Growing up in The Netherlands, Merijn first studied at Akademie voor Beeldende Vorming, in Tilburg, where she received her BFA in Art. She then came to The Ohio State University where she received her MFA in Art. Since becoming Director in 2017 Merijn focuses on strategic planning, strengthening university and community partner relationships in an effort to articulate, expand and diversify exhibitions and programs at the Urban Arts Space and Hopkins Hall Gallery. Within this role, Merijn appreciates that she gets to keep her hands in artistic practice while also helping shape and contribute to student success by providing hands-on arts-related experiences for them. In her free time, she likes to read, write, spend time in her studio and most importantly, spend time with her family. She can also speak six different languages and loves taking long road trips.