Team:KU Leuven/Team

From 2013.igem.org

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     <h3>Aurelie</h3>
     <h3>Aurelie</h3>
     <h5>Biomedical sciences    Sponsoring & Wiki</h5>
     <h5>Biomedical sciences    Sponsoring & Wiki</h5>
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     <p>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.</p>
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     <p>Hell’s to the no if it isn’t Aurelie hopping up and down the stairs to get things done. This energetic member of our team will help with anything as long as it’s not taking care of insects. Between seducing sponsors and sparking the interest of young students for synthetic biology she almost made us to walk 100 kilometers just to sponsor our igem adventure.</p>
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     <h3>Bert</h3>
     <h3>Bert</h3>
     <h5>Chemical Engineering    Modeling & Human Practices</h5>
     <h5>Chemical Engineering    Modeling & Human Practices</h5>
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     <p>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.</p>
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     <p>Bert is one tough critic! Everything KU Leuven iGEM does/makes/says will be inspected, scrutinised and commented on by Bert. Luckily then, that he is on the Ethics team so that synthetic biology cannot slip by without being inspected in every way possible. Bert is a Chemical engineer who is fascinated by biochemistry and microbiological life. You can find him working hard at our iGEM office, on his beloved oscillator model.</p>
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     <h3>Flore</h3>
     <h3>Flore</h3>
     <h5>Biochemistry & Biotechnology    Sponsoring & Human Outreach</h5>
     <h5>Biochemistry & Biotechnology    Sponsoring & Human Outreach</h5>
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     <p>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.</p>
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     <p>With a strong female presence in the KU Leuven iGEM team, Flore is power woman number 1. Flore is studying a Master of Biochemistry and Biotechnology. When she is not busy finding sponsors for the team, she will be busy in the lab and when she has tackled that, you could find her helping the education team out or doing a literature study. On top of that, Flore finds the time to enjoy running, travelling and baking! Showing you the power of Women in Science.</p>
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     <h3>Frederik</h3>
     <h3>Frederik</h3>
     <h5>Biochemistry & Biotechnology    Wiki & Human Outreach</h5>
     <h5>Biochemistry & Biotechnology    Wiki & Human Outreach</h5>
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     <p> Hi, I'm Frederik, a first year master's student in Biochemistry & Biotechnology. I am one of the wikians this year, and for this I'm learning the html fundamentals, with an emphasis on 'fun'. And a second emphasis on 'mental'. Also in the human outreach team I will play a role, for instance teaching kids about synthetic biology. In my spare time you can find me in the forests doing orienteering and mountainbiking. In the future I would love to pass on my passion for science and become a science teacher or journalist.</p>
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     <p>Besides focusing on his Biochemistry and Biotechnology studies, Frederik likes to get lost in the woods and find his way back using a map and a compass. Other hobbies are bragging about the fact that he lives in the same city (read: village) as cyclist Tom Boonen, taking his Gene Technology exam for yet another time and working on our wiki since he loves informatics as well. Actually, in retrospect, we don’t  really know why we hang out with him. Oh yeah, probably because he has the most contagious laugh ever known to mankind and he’s a really nice guy to be around.</p>
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     <h3>Laurens</h3>
     <h3>Laurens</h3>
     <h5>Biochemistry & Biotechnology    Wetlab</h5>
     <h5>Biochemistry & Biotechnology    Wetlab</h5>
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     <p>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.</p>
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     <p>This guitar playing rock star is, yes you guessed it, also a Master student in Biochemistry and Biotechnology! Laurens likes to keep us entertained by singing and dancing iGEM medley versions of classics (if you would like to see him in action, join us on facebook or youtube for video uploads!) and in his spare time he likes to come to the lab and help out by singing to some pipets instead. Besides the common Belgian hobby of beer drinking, Laurens is also very interested in signal transduction and cell regulation.  
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     <h3>Lukas</h3>
     <h3>Lukas</h3>
     <h5>Medicine    Wetlab & Human Practices</h5>
     <h5>Medicine    Wetlab & Human Practices</h5>
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     <p> 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. </p>
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     <p>Lukas is for sure the most energetic one of our team! Coordinating the wetlab and discussing (especially ethics) is one of his top favourite occupations this summer. Next to iGEM, this future doctor  is also vice-president of the Leuven student-researchers association (LVSO). Next to his 24h science job, he also likes to have fun with his friends and enjoys sausages at the BBQ, combined with some booze. In September, he is planning to go scouting in the Amazon forest.</p>
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     <h3>Michael</h3>
     <h3>Michael</h3>
     <h5>Philosophy    Human Practices</h5>
     <h5>Philosophy    Human Practices</h5>
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     <p> 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, via synthetic biology, or is it like a sermon on Sunday, totally separated from everyday reality?</p>
