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Currently a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at the VIB-KULeuven Center for Microbiology (Leuven, Belgium), focussing on the human gut microbiome and its connections to host health.
After earning a Masters degree in Biotechnology (UGent, Belgium), I pursued a PhD in Bioinformatics (VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology) combining my passion for life sciences with expertise in computer engineering.
Throughout my postdoctoral career, including time at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, I have increasingly specialized in software development and statistical analysis. This includes building web platforms for exploring large datasets and applying data science and machine learning techniques to deepen insights.
Full bio available under experience & education.
Research
The common theme throughout my research is leveraging large datasets to tackle biological questions. This goes hand in hand with using modern (web) technology to create intuitive tools which allows domain experts to explore these data. Over the years I've been involved in the development of various platforms to study genome evolution, gene function, and microbial ecosystems. These have been used in a number of projects e.g. the Apple genome project, the Flemish Gut Flora Project, ... A full list of tools is avialable under software.
More details what I've been working on recently? Check out the media and publications pages!
Less serious topics I work on, outside of work (for fun or to hone my programmings skills), can be found on my blog 4DCu.be.
Highlights (full list)
Means and methods to diagnose gut flora dysbiosis and inflammation. Patent: WO2022073973A1 (2022)
Google PatentsFPO
Beyond the Norm: epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome and mental health among sexual and gender-diverse young adults in a large representative cohort. Gastroenterology (2024)
Gastroenterology
Mood disorders in higher education in Flanders during the 2nd COVID-19 wave: Prevalence and help-seeking: Findings from the Flemish College Surveys (FLeCS). Journal of Psychiatric Research (2023)
Journal of Psychiatric Research
Long-term life history predicts current gut microbiome in a population-based cohort study. Nature Aging (2022)
Nature Aging