Nanda van der Stap

Nanda van der Stap serves as a Lecturer in Technical Medicine at the University of Twente, specializing in the integration of robotics and imaging technologies for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Her academic appointment focuses on advancing endoscopic techniques through engineering solutions.

She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Twente, earning a PhD in Technical Medicine in 2016 with her dissertation "Image-based endoscope navigation and clinical applications" that established her research trajectory in medical robotics.

Van der Stap's research program centers on medical robotics and computer-assisted endoscopy, with particular emphasis on colonoscopy automation, robotic steering mechanisms, and real-time image processing for gastrointestinal procedures. Her work bridges engineering precision with clinical requirements, developing systems that enhance procedural accuracy while reducing patient discomfort. Current investigations explore virtual reality interfaces for surgical teleoperation, incorporating thermal feedback to create more intuitive human-robot interactions during complex endoscopic maneuvers.

Analysis of her publication history (2012-2022) reveals a consistent research trajectory toward autonomous endoscopic systems. Her most significant contributions include real-time tracking algorithms for flexible endoscopy platforms and feasibility studies on automated lumen centralization, demonstrating how robotics can standardize colonoscopy procedures. The 2022 work on thermal feedback in VR teleoperation represents an emerging focus on multi-sensory interfaces that could transform surgeon training and remote surgical assistance.

Her scholarly impact is quantified by 77 total citations and an h-index of 5, reflecting growing recognition in medical robotics despite the specialized nature of her work. These metrics indicate meaningful contributions to niche but clinically significant areas of surgical technology.

As a Lecturer, van der Stap contributes to academic instruction in Technical Medicine while maintaining active research collaborations. Her projects show consistent interdisciplinary engagement with clinical partners, suggesting grant support from both institutional and national funding bodies focused on healthcare innovation. The research output demonstrates sustained collaboration with engineering and medical teams across multiple institutions.

Her work operates within the University of Twente's TechMed Centre ecosystem, an interdisciplinary research environment that connects engineers, computer scientists, and medical professionals. This collaborative framework enables the development of integrated solutions where robotic platforms, imaging systems, and clinical protocols evolve in concert to address real-world surgical challenges.