Meet the team!

I’ve always wanted to be a software engineer. I loved—and still love—solving puzzles with code. Those small but persistent annoyances, like wanting to read articles in a less eye-straining way (i.e. an ebook) or needing to edit a large batch of photos after a vacation, are exactly the kinds of things I enjoy coding out in my spare time.

At work, I learn from those who are more experienced and coach those more junior than me. I genuinely enjoy sharing knowledge and, at the same time, continuously learning more myself—not only about code, but about everything. I love reading technical and non-fiction books, especially about real-life stories and experiences and on different topics, from criminology & forensics, through archaeology to astrology and anything in between.

I work with the boy-scout principle in mind: always leave the code better than you found it. I aim to develop with the best practices and engineering principles in mind. This approach gives me peace of mind and the confidence that I’ve done the best I could. I enjoy building data and software solutions equally, with hands-on coding being my favourite part of the job. However, since we spend about a third of our lives working, I value my colleagues and work environment just as much as the work itself.

Big Data Republic is a place full of amazing, like-minded people who share a passion for building great solutions for clients. The wide variety of clients also allows us, as consultants, to encounter many different challenges in a short period of time and solve real-world problems. That combination is exactly why I believe BDR is a great place to be.

In my personal life, I am very much into conservation and animal protection as well as I volunteer at the local hedgehog sanctuary. I grow carnivorous plants, love birding, crafting, traveling and exploring new places and cultures.

In science mathematical modeling plays an ever increasingly important role. Especially if science is used to tackle real world problems, mathematical models have the power to gain necessary insights and achieve optimal goals. I have been involved in many such endeavors where in close cooperation with scientists and engineers successful results have been achieved. Nowadays with AI and data science moving forward, data driven modeling is even more relevant for many disciplines.

Coming from an extensive academic background, I am strongly motivated to apply my deep understanding of data driven modeling, dynamic systems and optimization in practical applications. Moreover, I am a strong believer in knowledge sharing and I love to educate people in AI and data science.

At BigData Republic I found an enthusiastic and smart team that shares the love for the field and has the passion to move forward. Together we continue to develop our knowledge in a pleasant, informal and stimulating atmosphere.

I’ve always been fascinated by the space where people, business, and technology meet. I actually started out in HR management, helping international organizations roll out enterprise systems. But along the way, I fell in love with the power of data, which led me to dive headfirst into the Data & Analytics world back in 2019.

Today, my sweet spot is helping companies strengthen their data foundations and guiding by turn raw data into production-ready AI. Whether I’m guiding clients through data strategy, designing cloud architectures, or leading talented teams of engineers and scientists through changes, my goal is always the same: build tech that solves real-world problems and actually delivers value.

I’m a big believer that great solutions come from great teamwork. I love coaching people, sharing knowledge, and fostering an environment where everyone can grow. That’s exactly why BigData Republic feels like home. It’s packed with smart, passionate people who tackle tough client challenges together every single day.

When I’m not diving into data architectures, I love spending time outdoors on our farm, where we keep horses and sheep right at home. You’ll also frequently find me going for long walks with my dogs as I really enjoy being out in nature and spending time in the forest.

My name is Daphne Hensbergen and I’m an office manager at BigData Republic. For me BigData Republic feels like a family and I’m proud to be a part of the team. What I like about my job is the interaction between me and my colleagues.

They’re working very hard to satisfy our customers, so I want to support them as much as I can. For example by arranging their equipment but also by listening to them when they need some feedback. Sometimes they visit an international conference. As I used to work in the tourism industry for many years, one of my favorite things is making their travel arrangements and organizing events.

What I do appreciate about BigData Republic is the warm atmosphere and openness. It’s a company that pays a lot of attention to every single employee. A good example are the handwritten postcards I’m sending on birthdays. Not only to our colleagues but also to their partners as they are a part of our success as well. To me it feels great to be able to work in an environment like this, and make the difference by giving everybody just that extra bit of attention.

In the realm of data engineering, I find my calling between the complex webs of real-time data processing, cloud computing, and distributed systems. As a Data Engineer at BigData Republic, I enjoy tackling complex data problems and using innovation to achieve excellent results.

My days are a mix of tackling complex data streams, architecting resilient systems, and optimising processes to extract valuable insights in real time. It's a challenge that keeps me on my toes, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the digital landscape.

What drew me to BigData Republic is the commitment to fostering a culture of learning and growth. Here, I have the opportunity to dedicate time and space to expanding my knowledge, both independently and collaboratively. Whether it's through structured training programs or informal knowledge-sharing sessions, there's always something new to learn and explore.

Real-time data processing holds a special allure for me due to its inherent challenges and its transformative impact on digital landscapes. It's not just about keeping up with the trends; it's about driving innovation and shaping the future of data engineering.

As I navigate the ever-evolving landscape of data engineering, I find solace in knowing that I'm part of a team that shares my vision, my passion, and my drive for excellence. Together, at BigData Republic, we're not just shaping the future; we're pioneering it, one data stream at a time.

The quality of your people and companyculture define the quality of the work delivered. This is my motto, and as a recruiter I try to live by it every day. 

I'm very happy to be able to work with a high quality team, filled with interesting people who are all very different from one another, but find common ground in their passion for data engineering and innovation. 

In seven years of recruitment experience, I have seen the difference in working for a paycheck and working to add value. The latter is a luxury, but essential for a positive work environment. This I want to achieve and enhance. Working in a team with this mindset, keeps a keen eye on delivering quality, steering clear from overengineering. It reminds us that people come first. To keep these values up, I like visiting conferences, keeping up to date with my peers and having ownership over all things recruitment. 

In the constantly evolving world of data, I am driven by maintaining the most seamless collaboration possible across disciplines and teams.

My main focus is Data Engineering: enabling the smooth flow of information across systems and enhancing decision-making processes. My work is fueled by curiosity and a knack for precision. It drives me to explore innovative techniques that simplify complexity and promote clarity.

Through my experiences, I've learned that true innovation occurs at the intersection of technology and human insight. This understanding motivates me to bridge gaps between technical and non-technical domains. I like to make sure that complex technological solutions are not only effective but also comprehensible.

At BigData Republic, I find myself among like-minded professionals with diverse backgrounds and a wide range of perspectives. The supportive environment and exposure to various projects and problems allows me to continuously learn and improve. Together, we strive to gain actionable insights, helping clients achieve their goals.

If you're eager to explore how data engineering can elevate your business strategies, feel free to reach out.

I’m a maker and a problem solver. I enjoy identifying and solving problems with a pragmatic approach. I love getting hands-on experimenting with the latest tech. But I also love to refine and optimize a solution into a polished end-to-end system. I find great satisfaction in building tools that unlock new opportunities.

The environment of highly-skilled and passionate data professionals at BigData Republic is what attracted me to this company. Together we drive to deliver high quality solutions. I love the technology that we work with and the pace at which it is ever-evolving. This allows us to learn something new every day, and share our findings with one another.

Outside of work, depending on the season, you’ll find me on my road bike or on a pair of ice skates. I also enjoy a good game of chess, and merging profession and hobby in a side-project. I’m fascinated by the world and love documenting my adventures through the lens of my camera.