Emilie Wientjes

Dr. Emilie Wientjes is an Associate Professor of Biophysics and Photosynthesis at Wageningen University's Laboratory of Biophysics. Her work focuses on understanding how plants and cyanobacteria adapt their photosynthetic machinery to varying light conditions. She holds a PhD in Molecular Photobiology (University of Groningen, Cum Laude) and an MSc in Molecular Sciences (Wageningen University, Cum Laude).

Research Interests: Her lab combines advanced techniques like confocal microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), and expansion microscopy to study thylakoid membrane organization, light acclimation mechanisms, and energy redistribution in photosystems. Current projects explore 3D thylakoid structure, high-light stress responses, and canopy-level light quality effects on photosynthesis.

Awards & Grants: Recipient of the NWO Vidi (2019), Veni (2015), and Marie Curie Fellowships (2014, 2012). Secured grants including NWO-M (2023) and WUR Starters (2024) to support PhD research. Supervises multiple doctoral students investigating topics like thylakoid resilience under heat stress and light quality impacts on carbon assimilation.

Academic Contributions: Advises on MSc theses and internships in biophotonics, spectroscopy, and photosynthesis. Her lab collaborates with institutions like ICFO (Barcelona) and the Centre for Crop System Analysis. Recent work highlights include resolving thylakoid ultrastructure via expansion microscopy and modeling leaf photosynthesis under far-red light conditions.