FOSSIL

Welcome to the Alumni Committee Page: FOSSIL!

You might be wondering, “Why is it called FOSSIL? What does it stand for?” Well, beware: there’s more than one meaning!

FOSSIL stands for FOrmer Students Sharing Interests & Learnings. But there's a twist: according to the Cambridge Dictionary, a fossil is defined as "the shape of a bone, shell, or plant or animal that has been preserved in rock for a very long time." Luckily, Cambridge doesn’t lie, but what does that have to do with this committee?

Well, the other definition of a fossil is one used for old students having been part of their study association for many years, and that's how this all ties together. When this applies to a student, is a bit o a grey area. We think that from the fourth year onwards, you could be classified as a fossil. However, if you would like to help the committee out by organising activities that bring the alumni and students together, feel free to join the committee. This also applies if you're younger than a fourth year of course, fossils don't bite.

As the alumni committee, we’re a group of fossils working together to support younger students in exploring their career options. At the same time, there is the opportunity for alumni and senior students to reconnect, often over a beer (or two) (or more). The alumni committee has been set up since February 2025 and is now brainstorming and gathering ideas for activities that appeal to both the yound and old. We are mostly here to help younger students with career choices by talking to alumni who are already in the working field of Biology (or other fields), because as we all know: it is totally okay - and common - if you don't know what you want to do after your studies. Most of us have had this, so don't worry! 

If this has caught your attention and you would like to have more information, join activities, or even join the committee, feel free to contact us as beevee_fossil@science.ru.nl. 

In the meantime, we will sit still and become petroleum or coal, you can pick your favorite fossil fuel. Don't be confused, though! These fueled fossils are not bad for the environment.

Chair
Romy Geuvers

Members
Pedro Alonso González
Hazal Doğan
Merijn Schutgens (alumnus) 
Vincent Roes
Machiel Weistra