I joined the Princess Máxima Center as a basic researcher and pediatrician in training in June 2018. My primary research interest lies in understanding the molecular biology of pediatric soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and to use that knowledge to develop new treatment options for patients suffering from these tumors. To this end, I study establishment procedures for novel preclinical models of pediatrist STS (i.e., tumor organoid models) as well as bulk and single-cell genomics of these tumors. I am furthermore member of the molecular tumor board of the Dutch iTHER as well as the German INFORM pediatric precision medicine trial.
My hobbies include sports (running, bootcamp) and gaming (board games, tabletop role-playing games, video games). I am the proud father of a boy and a girl.
Marjolein Kes
PhD student
Hi all! I’m Marjolein, currently working as a shared postdoctoral researcher in the groups of Jarno Drost and Esther Hulleman at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology.
I completed my PhD in pediatric cancer metabolism in 2025. In 2026, I started my postdoctoral research focusing on chemo-resistant subclones in malignant brain tumors, using high-resolution lineage tracing to better understand how therapy resistance develops.
Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, cooking, and singing. I also like to stay active and regularly work out at the gym and go swimming.