University of Groningen
Kinematics and stellar populations of dwarf elliptical galaxies
Mentz, Jacobus Johannes
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2018
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Mentz, J. J. (2018). Kinematics and stellar populations of dwarf elliptical galaxies. Rijksuniversiteit
Groningen.
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Acknowledgements
Since the start of my PhD study in South Africa, and even before, I have met many people without whom this endeavour would not have been possible.
Hereby, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the those people who gave me the opportunity and helped me along the way to make this study possible.
Firstly I would like to express my sincere gratitude to both my advisers Prof. Ilani Loubser in Potchefstroom and Prof Reynier Peletier in Groningen. At the beginning of my study, it was Ilani that introduced me to Reynier, even before I knew that I could be granted the opportunity to spend a large part of my study under the supervision of Reynier at the Kapteyn Institute in Groningen.
Ilani, thank you for always being positive, friendly and available for discussions and questions throughout my study, even though we were for the most part, working far apart. I got to know you through the astronomy club meetings and Nooitgedacht telescope visits while I was still in high school and was happy that I could start my PhD under your supervision. You also introduced me to other experts in the field whom would later also have contributed to this work.
Reynier, thank you for your willingness to take me as your student and also for initially introducing me to the Erasmus programme which later allowed me to come to Groningen and work with people at the Kapteyn “family”. I would always remember the way in which you warmly welcomed me at the Kapteyn Institute and made me feel at home in Groningen. I admire the way in which you directed the Institute and still always found the time for your students through your very busy schedule. You introduced me to many people in the field, many of whom I not only worked with but also became good friends. Your encouragement and insightful comments were always helpful and much appreciated in times where I had to familiarise myself with many new concepts. Apart from work, you also invited me and Annariet to your home for
160 Chapter A. Acknowledgements
dinners and we are truly grateful for your hospitality and interest.
I would also like to thank the members of the thesis reading committee Proff. Scott Trager, Sven de Rijcke, Johan van de Walt and Enrico Corsini, whom invested a lot of time and energy to provide me with useful comments and suggestions in order to improve the manuscript.
I thank all collaborators and people with whom I shared valuable discussions and who provided contributions to my thesis especially Francesco La Barbera, Mark den Brok, Jesus Falc´on Barroso, Glen van de Ven and Thorsten Lisker.
The experience at the Kapteyn Institute would not have been the same without all the support and friendly interactions with the staff and fellow students. It is truly a great environment to work and develop as a scientist, while also keeping a balance in life with social encounters and discussions.
I would like to thank the terrific support staff, at both North-West university and the Kapteyn Institute, without whom many things would not have been possible. In particular at NWU the secretaries Ms. Petro Sieberhagen, Lee-Ann van Wyk and Elanie van Rooyen and IT administrator Mathew Holleran. The secretaries and support of Ms. Gineke Alberts, Christa Meijering, Martine ter Wal, Lucia van der Voort and Ramona Tijssens, as well as IT administrators Wim Zwitser, Martin Vogelaar, Eite Tiesinga, Leon Doddema, Valentin Bajrami and also Martin Breddels for occasional questions.
A special thanks to all my fellow students and friends, from both institutes, with whom I shared many memories and interesting conversations over the years, Aaron, Ajinkya, Aku, Anastasia, Crescenzo, Daniel, Elaheh, Etienne, Francesco, Henri, Jorrit, Julia, Kelley, Leon, Manolis, Marisa, Marta, Mpati, Mustafa, Punya, Pece, Sampath, Sander, Sarrvesh, Seyda, Shoko, Titania, Wouter, and office mates Bharat, Dorota, Avanti (who later searched for greener pastures in an office downstairs) and Tirna. Thank you to all my friends back home, in Groningen, Wageningen, and Bennekom, for their continuous support and encouragement throughout my study. To my family, especially my parents, Kobus and Elsa, thank you for your guidance, love and support throughout my life and also to my parents-in-law, Frans and Susan. We are grateful for the clear example that you had been setting for us.
Finally, a special thank you to my wife Annariet for your love and support, since we met more than 15 years ago. Thanks for always encouraging and believing in me and for sacrificing so much in coming with me to the Netherlands. With everything that we have been through, especially in the last year, I am forever grateful for every moment that we share together! You are the best mother to the most beautiful girl, Sun´e. The two of you fill my life with joy!
Soli Deo gloria Jaco Mentz April 2018
