I obtained my MSc in Clinical Epidemiology at the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (2002), and my PhD at Utrecht University (2003). Following graduation from Medical School in 2005 I worked as a resident in radiology (Gelre Ziekenhuizen Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, 2006-2007). A personal Dutch Cancer Society Research Fellowship (2009-2013) enabled me to work as a visiting scientist at the Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (professor SS Gambhir), the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California San Francisco (professor NM Hylton), and the Department of Molecular Pathology at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (professor LJ van't Veer). