Close to water, close to people
Expert(s) |
Tiaravanni Hermawan
At Deltares, passionate people are driven by major societal challenges, where knowledge and collaboration truly make a difference. One of them is Tiaravanni Hermawan, a researcher specialising in flood risk and drought. In her work, she combines modelling with hands-on field experience, from the Netherlands to Bangladesh and Indonesia. What motivates her in her work at Deltares? We asked Tiaravanni: “What drives you?"
By sharing knowledge and developing solutions together with local communities, Tiaravanni aims to contribute to a world that is better prepared for water extremes.
Protecting against water
“Most of my work, both internationally and in the Netherlands, focuses on protecting people, buildings, and assets from flooding,” Tiaravanni explains. She works daily with numerical models that predict floods and droughts. “With these models, we can understand how many people are affected by certain natural hazards." Alongside this, she shares her expertise around the world.
Connections create energy
For Tiaravanni, connecting with people is at the heart of everything she does. “It’s important to me to meet the people who are actually facing these challenges,” she says. “We work together and find solutions together. That’s what truly energises me.”
She also notices how universal many of the challenges are. “In the end, a lot of the issues people face are similar to those in other parts of the world. It makes you wonder: how can we translate these solutions to other projects and regions?”
From model to reality
Working in the field makes her work tangible. “It’s quite remarkable to see in real life what I would normally only look at in models,” says Tiaravanni. “When I’m out in the field, I can see the actual infrastructure. I observe how the water truly flows and that helps me understand it even better,” she explains. “It gives me fresh insights that I can take back into my work.”
Sharing knowledge worldwide
The knowledge developed at Deltares has an impact far beyond the Netherlands. “Most of the products, the tools, but also the advice we develop here at Deltares are made available worldwide,” says Tiaravanni. She sees how valuable that is in practice. “When I travel to Indonesia or Bangladesh, I notice that with just a bit of additional knowledge I can already make a real difference.” Tiaravanni emphasises: “We want that knowledge to continue being used in the future. That’s why we invest in training and collaboration, so people can carry on independently.”
I deliver many training sessions in different countries, because I believe that by sharing knowledge, we can preserve it and help it grow in other countries and communities.
Tiaravanni Hermawan, researcher in flood risk and drought at Deltares
The urgency of drought
Her personal background also plays a part. “I think that, as someone from Indonesia, I have always been privileged when it comes to water. And in the Netherlands there is a very well-developed water research system. So when I first visited a polder in Bangladesh, it was also the first time I encountered drought. Drought has devastating effects. I felt an urgency to do more. Because if you ask me what concerns me most, my answer is: drought.”
Tiaravanni concludes: “How can I help? That is the guiding question I ask myself every day in my work. When it comes to knowledge and water, I believe Deltares is the best place to learn. I am surrounded by some of the world’s leading experts, and that constantly encourages me to keep developing. Every day I feel challenged to one day become as good as they are.”
Be inspired
At Deltares, we believe in the power of genuine stories. That is why our colleagues share their reasons for working at Deltares. In a series of inspiring videos and stories, you will discover what drives them and gain an insight into what it means to be part of our team.
Be inspired by their experiences and discover how you can put your passion, knowledge and expertise to work at Deltares. Are you ready to write your own story and make a difference? Wat drives you?
