Bio
Currently Project Manager (Bioinformatics, AI & Data Science) 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 Focus
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 allow 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 — applied in projects such as the Apple genome project and the Flemish Gut Flora Project. A full list of tools is available under software.
More details on what I've been working on recently? Check out the media and publications pages.
Less serious topics — for fun or to hone my programming skills — can be found on my blog 4DCu.be.