Sander Gussekloo

Dr. Sander Gussekloo is an Assistant Professor at the Experimental Zoology department of Wageningen University & Research. His academic journey includes a PhD in Evolutionary Morphology from Leiden University (focusing on cranial adaptations in early avian diversification) and prior roles as an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University’s Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology department. He also held a part-time teaching position at the University of Amsterdam. His research spans avian evolution, biomechanics of animal locomotion, and bioinspired design (e.g., mimicking parasitic wasp ovipositors for medical needles and seahorse swimming for robotics).

Education & Roles: He teaches courses in Zoology, Veterinary Science, and Biology, including Functional Zoology and Vertebrate Structure and Function. He has led educational policy committees and received prestigious teaching awards (2014, 2016).

Research Projects: Collaborates with TU Delft on bioinspired medical tools and investigates claw disorders in dairy cows, protein-energy ratios in Nile Tilapia, and flatfish trawling impacts. His work on steerable needles inspired by wasps was highlighted in multiple Dutch media outlets.

Affiliations: Active in policy-making at Wageningen, including revising academic calendars and teaching methodologies. Serves on the Examining Board for Life Sciences and supervises MSc/PhD theses in Experimental Zoology.