[2] Den Hollander was born in Zambia and grew up in a small South African gold mining town.

[3] Her subsequent academic career focussed on cellular biology, biochemistry and stem cell research.

Den Hollander is the architect of LIVE the future a strategic intent that aspires for Deakin University to capitalise on new and emerging technologies and drive the digital frontier in higher education.

In the 2017 Australia Day Honours, den Hollander was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for "distinguished service to tertiary education through a range of executive administration and advisory roles, as a supporter of professional educational organisations, and to the community".

[4][5] In South Africa she met her future husband, a biologist from Western Australia with whom she has two children.