My name is Clara Stegehuis, and I am the general adjunct of the 53rd Abacus board. When Tugce Akkaya asked me to become general adjunct, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get in touch with students, especially since I was then only working at the university for a year. 

I studied Applied mathematics in Twente, and I graduated in 2014. After that, I moved to Eindhoven for a while, where I did my PhD in applied mathematics. Since May 2019, I am back at Twente University again.

My research focuses on large complex networks, such as social media, the Internet or your brain. I investigate mathematical models for such networks to answer questions like: How does the way an epidemic spread depend on the network connections? And can we gain information about large complex networks by studying small connection patterns in these networks?

Beside my research, I like to make mathematics understandable and relatable for a wider audience. I often give presentations about mathematical topics in for example theaters, high schools or science festivals. During my PhD, I also wrote a blog about my research and the many ways in which you encounter mathematics in real life (In Dutch). For example: how can you find the most influential musician of the year? Or can you predict which nation will be the soccer world champion?

During this year, I hope to have as much interaction as possible with the students, and I hope to learn from the other board members what goes on at Abacus.