As a post-doc in the lab of Prof. Dirk Inzé, I was part of a team which studies the effects of mild drought stress on leaf development. I studied the role of different cell types during leaf development under water deprivation. I designed, planned and performed experiments, and collected analyzed and interpreted results. Therefore I worked with technicians and PhD-students and maintained contacts with external collaborators.Acquired skills: script programming (macro’s in ImageJ and R course), project management, problem solving, self-reliance, critical thinking, organization

Root Development lab, supervised by Prof. Tom BeeckmanThe formation of an elaborate root system allows plants to explore the soil for water and nutrients. During my PhD I characterized root formation in maize. As one of the pioneers using maize in the department, I developed methods to study root development in maize seedlings, optimized techniques and adapted protocols for use in maize. This project was an industrial collaboration with BASF Plant Science.As a PhD student I guided a bachelor and master student during their traineeship and dissertation, and designed and guided demonstrations for the course of Cell Biology (2nd bachelors).Acquired skills: analytical thinking, scientific communication (written & verbal), problem solving, literature mining, presentation skills, perseverance, self-reliance, creativity, internal and external collaborations, critical thinking, managing deadlines, supervising, confidentiality

To improve my knowledge on plant biology I followed a one-year master program in molecular plant biotechnology.

Internship in the Rhizogenesis LabAs a trainee I performed experiments under the supervision of a PhD student and senior scientist. I collected results and presented them to my supervisors. Acquired skills: adaptability, willingness to learn, independence, language skills (French & English), self-reliance, communication

Cashier & shop help (Nopri, Aarschot)Worker in a printing house (Agora, Averbode)Machine operator for the production of packaging (Mol d'Art, Diest)Acquired skills: flexibility, adaptability, responsibility, communication, customer care, industrial environment, technical insight, safety