Team:KU Leuven/Team

Advisors:

• Advisor 1:
• Advisor 2:
• Grad Student 1:

Students:

• Engineering:

Bert Mortier

My name is Bert Mortier and I’m a chemical engineering student. Besides applied chemistry I’m also fascinated with biochemistry and microbiological life. To apply engineering techniques to bacteria seems a challenging idea. In addition to several scientific topics, I’m also interested in ethics, which is an intriguing aspect of synthetic biology. The greater part of my spare time I share with my friends.

Tomas Van Pottelbergh

My name is Tomas Van Pottelbergh. Currently, I'm in my third bachelor of Electrical Engineering. I'm very interested in the applications of engineering in medicine and biology, like systems biology for example. Apart from studies, I play the piano, am a scout leader and involved in the European students’ organization BEST. I also like traveling and hiking.

• Philosophy:

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Michaël Poorthuis

My name is Michael Poorthuis, graduate student in philosophy at the KU Leuven and graduate student in medicine at Utrecht University. I was asked to provide an ethical review of our iGEM project. The leading question will be: Are ethics related to technological progress, viz synthetic biology, or is it like a sermon on Sunday, totally separated from everyday reality?

• Biochemistry:

Laurens De Backer

I am Laurens De Backer and I’m currently enrolled in my first Master year in biochemistry and biotechnology. I’ve chosen for the major research. This research domain requires a good knowledge of microbiology and gene technology, so that’s why iGEM is the ideal additional learning school. In my spare time I like going to the pub with friends, I play basketball and I enjoy singing and playing guitar.

Robbert Boudewijns

I am Robbert Boudewijns and I am 22 years old. I study biochemistry & biotechnology, I’m currently in my first Master year. Apart from my studies, I like to do activities with the chemistry/biochemistry student movement, play volleyball and write for the Leuven student newspaper. As a team player, working with my iGEM partners to reach a goal together, doing something we love, is an awesome experience.

Su Wang

My name is Su Wang, I’m in my first year of master in the field of Molecular and Cellular Biophysics. I am really looking forward to the whole iGEM competition, I believe iGEM is not only a competition that broadens our views and horizons, but also can bring its extraordinary way of thinking to the whole society. I am convinced that our team will devote our passion, persistence, energy and knowledge to accomplish this competition!

Frederik Meynen

My name is Frederik Meynen and I'm a 1st year master student in biochemistry and biotechnology. I'm interested in everything that has anything to do with science, but especially in molecular biology and electronics. In my spare time I like to do orienteering and mountainbiking and messing around with my arduino. In the future I would love to pass on my passion for science and become a science teacher or journalist.

Flore De Wit

My name is Flore De Wit and I'm 21 years old. I’m finishing my first year of the master biochemistry and biotechnology. When I’m not busy with school, I enjoy running, baking and travelling. It’s a unique chance to participate in iGEM with people from different backgrounds and a good opportunity to gain new experiences and knowledge, in and around the lab.

• Bio-engineering:

Sander Wuyts

My name is Sander Wuyts and I am currently studying Bio-Engineering: Cell and Gene technology. Genetics and microbiology are my favourite courses within this education. But also bio-informatics is my cup of tea. That’s why I chose to study a minor in the bio-informatics. Thanks to a project like iGEM I get the opportunity to combine all these fields, and discover whole new ones. This is why I am very motivated, and sure that we will succeed in our mission. Because there is more to life than just science, I also play volleyball in the weekends and go snowboarding in winter.

Sylvie Weckx

My name is Sylvie Weckx. I'm studying Bio-Engineering: Cell and Gene technology with a minor in Plant Production. In my spare time I go climbing with friends, but I also like some other adventurous activities, like mountainbiking and snowboarding. I love challenges and iGEM will certainly be a big challenge! iGEM is the perfect way to gain scientific experience, but there are so many other interesting aspects involved.

Pieter De Bruyn

I’m Pieter De Bruyn and I’m 22 years old. I’m currently doing my master in bio-engineering: cell and gene technology at the KU Leuven. Participating in the iGEM project was a great opportunity to put all these things we learn in practice and construct an organism that does something we intended it to do. I am a fan of rock music; a good movie and a cooled beer. Combine the last with any of the first two and I’m good to go.

• Medicine:

Lukas Marcelis

I’m Lukas Marcelis and I am in my fourth year of Medical studies. You can find me coordinating the lab work and discussing ethics with everyone I meet. I also assist in research at the department of pathology of the UZ Leuven and I am vice-president of the Leuven student-researchers association (LVSO). Besides that and having some much needed fun with my friends there are few dull moments! iGEM is a new and exciting challenge for me. Synthetic biology is a young and rapidly expanding field of science. To be a part of these developments together with a multidisciplinary and amazing team is just plain fun.

Sabine Thieren

My name is Sabine Thieren. I’m studying medicine at the University of Leuven. I’m interested in science en research. I worked as a student-researcher in several labs. I’m playing the bassoon in my spare time and I’m also a member of the Arenberg Orchestra in Leuven. For the iGEM project and the synthetic biology I’ll try to raise awareness among the general public. We’re going for it!

• Biomedical Science:

Aurelie Lenaerts

My name is Aurelie Lenaerts I am a Bachelor student in Biomedical Sciences at the KUL. Biology has been my interest ever since it became part of my curriculum. iGEM pulled my attention towards synthetic biology, in which the symbiotic relationships between man and bacteria can be exploited.I enjoy travelling and most definitely enjoy trying new foods in these places. My latest adventure was to Lund, Sweden for an exchange semester.

Tina Smets

I am Tina Smets, a first master student in Biomedical Sciences. I think that iGEM is a great way to get in touch with synthetic biology and to open new horizons. It’s going to be an exciting and wonderful scientific experience for all of us! When I’m not roaming the world of synthetic biology, I like swimming, reading and going to concerts and festivals.

Saar Vandekeere

My name is Saar Vandekeere and I am currently Mastering in the Biomedical Sciences (Neurology). Fascinated about everything that has to do with science & research, and having tons of energy, I'm always enthusiastic to tell you more than you ever wanted to know. Since I am always willing to help, I'll try to improve myself this year as a member of the logistics team of igem 2013!