Thibaut Maeyens

Passionate Bioscience Engineering student and owner of
Talpham science YouTube channel.
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"There seems no limit to research, for as been truly said, the more the sphere of knowledge grows, the larger becomes the surface of contact with the unknown."
William Cecil Dampier

About Me

I recently graduated from Ghent University with a Master in Bioscience Engineering, specializing in Cell and Gene Biotechnology. My passion lies in genetic engineering, molecular biology, (epi)genomics, and the biology of aging. Currently, I am working as a PhD student at the University of Antwerp, conducting research on the identification, heterologous expression, purification, and characterization of novel potential antibiotics.

Alongside my academic pursuits, I am the owner and content creator of Talpham, a science education YouTube channel. With a problem-solving mindset, discipline, and a positive outlook, I am continuously learning and expanding my skill set. Ultimately, my goal is to pursue a research-focused career that allows me to leverage my skills and expertise in the pursuit of scientific progress.

Thibaut Maeyens
Campus Groenenborger
Antwerp, Belgium
thibaut.maeyens@uantwerpen.be
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Education

Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering

Cell and Gene Biotechnology (biomedical)

Ghent University, Belgium
September 2021 - July 2023

Bioengineers specialized in cell and gene biotechnology are capable of directing biological processes at DNA, protein, organism or ecosystem level and of using their engineering mindset to put that knowledge into practice for industry and society. The professional field is very broad and includes the production, analysis and application of enhanced biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life.

Bachelor of Science in Bioscience Engineering

Cell and Gene Biotechnology

University of Antwerp, Belgium
September 2017 - July 2021

The bachelor is proficient in foundational mathematics and natural sciences with advanced knowledge in bio-engineering sciences. Skilled in modeling and representing processes/systems, integrating knowledge from various disciplines, and developing research projects. Possesses analytical problem-solving skills, a research attitude, and effective communication abilities. Experienced in functioning within teams, assuming responsibility for setting and achieving goals. Knowledgeable of ethical, technical, ergonomic, social, and environmental aspects when approaching work in the bio-engineering field.

Research Experience

PhD student

Lab of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - University of Antwerp
October 2023 - Present

Full-time research position, focused on identifying and characterizing novel beneficial compounds produced by lactic acid bacteria. My work aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms governing probiotic bacteria while discovering new antimicrobials. This work is pivotal in the fight against antibiotic resistance, a crisis predicted by the WHO to cause as many casualties as cancer by 2050.

Graduate Dissertation

Collaboration between Ghent University and the University of Antwerp
September 2022 - June 2023

Through the integration of bioinformatics, genetic engineering, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology, I successfully identified, recombinantly expressed, purified, and characterized novel antimicrobial compounds produced by lactobacilli. The discovery of these compounds presents promising opportunities for combating pathogenic bacteria and decreasing reliance on conventional antibiotics.

During this research project, I utilized a range of techniques, including genome analysis, plasmid and primer design, PCR, gel electrophoresis, heat-shock transformation, Gibson Assembly, restriction/ligation, sonication, AKTA purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and LC-MS.

Undergraduate Dissertation

University of Antwerp
September 2019 - June 2020

I designed and executed a study aimed at optimizing the colonization of specific bacteria on plant leaves. To achieve this, I developed four unique methods and conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine their effectiveness. I analyzed the bacterial composition of the leaves through culturomics and 16S DNA sequencing which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the complex microbial communities present on plant surfaces and the potential impact of different colonization methods.

Work and Teaching Experience

Mentor and Instructor

University of Antwerp
October 2023 - Present

Guiding and evaluating a group of four final-year bachelor students (bio-engineering) in their dissertation project, providing lab mentorship and feedback on manuscripts and presentations.

Mentoring high school seniors in a biology of aging dissertation project, involving experimental setup, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, specifically focusing on the effect of caloric restriction on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster.

Science Department Promotions Coordinator

University of Antwerp
February 2023 - April 2023

Produced and edited a promotional video for a new master's program, Sustainable Urban Bioscience Engineering, including coordinating interviews. Video link:
https://www.sube.be/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQgMhsBtS_U

Skills

Computer skills

  • BioPython
    •  Parsing nucleotide or protein databases for specific requests, determining phenotypes from genotype, coding functions to automate tasks
  • Rstudio
    •  Data analysis: statistics, bioscreens, RNA sequencing, microarray analysis, chromatography, OD measurements, ggplot...
  • LaTeX
    •  Used to write mathematical operations and large manuscripts including my master's thesis
  • Microsoft Office
    •  Advanced experience with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • DaVinci Resolve
    •  Editing software I use to create my YouTube videos
  • Geneious and Benchling
    •  Designing genetic constructs (plasmids or linear) for generating mutants through double-crossover homologous recombination, designing primers, analyzing sanger sequencing data...

Laboratory skills

  • Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology
    •  Restrictions, ligations, Gibson assemblies, gene knock-outs/ins, (q)PCR, DNA/RNA extractions, transformations in bacteria, plants, and animals (heat shock, natural competence systems, electroporation, microinjection), inductions in E. coli, protein purification using AKTA, gel electrophoresis, PAGE, Western blotting, HPLC, LC-MS...
  • Microbiology
    •  Working with BSL-2 pathogens, bacteria, funghi, cell culture, culturing, sterile work (autoclaving, BSC), Galleria larvae toxicity assays, microscopy...
  • Model systems
    •  Allowed to direct experiments with laboratory animals (certificate), hands-on experience with Drosophila, Xenopus, and mice

Blog


The age of misinformation and how to combat it

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Contact

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a potential collaboration, don't hesitate to contact me via email.

Email

thibautmaeyens@talpham.com

LinkedIn

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