Jan Kooter
Our enthusiastic teacher, supportive master coordinator and colleague will retire in February.
Feel free to leave your fondest or funniest memory that you have Jan. Do not hesitate to share this guestbook with others who might like to share their stories about Jan as well.
Before the well-known VU lecturer, education coordinator and life scientist retires, we’ve decided to go back to his roots! If you would like to know more about Jan’s story and his impressive career, you can read about it in the VU: Sci article Unearthing the Roots of Life.
Guestbook for Jan Kooter 
Hello Jan,
I just wanted to thank you for giving me a wonderful introduction to studying at university (even during corona times)! You always were so enthousiastic and helpful during the genetics course!
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Dear Mr Kooter
Thank you so much for being such an inspiring and supportive lecturer, I couldn’t have had a better introduction to the world of university studying. When I expressed difficulties in my personal life you made sure to tell me to prioritize my mental health and that meant the world to me.
Thank you for being such a friendly and approachable figure right from the beginning.
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Hoi Jan,
Volgens mij ga jij helemaal niet met pensioen en het rustig aan doen…..je hebt nu 100% tijd om alleen nog maar leuke en interessante dingen te doen! Jouw enthousiasme, vrolijke lach, pret ogen en kennis maakte het een super tijd op de VU en genetica gang! Je wist altijd weer te motiveren en mijn doorzettingsvermogen te testen…..ook na gevoeld de 100.000ste DNA methylering sequentie te doen en het aantal petunias dat vermalen is maar te zwijgen…..
Bedankt voor alles maar vooral voor jou “down to earth” mentaliteit, door vragen, en het belangrijkste “volg je hart”.
Het ga je goed,
Adrienne
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Dear Jan,
When I think of how teachers create ladders for their students to reach their true potential and find their place, I think of a few select teachers from both Middle School and University that I just couldn’t help but feel like there was something special about them.
Instead of just teaching you what they must, they do so in the most enthousiastic and loving way possible. Treat you as a friend instead of a teacher, but without breaking the two-way street of respect and losing the sense of seriousness. They guide and even punish you when it is needed, but otherwise know exactly when to give freedom, responsibility and have some humour instead.
It is my opinion that this kind of teacher is the absolute master of their craft. And it goes without saying that you, Jan, are one of those teachers to me. Many people have mentioned the very first Genetics course they followed when they started here, and of course I felt it back then too. But as my Master Coordinator it also became so much more than that. To me you are not just a teacher or a coordinator, but a fatherly figure you can always rely on, and in a way, even a mentor to my entire scientific career, For you to be the “final step” in that ladder, I am most grateful.
As I now have a job in the same building you were seated, and I will most likely pass by your room many times from now, it cannot be understated how dearly you will be missed, but at the same time, how you will never be forgotten.
Thank you for everthing, Jan!
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Dear Jan,
Thank you for the early morning smiles, the good energy and for being always thoughtful and helpful.
I hope you enjoy your retirement and make good use of your time (for sure you will)
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Beste Jan
Hartelijk dank voor de vruchten van je groentetuin.
De rode bessen, bessengelei, spitskool, allemaal heerlijk.
Dat je er zelf nog maar heel lang van kan genieten………………
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Dear Jan
I can’t believe it is 18 years since we were working together, but I have more memories of that time than for much of the time that followed, so I think that means we were engaged in enthusiastically doing some proper science. I hear that you will be carrying on with some of your functions so you will be keeping in contact with your colleagues rather than having a sudden change. From what I know of you, finishing paid employment will not mean a slacking off in activity. I wish you a happy retirement.
Jon
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Dear Jan,
You were such an inspiring teacher! Always super enthusiastic about everything that involved cells! Thank you for all your great lectures and your guidance during the masters! Your door was always open for your students! And once we were talking, we always got distracted by other super interesting science subjects. Our appointments always took longer than I expected =)
I wish you all the best for the future!
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Ha Ja,
Wat een mooie tijd waren mijn post-doc jaren bij jou: PTGS was een grote puzzel en precies in die jaren begonnen allerlei stukjes begonnen op hun plaats te vallen. Je hebt me gestimuleerd buiten de plantenwereld te kijken (daarna heb ik ook de stap naar nemotoden en nu forensisch durven zetten). Ik ben zelden iemand tegen gekomen die zo goed op de hoogte was van alle literatuur! Onaflatend enthousiast. Het ga je goed! – liefs titia
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Jan, your enthusiasm and passion are admirable. Hopefully many more beautiful years will follow in health, and with happiness. Enjoy it!
Erik
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Hoe kan het ook anders dan dat ik hoor over je pensioen dan via een enthousiaste student die je hebt begeleid. Zo ook mijn ervaring met jou als begeleider: enthousiast, inlevend, stimulerend en niet te vergeten vol met kennis. De caput cursus epigenetica die ik in 2007/8 heb gevolgd is mij nog steeds bijgebleven. Dank voor je tijd, dank voor je enthousiasme en bijzonder veel plezier in de route die je nu neemt!
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Beste Jan,
in my nice memories of the many years at the VU you are present as somebody that was there almost since the very beginning. A nice colleague, somebody to talk to always!
Still many Christmas dinners to go!!!
