After a period working in industry, she returned to study for a PhD in polymer science at University of Twente, completing her doctorate in 2010.
She completed postgraduate study in environmental science at Foundation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise, Arlon, Belgium.
She is also a founding member of the Female Faculty Network at the University Twente (FFNT) and has served on its board.
She serves on the expert committee for the Recircle Awards, which is composed of "individuals from the global tyre retreading and recycling industries selected according to their independent status and their acknowledged expertise".
[4] Dierkes' most cited works address the topics of recycling of natural rubber based latex products[5] and silica filler technology for application in tire tread compounding.