Team
Sibylle VONESCH
Group Leader
Sibylle is fascinated by the genomic and phenotypic diversity present in nature and believes in the power of high-throughput approaches in microbes for understanding fundamental biological principles. When not in the lab you can find her kitesurfing or running up a mountain.
Postdoc - EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
PhD Quantitative & Systems Genetics – ETH Zürich, Switzerland
MSc Molecular & Cell Biology – University of Zurich, Switzerland
Antoine DELHAYE
Postdoc
After dabbling in biochemistry for a bit, Antoine switched focus to the intriguing field of systems biology. He loves all things microbiology and is captivated by new technologies. If you ever need to take a break from the lab and have a good night out, he's definitely a partner of choice.
PhD - UC Louvain, Belgium
MSc Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering - UC Louvain, Belgium
Laetitia MAROC
Postdoc
Laetitia is passionate about CRISPR technologies and fungal genetics and genomics. After a PhD and a first postdoc on Nakaseomyces glabrata, she decided to cheat on her favorite yeast to work with another non-conventional yeast. When not in the lab, you can find her rock climbing or having a nice cold beer on a patio trying to survive her troublemakers (but so cute) twins.
Postdoc – University of Guelph, Canada
PhD – University of Paris Saclay, France
MSc – University of Paris Saclay, France
Ellen SLAMAN
Postdoc
(joint with Thomas Jacobs lab, VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology)
Ellen has always had an interest in DNA and genomes and when she learned about CRISPR, it was love at first sight. During her PhD, she developed high-throughput methods to study the specificity of CRISPR-mediated genome editing in plants. Now, she aims to utilize the even higher-throughput capacities of microorganisms to help develop tools for efficient plant genome engineering. Outside of the lab, she enjoys growing non-model plant species, discovering new sour beers, and watching birds with her cats.
PhD Plant Biotechnology – Wageningen University, The Netherlands
MSc Biotechnology – Wageningen University, The Netherlands
Célie COKELAERE
Research Scientist & Lab Manager
After finishing her PhD in biomedical sciences, Célie was itching to get back to her bio-engineering roots and dive into the world of synthetic biology. When she's not geeking out in the lab, you'll find her breaking a sweat at the gym, rocking some pole dance moves, or cruising around on her bike. And after all that, she's definitely earned herself a chill moment with a nice cold beer or a tasty meal at a good restaurant with friends.
PhD Cellular and Molecular Medicine – KU Leuven, Belgium
MSc Cellular & Genetic Engineering – KU Leuven, Belgium
Sara BACO
PhD student
Sara has been cultivating her passion for science since she was a kid and has developed an interest in synthetic biology during her academic journey, which has led her to Belgium. She likes being in touch with nature as well as exploring cities, and after long hours in a labcoat she enjoys a cold beer while searching for a new movie to watch.
MSc Molecular & Industrial Biotechnology – University of Bologna, Italy
Simon FIESACK
PhD student
Simon wants to contribute to science through basic research and developing new genetic engineering tools. Besides his interest in science, he loves tasting new things and being in nature. After a long hike, he appreciates a good beer with friends.
MSc Cellular & Genetic Engineering – KU Leuven, Belgium
Abraham Van de Walle
PhD student
After completing his Master of Biomedical Sciences, Bram decide to focus more on the analytical side of research by pursuing an interest in Bioinformatics. Interested in how genotype impacts phenotype, Bram aims to uncover how synonymous mutations can drive phenotypic change. When not in the lab, he can be found playing board games or having drinks with friends.
MSc Bioinformatics - KU Leuven, Belgium
MSc Biomedical Sciences - KU Leuven, Belgium
Anthony Daniel ARDEN
Bioinformatician
Anthony is just beginning his career in functional genomics, with a desire to partake in direct investigations of how genotype impacts phenotype. Though comfortable sitting behind a computer screen, he is always looking for ways to maximize his wet-lab experience. In his free time, he enjoys visiting other departments on his local campus; he is particularly fond of bothering the computer science department.
BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics – University of Manchester, England
Vlad BATAGUI
MSc student
Vlad has a deep interest in everything genomics and would love to contribute to this reserach space by building new tools. He comes from a mixed background of biochemistry and statistics and likes projects where the two can be combined. These days, you can find Vlad on walks with his two dogs, exploring new art museums, or perfecting his coffee recipes at home.
MSc student Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology – KU Leuven, Belgium
Daan Troubleyn
MSc student
Daan is looking to gain wet lab experience this year by conducting fundamental research on the effects of synonymous mutations on protein folding. Contributing to science has been one of his dreams since childhood, and along the way, a passion for the microscopic world developed. In his free time, he enjoys perfecting his baseball swing, experimenting with new kitchen recipes, or savoring a good book with a glass of wine.
MSc student Cellular & Genetic Engineering – KU Leuven, Belgium
Marie Verdonck
MSc student
Marie is very enthusiastic about harnessing the power of genome editing techniques to revolutionize medicine, with a particular focus on advancing cancer treatment. She is passionate about unlocking the transformative potential of cellular and genetic engineering. Outside the lab, you'll often find her vibing to her favorite music during long nature walks.
MSc student Cellular & Genetic Engineering – KU Leuven, Belgium