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     <p>Michael is a bit of a mystery to us… First, we’re not sure what his REAL name is. Second, he followed a less than common academic trajectory: he is a graduate student of Medicine at Utrecht University and a graduate student of Philosophy at the KU Leuven. Third, there is no third yet… We have entrusted Michael to help provide an ethical review of our iGEM project where the leading question will be: Are ethics related to technological progress, via synthetic biology, or is it like a sermon on Sunday, totally separated from everyday reality? As the latest edition to our team, we are very happy that Michael is on board with us.</p>
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     <h3>Pieter</h3>
     <h3>Pieter</h3>
     <h5>Bio-engineering    Wetlab & Communication</h5>
     <h5>Bio-engineering    Wetlab & Communication</h5>
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     <p> 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.</p>
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     <p>Pieter is one of the wetlab boys whose main occupation is to run from one freezer to another. If this student Bio-engineering (Cell and gene technology) is not busy in the wetlab cloning 20 different genes at once, he’s probably sitting quiet in a corner in the iGEM room, making some new memes. When Pieter’s around, you always feel at ease. He is fan of rock music, a good movie and a cooled beer. Combine the last with any of the first two and he’s good to go.</p>
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     <h3>Robbert</h3>
     <h3>Robbert</h3>
     <h5>Biochemistry & Biotechnology    Outreach & Wetlab</h5>
     <h5>Biochemistry & Biotechnology    Outreach & Wetlab</h5>
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     <p> 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.</p>
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     <p>Meet Robbert, he will be your guide to the internet. Also, to cats. And funny videos. Next, this Biochemistry & Biotechnology lover also likes to play volleyball, is active in the student movement and often writes texts for the Leuven student newspaper. Oh, and sorry Ke$ha, but the party don't start 'till Robbert walks in. </p>
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     <h3>Sander</h3>
     <h3>Sander</h3>
     <h5>Bio-engineering    Modeling & Logistics</h5>
     <h5>Bio-engineering    Modeling & Logistics</h5>
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     <p>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.</p>
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     <p>This blonde, confident guy is Sander, also known as Sandieboy. Currently, he is pursuing his Masters degree in Bioscience Engineering: Cell and Gene technology, and he has a big interest in bio-informatics. Whenever he is not reading one article for three days, he is busy with modelling, and trying to create more efficient, dependent feedback mechanisms and interactions between the wetlab and the modelling teams. Sander has a really big temper, but in the weekends he dances all his troubles away, on events like Tomorrowland.
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     <h3>Su</h3>
     <h3>Su</h3>
     <h5>Molecular & Cellular Biophysics    Wetlab & Wiki</h5>
     <h5>Molecular & Cellular Biophysics    Wetlab & Wiki</h5>
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     <p> 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!</p>
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     <p>Su Wang, also known as Dinox, is in his first year of the Master in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics. He is currently proving himself to be quite the animal in the lab! From dawn till dusk you can find Su in the lab, dancing with some pipets. He is one of the most sweetest Chinese we ever met, and likes to please everyone with his golden smile.</p>
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     <h3>Sylvie</h3>
     <h3>Sylvie</h3>
     <h5>Bio-engineering    Sponsoring, Wetlab & Logistics</h5>
     <h5>Bio-engineering    Sponsoring, Wetlab & Logistics</h5>
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     <p> 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.</p>
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     <p>Sylvie is the one you really need to pay attention to, since she is the best in persuading you to sponsor the KULeuven iGEM team 2013. Everybody is undoubtedly charmed by her writing skills. In normal daily life, Sylvie studies Bioscience Engineering: Cell and Gene Biotechnology with a minor in Plant Production. For her Master Thesis she will be studying stress in plants. In the little spare time that’s left for her, she likes to go climbing with friends, mountainbiking and snowboarding.</p>
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     <h3>Tina</h3>
     <h3>Tina</h3>
     <h5>Biomedical Sciences    Modeling & Communication</h5>
     <h5>Biomedical Sciences    Modeling & Communication</h5>
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     <p> 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. </p>
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     <p>Tina is, except for being a master student in Biomedical Sciences, also the only woman in our modelling group this year. Thanks to her female influence, all male modellers are doomed to follow a strict time schedule. When she’s not roaming the world of synthetic biology, she often goes swimming or is busy reading books. Interestingly, she has an incomprehensible affection for insects –even loves to eat them as well- and loves to go to metal festivals –completely dressed up.</p>
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     <h3>Tomas</h3>
     <h3>Tomas</h3>
     <h5>Electrical Engineering    Modeling</h5>
     <h5>Electrical Engineering    Modeling</h5>
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     <p> 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.</p>
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     <p> Tomas was born and raised in Geetbets, but came to Leuven to study Electrical Engineering, minoring in Living Systems. He is a busy bird as he is part of the European students organisation BEST as well as iGEM. Tomas had a rather expensive taste when it comes to steak, and also has an urge to break into the Bio-incubator to steal all their materials. He is part of the modelling team, where he is busy trying to make a model which includes diffusion. He has developed a rather special bond with teammate Bert, of which the extent is still a mystery to us. </p>
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Revision as of 15:54, 29 August 2013

