Bachelor in Biology
Master Biomedical Sciences – Environmental Health Sciences
PhD in Sciences – Biology
Joined the group in January 2019
Research project: Effect of micro/nanoplastics on human health: an in vitro assessment.
My research investigates how emerging particulate pollutants affect biological systems relevant to human health. I combine molecular epidemiology and mechanistic toxicology to understand how micro- and nanoparticles interact with cells and biological barriers.
My scientific career started in molecular epidemiology, where I investigated the impact of particulate air pollution on human health and development. During my PhD, I co-developed a label-free detection method for carbon particles in biological samples using confocal laser scanning microscopy with two-photon excitation. This approach enabled the direct detection of environmental particles in human biological matrices and strengthened exposure assessment in epidemiological studies by allowing internal exposure measurements. Following my PhD, I expanded my expertise in human biomonitoring and molecular epidemiology through collaborations with Sciensano. In this work, we evaluated the integration of exposure biomarkers into population-based health surveys. Over the past five years, my research has progressively shifted toward mechanistic particle toxicology. I established a research line focused on understanding how the physicochemical properties of micro- and nanoparticles influence cellular responses and biological barrier function. To address these questions, I implemented several human in vitro cell systems and invested in the development of co-culture and triculture models relevant for intestinal barrier biology. These models allow investigation of particle uptake, cellular stress responses and barrier integrity in human-relevant exposure scenarios. My current research focuses on developing advanced human in vitro systems to study particle–cell interactions and biological barrier responses. By integrating mechanistic toxicology with molecular epidemiology, my work aims to contribute to next-generation hazard assessment strategies for emerging particulate pollutants such as micro- and nanoplastics.
Beyond research, I am actively involved in the training of early-career scientists through the supervision of bachelor, master and PhD students. I also engage in science communication and public outreach on environmental health and plastic pollution.
My favorite quote: “Almost all aspects of life are engineered at the molecular level, and without understanding molecules we can only have a very sketchy understanding of life itself.” -Francis Crick 1988
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