About

I’m a Computer Vision researcher at Wageningen University, advised by dr. Gert Kootstra dr. Gert Kootstra (Computer vision) and dr.ir Patrick Jansen (Ecology). My research focusses on extracting wildlife behaviour from camera trap images using machine and deep learning algorithms. Extensive experience in Python, JavaScript, Vue.js, and TensorFlow throught my role at object detection platform BOX21 and through annual participation in Kaggle-hosted classification competitions.

I'm looking for a Computer Vision related PhD position!
Please reach out if you think I would be a good fit for your academic department

Developer Computer Vision Platform BOX21

Since November 2021, I've been working at BOX21 as a developer, where I've implemented various object detection models like yolov5, mmdetection, and DeepLabCut. My role has given me a wide range of problem-solving skills, including frontend (Javascript, Vuetify), and backend (SQL) communication via APIs. My tools of the trade include Docker, GitHub, RabbitMQ, Ngnix and using command-line interfaces.

Publications and Development

Kaggle competitor Fathomnet classification competition 2023
Jorrit van Gils, Sean Nachtrab, Lukas Picek
Detecting and classifying marine species in underwater images. Created shallow vs. deep water animal separator using yolov5 and the Query2Label Transformer.

Wildlife action recognition in camera-trap photographs using yolov5 and pose estimation
Student: Jorrit van Gils
Advisors: Patrick Jansen, Henjo de Knegt, Helena Russello, Gert Kootstra, Ramon Holland
[thesis][code/data]

Land-use classification using AlexNet on the UCM satellite dataset
Students: Jorrit van Gils and Lars ter Kate
Applied the AlexNet CNN achitecture and monitored how changes in hyperparameters and architecture optimised our model. We ended up with a 60% accuracy. [report]

Computer Vision Courses

  • Practical Deep Learning (FastAi), Dec 2021
  • Deep Neural Networks with Pytorch (Coursera), May 2022 [certificate]
  • Python Flask and SQL Alchemy ORM (Udemy), Jun 2022 [certificate]
  • Docker (coursera), Aug 2023 [certificate]
  • Web Design: HTML&CSS (Udemy), Jun 2022 [certificate]

Minor Artificial Intelligence at Wageningen University
Some courses:

  • Programming in Python
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep learning

Teacher Secondary school Biology
From 2016 to 2019, I served as a Biology teacher and mentor at De Nassau High School in Breda, Netherlands. Seeking to advance my expertise in data science, AI, and conservation, I pursued a Master's degree in Forest Nature Conservation at Wageningen University.

CV

Download my CV here.

Chair of State Forestry Youth Board

Since 2020, I have had the privilege of being actively involved with one of the largest nature organizations in the Netherlands, Staatbosbeheer, where I proudly represented the voice of young conservation enthusiasts. As the chair of the communication working group, my responsibilities also included leading meetings, overseeing news updates, managing external communications, and maintaining our social media presence.