Secret garden

Congratulations! You've found our secret garden! Follow the instructions below and win a great prize at the World jamboree!


  • A video shows that two of our team members are having great fun at our favourite company. Do you know the name of the second member that appears in the video?
  • For one of our models we had to do very extensive computations. To prevent our own computers from overheating and to keep the temperature in our iGEM room at a normal level, we used a supercomputer. Which centre maintains this supercomputer? (Dutch abbreviation)
  • We organised a symposium with a debate, some seminars and 2 iGEM project presentations. An iGEM team came all the way from the Netherlands to present their project. What is the name of their city?

Now put all of these in this URL:https://2013.igem.org/Team:KU_Leuven/(firstname)(abbreviation)(city), (loose the brackets and put everything in lowercase) and follow the very last instruction to get your special jamboree prize!

tree ladybugcartoon

iGem

Meet the team

16 enthusiastic KU Leuven students who don’t mind working the whole summer join hands to kick some ass, iGEM style. It’s a very diverse team consisting of students with different backgrounds. There are 10 guys and 6 girls present with studies in biochemistry, (bio-)engineering, medicine, philosophy and others. The team is supported by former iGEMers and employees from all levels of the KU Leuven.

Group picture

Aurelie picture

Aurelie

Biomedical sciences Sponsoring & Wiki

Hell’s to the no if it isn’t Aurelie hopping up and down the stairs to get things done. This energetic member of our team will help with anything as long as it’s not taking care of insects. Between seducing sponsors and sparking the interest of young students for synthetic biology she almost made us to walk 100 kilometers just to sponsor our igem adventure.

Bert

Chemical Engineering Modeling & Human Practices

Bert is one tough critic! Everything KU Leuven iGEM does/makes/says will be inspected, scrutinised and commented on by Bert. Luckily then, that he is on the Ethics team so that synthetic biology cannot slip by without being inspected in every way possible. Bert is a Chemical engineer who is fascinated by biochemistry and microbiological life. You can find him working hard at our iGEM office, on his beloved oscillator model.

