's lecture 'Superdieren'

"As part of the Junior Summer School, Manon introduced children and their parents to biology. The event kicked off with her children's lecture on animals and DNA and the 'superpowers' of animals. The children's lecture was a perfect fit for the target group (children, from ages 8-12) and because of Manon's enthusiasm, the children really enjoyed it! The parents also indicated that they enjoyed the lecture. It was nice to discuss and work with Manon and I would certainly recommend Manon as an expert and as a guest speaker at events for both young and old."

- Alyssa Rijnschot, ICLON

Chapter children's book 'Otje & ik'

"As a publisher we collaborated with Manon, who, as a biologist and zoological expert, provided a concluding chapter for the children's book 'Otje & ik'. Otje & ik, further written by Dirkje Brouwer, is a story about keeping an axolotl as a pet. All in all, Manon's scientific end piece became an interesting and inspiring part of the book, in which the fables and the facts of the partly fictional salamander story were pulled apart for our young readers in a fund way. Very educational! I therefore recommend Manon as a copywriter or as a developer of educational texts. Furthermore, working with Manon was generally pleasant. She also helped us with the overall final editing and with actively promoting the book. Thanks to her cooperation, the book even ended up in the museum shop of the Naturalis!”

- Luciën de Jong, Uitgeverij Taal & Teken

Coaching: Career Advice

"What I appreciated most about my meeting with Manon was the feeling of speaking with someone who truly comes from the field, someone who has personally experienced the sector and genuinely understands how to navigate it. This helped me enormously because, thanks to her broad understanding of the job market in the Netherlands, Manon was able to give me practical, concrete, and actionable advice. Manon has a very clear understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and blind spots within the job market, and she knows how to guide the person in front of her with insightful and genuinely useful ideas. This is really rare, as many job coaches are informed about the (usually old) job market in general but do not fully understand how complex and challenging the nature/biology field can be. Talking with Manon was truly stimulating and enjoyable, and I felt completely comfortable asking all the questions I had without ever feeling judged. Her answers were precise, informative, and practical, another quality that is rare to find in the world of job coaching. I also greatly appreciated how clear, realistic, and honest Manon is in her guidance. Highly recommended, I only wish I had met her sooner and I would give her 5 out of 5 stars. Finally I met someone who knows the field."

- Mariachiara Fagan, one of my mentees