Various projects related to Genome editing, cell and tissue culture and molecular phytopathology.

Was one of two scientists that coordinated the activities of the yeast strain screening fermentation team for the production of fuels from agricultural residues. Activities included strain selection, protocol optimization, run monitoring and reporting of the 50+ fermentation runs per month.-My key task was to be the link between the strain construction and fermentation departments by obtaining physiological knowledge of our production strains and translating this into ideas for strain engineering for the biofuel program.-Designed the top yeast strain of the quarter-Was project leader on a self proposed idea and led strain engineers, a biochemist and a fermentation expert. Several high-performing strains resulted from this project.-Became proficient in SQL and JMP (statistics software) to analyze data optimally.

Research title: “Reverse Engineering of industrially relevant micro-organisms. An integrated approach.”Successful reverse engineering of mutants that have been obtained by random strain improvements has long presented a major challenge in yeast biotechnology. In my PhD project I reviewed the use of genome-wide approaches for analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to identify reverse engineering targets for the conversion of agricultural waste into biochemicals, such as bioethanol and bioplastics. -Obtained extensive experience in (non-GMO) strain construction and yeast physiological studies. Was trained in in whole genome re-sequencing analysis.-My project was in close collaboration with the Bioinformatics group and the Bioprocess Technology group of the TU Delft as well as with industrial partners. -Seven students have finished their masters or bachelors thesis under my supervision.

In both the strain engineering and the fermentation departments I received hands-on experience in strain development and evaluation in an industrial setting.

Identified, amongst others, Gal2p as the transporter for arabinose (an important sugar in organic waste streams) in yeast by RNA expression studies and subsequent strain engineering.

In order to find better markers for improved tomato plants, I enriched part of the tomato map with new sequences, using a combination of PCR and BAC walking analyses.

My task was to find homologues genes to the gene FT, which in Arabidopsis is known to trigger the flowering response. By means of cDNA hybridisation I identified the Petunia gene together with two paralogues genes.