Short bio

I originally studied mathematics at KU Leuven, Belgium, with a main focus on pure mathematics. I wrote my Master's thesis in the analysis section, on the topic of orthogonal polynomials and their relation to quantum random walks. After my studies in mathematics I decided that I wanted to learn more about real-world applications. I did an additional Master's degree in Complex Systems Science. This was a European Erasmus Mundus program, which led me to France (Ecole Polytechnique) and the UK (University of Warwick). Here I encountered many different facets of complex systems and mathematical modeling. As part of this Master's program I worked on projects in epidemiology, climate dynamics and mathematical biology. This study program has been very influential for me; many of the topics I currently work I first encountered during these two years.

After my studies I taught mathematics for one year, at university and in secondary school. This was a great experience, but after this year I decided that research was what I wanted to do and at the end of 2016 I started my PhD in the group of Lendert Gelens. I worked on mathematical models of the cell division cycle and defended in May 2021. Since January 2022 I am working at EMBL Heidelberg in Anna Erzberger's and Alexander Aulehla's groups as a postdoctoral fellow, funded by the EIPOD program.

From October 2023 to 2024, I am also one of the Young Marsilius Fellows at the Marsilius Kolleg of Heidelberg University.

Besides research, I enjoy thinking about communicating scientific ideas to a wider audience and dreaming of playing keyboards in a successful band. In the last year this dream has partially come true: I play piano in a jazz band in Heidelberg, but whether we are successful is a matter of debate.