Rik Oudega

Rik Oudega

MSc Geo-Information Science Student @ WUR
  • +31 6 11721102
  • me@rikben.nl
  • www.rikben.nl

About Me

Geo-information and data specialist with a multidisciplinary background in water, environment, agriculture, and technology. I focus on translating complex spatial and environmental datasets into practical tools for decision-making. My work combines GIS, remote sensing, data analysis, visualisation, web development, and user-oriented interface design.

Work Experience

Jul 2025 - Present
Wageningen Environmental Research

Software Developer

  • Support research on sustainable water and land management within the international WATDEV project.
  • Develop tools for visualising and interacting with hydrological model outputs.
  • Design user interfaces and data workflows that make model results more accessible for decision-making.
  • Combine geo-information science, interface design, and model integration to support scientific and stakeholder use.
Sep 2015 - Present
Rikben

Owner

  • Run a small business in printing, web design, and digital systems.
  • Developed custom software for customer management, appointment scheduling, invoicing, and workflow automation.
  • Built practical digital tools for small organisations, combining business needs with technical implementation.
Feb 2025 - May 2025
NIBIO Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research

Research Intern

  • Worked on peatland restoration monitoring using Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar data.
  • Performed data preprocessing, time-series analysis, and remote sensing indicator evaluation.
  • Used Python and GIS tools to analyse ecosystem recovery patterns.
  • Built on BSc thesis work at Wageningen University & Research on SAR-based peatland monitoring.
Feb 2021 - Jul 2021
VTEC Lasers & Sensors Ltd.

Junior Engineer Intern

  • Supported development and testing in laser and sensor research and development.
  • Worked in a technical engineering environment focused on applied sensing technologies.

Selected Projects

Custom Software Suite

Developed a system for MX5Winkel supporting customer management, appointment scheduling, invoicing, and daily workflow automation.

Operational & Spatial Tools

Built booking, invoicing, contract automation, financial tracking, and spatial activity tools for Scouting SBV/Kastanjegroep.

Peatland Restoration Monitoring

Used Sentinel-1 SAR data, Python, and GIS methods to monitor restoration indicators in Norwegian peatlands.

Skills

  • GIS & Remote Sensing
  • Python
  • R
  • Data Analysis
  • Earth Observation
  • Hydrological Modelling
  • Machine Learning
  • Web Development
  • Data Visualisation
  • Project Management

Education

  • MSc, Geo-Information Science
    Wageningen University & Research
    2025 - 2027
  • BSc, International Land and Water Management
    Wageningen University & Research
    2022 - 2025
    Thesis: Monitoring peatland restoration using Sentinel-1 SAR data.
  • BSc, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
    Fontys University of Applied Sciences
    2019 - 2022
    126 ECTS completed; PROUD honours programme.
  • VWO
    Dorenweerd College
    2009 - 2015

Leadership & Volunteering

Chairperson & Volunteer

Scouting SBV/Kastanjegroep & Luctor et Emergo, 2015 - Present. Chair local scouting group, previous roles include team leader, webmaster, and scout leader. Currently leading a merger between two groups.

Volunteer / Activity Coordinator

Scouting Regio Klein Gelderland, 2016 - Present. Organise regional youth activities and previously served as board member and activity registration manager.

Languages

  • Dutch
    Native
  • English
    Professional working proficiency
  • German
    Basic proficiency