Francesca
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Beste Jan,
We moeten terug naar 1995 toen ik op zoek ging naar een stageplek en bij Maike op jouw lab terecht kwam. Het was een superspannende periode waarin we post-translational gene silencing probeerden te snappen. Ik heb altijd enorm genoten van je enthousiasme en nieuwsgierigheid waarmee je naar de wetenschap keek en dat is iets wat ik tot op de dag vandaag zelf ook nastreef. Hartelijk dank voor de mooie tijd op de genetica afdeling en alle goeds voor wat er nog op je pad komt.
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Dear Jan,
Thank you for all the great lectures, advise and fun talks you gave me over the last few years. Enjoy your more than well deserved retirement with (based on your stories most likely) plenty of beautiful bike trips!
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Dear Jan,
Many thanks for being an amazing teacher and such a supportive master coordinator. The first time we met I was a little nervous for the interview but you tried to comfort me. I didn’t really work; I was presenting my HLO bachelor thesis about preimplantation embryo’s and you asked me about the methylation status of the Nanog promotor. I did not know the answer and was afraid you won’t accept me. However, you did and during the GGE lectures you asked it again. Now I did know the answer (and will never forget it). I guess you have a fascination for this. Did you know Nanog means eternal fountain of youth? It suits you!
Also, many thanks for answering all my questions all the time during the lectures, I had so many. More importantly, you helped me to truly understand biology by your lectures in the extreme biology course, something I am very grateful for. This changed my way of looking at the world. You are unique and irreplaceable; I think we as students were very lucky to have you as a lecturer and coordinator.
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Dear Jan,
Without you I probably wouldn’t have started the BMS master. I have to thank you as a professor and as the master coordinator who had faith in me and welcomed me at the master. I really appreciate your dedication and your interest into your students, it makes you an unique coordinator and professor. As soon as I entered your office, you knew what I came for (often because I already send an email) and you took time to talk about my question. You’ve always been so approachable, motivating and supportive. Thanks for that!
I am happy you will be around for some time. I also really have to thank you when I graduate.
Thank you for everything!
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Jan Kooter to me was a very inspiring teacher, and also a great person to talk to.
Wish you the best!
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I remember when I applied for the biomolecular sciences master after my bachelors I was really nervous. I wasn’t sure whether I would be accepted because my background was in life sciences (HBO). So I decided to email Jan and he encouraged me to apply. Later I had to present my research at the Vu. I don’t think I have ever been this nervous. After the presentation Jan told me not to worry; afterall it wasn’t an ‘job interview’. That evening he hadn’t called me (he told me he would) so I decided to call him. I remember that this interrupted his dinner, however kind as always he told me not to worry again and that I got in. Later I did the course genetics which he taught. I never liked the subject, but Jan made the lectures almost fun. He was really enthusiastic and understanding. Thank you Jan for all your encouraging words and wish you the best.
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Dear Jan,
You have been a really inspiring teacher in genetics, and a very helpful coordinator. I think everyone will agree when I say that you definately will be missed as mentor and guide for all of us.
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When I first contacted Jan about the wish to participate in the BIOMOL master’s programme, I got an enthusiastic response an hour later. He assured me that more people with a neuroscientific background were following this programme, so I decided to jump in!
The following year was not the easiest for me, because it was full of difficult decisions. Besides knowing Jan as an enthusiastic teacher, I got to know him as a fantastic coordinator who always took the time to help. Although he didn’t always respond as quickly as at our first contact, I knew I could always come to him!
Thank you, Jan! For your guidance, but also for the laughter.
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Genetics has never been my favorite subject, but I still never missed a lecture during my master program! His positivity and encouragement brightened my days during this course.
Even though my future will not be in science, Jan is a “once in a lifetime” teacher and I am glad that I had the opportunity to learn from him!
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Every lecture one thing was sure, your passion about epigenetics that you always shared with your students. Also as my capstone supervisor you took the time to discuss and explain mechanisms that were sometimes hard for me to fully grasp! Thank you for motivating me and sharing your passion with others!
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My first period in the biomolecular sciences masters was especially tough since I came from a sports sciences background. I remember having to ask a lot of questions during the GGE course that Jan gave.
At one point I felt like I was occupying too much of Jan’s time or even slowing down the course with all my questions so I apologised. I remember Jan answering something along the lines of: “These are great questions, don’t stop asking them. Others are benefiting from these too.”
That’s basically how I remember Jan both as a teacher and coordinator, always approachable, encouraging and exceptionally friendly.
Thank you Jan, enjoy your retirement!
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I remember on my very first day at the VU I attended to Genetics course and right after the lecture I approached Jan to ask him a question. After he answered me, he immediately said ‘Oh! You’re Alba, the Spanish student!’ I was surprised, I didn’t even say my name but he already knew me…with that I want to remark his enthusiasm and dedicated work with every student.
During my internship in Copenhagen he also helped and guided me when I encountered troubles.
I felt and still feel lucky when Jan accepted to be my guest speaker for the Graduation ceremony. His words were full of energy and motivation.
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Jan was the first lecturer I encountered at the VU, and he continued to be present during both my bachelor and master program (when genetics is your favourite subject, this happens quickly of course). Every lecture made me more enthusiastic about genetics and even more about epigenetics. One of my favourite subjects he taught me is the RNA world hypothesis. But besides this, I really appreciate Jan as a coordinator, both during my bachelor and master. I liked that our contact is so personal and that he is easily approachable. I am happy that Jan will continue to be around the VU so we don’t have to miss him immediately!
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