Scientific background
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My studies started with the bachelor in Biology at Wageningen University. I then continued here with the Biology master, following the Health & Disease specialization. By studying biology, I have gained a broad background knowledge in different fields. During my bachelor internship, I came into touch with the world of glycobiology. Then, for my first master's internship, I used CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome editing to knock out several potential virulence genes in the pig pathogen Streptococcus suis. For my second internship, I joined the group of Dr. Colinda Scheele (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology) to develop a branched organoid model of the mammary gland. The different experiences obtained during my studies have all become valuable for my current PhD project, which is supervised by Prof. dr. Dirk Lefeber and Dr. Alex Garanto. My project aims to reveal the underlying mechanisms of the tissue-specific symptoms seen in patients with genetic defects in the sialic acid pathway. My focus will be on GNE myopathy and NPL deficiency patients, in which mainly the muscle is affected. To study these disease mechanisms, I will use stem cell models of muscle and heart to recapitulate the disease on a cellular level.
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Hobbies outside science
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My hobbies consist of baking, expanding my plant collection, exploring the nature surroundings and playing tennis.