Aurelie picture
Aurelie picture

Flore

Biochemistry & Biotechnology Sponsoring & Human Outreach

With a strong female presence in the KU Leuven iGEM team, Flore is power woman number 1. Flore is studying a Master of Biochemistry and Biotechnology. When she is not busy finding sponsors for the team, she will be busy in the lab and when she has tackled that, you could find her helping the education team out or doing a literature study. On top of that, Flore finds the time to enjoy running, travelling and baking! Showing you the power of Women in Science.

Frederik

Biochemistry & Biotechnology Wiki & Human Outreach

Besides focusing on his Biochemistry and Biotechnology studies, Frederik likes to get lost in the woods and find his way back using a map and a compass. Other hobbies are bragging about the fact that he lives in the same city (read: village) as cyclist Tom Boonen, taking his Gene Technology exam for yet another time and working on our wiki since he loves informatics as well. Actually, in retrospect, we don’t really know why we hang out with him. Oh yeah, probably because he has the most contagious laugh ever known to mankind and he’s a really nice guy to be around.

Aurelie picture
Laurens picture

Laurens

Biochemistry & Biotechnology Wetlab

This guitar playing rock star is, yes you guessed it, also a Master student in Biochemistry and Biotechnology! Laurens likes to keep us entertained by singing and dancing iGEM medley versions of classics (if you would like to see him in action, join us on facebook or youtube for video uploads!) and in his spare time he likes to come to the lab and help out by singing to some pipets instead. Besides the common Belgian hobby of beer drinking, Laurens is also very interested in signal transduction and cell regulation.

Lukas

Medicine Wetlab & Human Practices

Lukas is for sure the most energetic one of our team! Coordinating the wetlab and discussing (especially ethics) is one of his top favourite occupations this summer. Next to iGEM, this future doctor is also vice-president of the Leuven student-researchers association (LVSO). Next to his 24h science job, he also likes to have fun with his friends and enjoys sausages at the BBQ, combined with some booze. In September, he is planning to go scouting in the Amazon forest.

Lukas picture
Michael picture

Michael

Philosophy Human Practices

Michael is a bit of a mystery to us… First, we’re not sure what his REAL name is. Second, he followed a less than common academic trajectory: he is a graduate student of Medicine at Utrecht University and a graduate student of Philosophy at the KU Leuven. Third, there is no third yet… We have entrusted Michael to help provide an ethical review of our iGEM project where the leading question will be: Are ethics related to technological progress, via synthetic biology, or is it like a sermon on Sunday, totally separated from everyday reality? As the latest edition to our team, we are very happy that Michael is on board with us.

Pieter

Bio-engineering Wetlab & Communication

Pieter is one of the wetlab boys whose main occupation is to run from one freezer to another. If this student Bio-engineering (Cell and gene technology) is not busy in the wetlab cloning 20 different genes at once, he’s probably sitting quiet in a corner in the iGEM room, making some new memes. When Pieter’s around, you always feel at ease. He is fan of rock music, a good movie and a cooled beer. Combine the last with any of the first two and he’s good to go.

Pieter picture
Robbert picture

Robbert

Biochemistry & Biotechnology Outreach & Wetlab

Meet Robbert, he will be your guide to the internet. Also, to cats. And funny videos. Next, this Biochemistry & Biotechnology lover also likes to play volleyball, is active in the student movement and often writes texts for the Leuven student newspaper. Oh, and sorry Ke$ha, but the party don't start 'till Robbert walks in.

Saar

Biomedical Sciences Logistics

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!

Saar picture
Sabine picture

Sabine

Medicine Outreach & Communication

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!

Sander

Bio-engineering Modeling & Logistics

This blonde, confident guy is Sander, also known as Sandieboy. Currently, he is pursuing his Masters degree in Bioscience Engineering: Cell and Gene technology, and he has a big interest in bio-informatics. Whenever he is not reading one article for three days, he is busy with modelling, and trying to create more efficient, dependent feedback mechanisms and interactions between the wetlab and the modelling teams. Sander has a really big temper, but in the weekends he dances all his troubles away, on events like Tomorrowland.

