Ghent, Flemish Region, Belgium
Something about science grabbed me from a young age and has held me since. Even now, the excitement of discovery and the intricacies of biology do not cease to amaze and entertain me. I remain an avid and active scientist: You’ll find me at the lab bench doing research, however I also enjoy teaching at all levels from primary school to medical students, am actively involved in university politics and play a range of sports with friends and colleagues. Thanks for taking the time to read my LinkedIn profile! Specialties, general: Communication (oral and written), problem solving, analytical skills, leadership. Specialties, specific: Molecular techniques (qPCR, ELISA), flow cytometry, tissue culture, animal work, human work.
Teach basic immunology to medical students and run lab course for 4th year undergraduate students.
-Conducted independent research for a CIHR funded project to examine the immune basis of spondyloarthritis. Identified a role for the macrophage in Chlamydia-associated reactive arthritis in murine models. In humans with ankylosing spondylitis I detected a male sex-bias in inflammatory immune cells and discovered an increase in the frequency of gut-specific immune cells. -Acting lab manager (BSL2). Responsibilities include ordering equipment, organizing lab meetings, ensuring adherence to health and safety standards, maintaining biosafety certification. -Member of the Immunology Graduate Student’s Association executive board. -Judge for the Ontario/Quebec Undergraduate Immunology Conference.
Co-founder of team, Sagacere Therapeutics, which aimed to develop a novel therapeutic for primary progressive multiple sclerosis based on collaborative unpublished research. Participated in the OneStart Accelerator competition for $150,000 in undiluted funding. Attended biotech bootcamp in San Francisco and competition in Boston. http://onestart.co/startups/2016/americas
Volunteered to serve in the infantry as a rifleman. Was selected for leadership training and was promoted to scout in the reconnaissance platoon