Edgar Steenwinkel – The Quiet Mentor

Everyone says Edgar Steenwinkel can do anything and they’re mostly right.
He moves effortlessly between science and sound, technology and people, logic and imagination. He can repair an iPhone, build a sensor from spare parts, and then perform a flawless DJ set as DJ Dutch , all with the same calm precision.

Inventor, Teacher, Builder

For decades, Edgar worked at the intersection of chemistry and innovation, developing cleaner fuels and sustainable materials. When political winds in the U.S. shifted and his company in renewable energy closed, he didn’t stop, he simply adjusted course. “If the wind changes,” he says, “you adjust the sails.” That’s Edgar in a sentence: pragmatic, inventive, and always learning.

He brings that same spirit to Total Together, where his presence is quiet but unmistakable. René brings creative chaos, Marjan brings calm focus, Timi brings structure — and Edgar gives it depth. He’s the mentor who listens first, explains clearly, and makes others believe they can master the details too.

Eyes on the Sky

It was Edgar who introduced the group to the Seestar S50, the smart, portable telescope that changed how they look at the night. He helped set it up, taught them how to align it, and turned every technical hiccup into a small discovery.
His own astrophotography has already become part of the group’s inspiration: beautiful, precise, and quietly poetic. He shares them with minimal words, often just: “Clear skies tonight.”

Engineering Meets Empathy

Beyond the stars, Edgar’s curiosity turns toward people. He founded Especially Stroopwafels, a project in Wisconsin creating work opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities. It reflects who he is: practical, kind, and deeply human.

Passing the Light On

As Total Together prepares for its first eclipse journey in 2026, Edgar’s role is evolving. He’s not just the one who solves the technical puzzles, he’s becoming the teacher within the group. He’ll show others how to capture light, align lenses, and see the sky the way he does: patiently, precisely, and with wonder.

Because for Edgar, knowledge isn’t something to keep — it’s something to share, especially when the stars come out.