Sander picture
Su picture

Su

Molecular & Cellular Biophysics Wetlab & Wiki

Su Wang, also known as Dinox, is in his first year of the Master in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics. He is currently proving himself to be quite the animal in the lab! From dawn till dusk you can find Su in the lab, dancing with some pipets. He is one of the most sweetest Chinese we ever met, and likes to please everyone with his golden smile.

Sylvie

Bio-engineering Sponsoring, Wetlab & Logistics

Sylvie is the one you really need to pay attention to, since she is the best in persuading you to sponsor the KULeuven iGEM team 2013. Everybody is undoubtedly charmed by her writing skills. In normal daily life, Sylvie studies Bioscience Engineering: Cell and Gene Biotechnology with a minor in Plant Production. For her Master Thesis she will be studying stress in plants. In the little spare time that’s left for her, she likes to go climbing with friends, mountainbiking and snowboarding.

Sylvie picture
Tina picture

Tina

Biomedical Sciences Modeling & Communication

Tina is, except for being a master student in Biomedical Sciences, also the only woman in our modelling group this year. Thanks to her female influence, all male modellers are doomed to follow a strict time schedule. When she’s not roaming the world of synthetic biology, she often goes swimming or is busy reading books. Interestingly, she has an incomprehensible affection for insects –even loves to eat them as well- and loves to go to metal festivals –completely dressed up.

Tomas

Electrical Engineering Modeling

Tomas was born and raised in Geetbets, but came to Leuven to study Electrical Engineering, minoring in Living Systems. He is a busy bird as he is part of the European students organisation BEST as well as iGEM. Tomas had a rather expensive taste when it comes to steak, and also has an urge to break into the Bio-incubator to steal all their materials. He is part of the modelling team, where he is busy trying to make a model which includes diffusion. He has developed a rather special bond with teammate Bert, of which the extent is still a mystery to us.

Tomas picture
Ingmar picture

Ingmar

Post-Doc

I am Ingmar Claes and I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics . After my studies of bio-engineering, I did a PhD on the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. In this PhD, I studied the factors determining the probiotic effect of the L. rhamnosus GG in experimental colitis. Interdisciplinary studies were performed combining bacterial genetics and immunology. I always had and I still have a profound interest in scientific research, especially linking applied microbiology, mucosal immunology and health issues. The opportunity to guide the students on this iGEM project in a rather new field of synthetic biology looked very appealing and fascinating but also challenging. I am therefore looking forward to working with such motivated students on this iGEM project.

Veerle De Wever

Post-Doc

Hi there fellow iGEMmer, My name is Veerle De Wever, I am the KU Leuven iGEM team advisor in everything non-scientific such as sponsoring, administration, logistics, .... Leuven is my hometown but I went abroad to obtain my PhD in genetics and biochemistry from the University of Vienna (Austria). While doing a postdoc in Canada, I came in contact with iGEM via the Calgary team of 2011, 2012. I was sold immediately and, upon my return to Leuven, more than happy to support the KU Leuven team. My research interests lie with signal transduction; particularly in response to environmental changes. Currently I am working as a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Prof. Dr. Mathieu Bollen (Dept of Cellular and Molecular Medicine) on protein phosphatases and their roles as master metabolic regulators in health and disease.

Veerle picture
Johan picture

Johan Robben

Professor

I am Professor Dr. Johan Robben and I'm a member of the Department of Chemistry, section Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology at the KU Leuven. I am leading the Laboratory of Molecular and Synthetic Biology which currently focusses on polymerases and artificial nucleic acids. My main expertise is in molecular biology, protein engineering, genomics and proteomics. I was scientific advisor of the KU Leuven iGEM student teams in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

Sam De Vlieger

Philosophy Student

I am currently doing a Master in philosophy at the KU Leuven. As part of the iGEM team I hope to gain an understanding of the scientific process in the field of synthetic biology, and more specifically, the role of ethics within this process.

Sam picture