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Golden Flame 2018

Winner of the Golden Flame Award 2018

Margreet Heithuis

The selection committee of the Golden Flame assessed Margreet Heithuis' graduation report, written as part of the Laboratory Technology program specializing in Biotechnical Analysis at ROC Noorderpoort in Groningen, with an internship at HLB, Research and Consultancy in Agriculture, for the Golden Flame 2018. She graduated in July 2018.

According to her internship supervisor, Margreet made an enormous contribution to the development of a molecular test for the detection of white rot in soil during the six months she spent on her internship. She researched which techniques would be best suited for this analysis and, with the help of her own contacts, created the opportunity to test various equipment. Her understanding of the PCR reaction enabled her to optimize many steps, and the company is now a big step closer to realizing this new assay, which will allow farmers to receive faster and more accurate advice in the future.

Her report stood out for its clarity and organization and, in the opinion of the committee, really stood out. Her presentation was a joy to listen to. She guided the committee through a dazzling presentation like an accomplished teacher. That was also the comment: “Have you considered going into teaching?”

Her enthusiasm was palpable. She said she couldn't wait for the results of the research and was disappointed that the internship had ended. She even stopped by after the internship to hear about the latest findings. She now has a job and is looking ahead to the future.

In the opinion of the committee, Margreet Heithuis is a true ambassador for the first Golden Flame Award.

The other two awards were given to:

Melvin Blits - ROC van Amsterdam
HPLC content determination for hydrocortisone capsules 12 mg

Kevin Vos - ROC Noorderpoort
Validation of 3 components in rabbit plasma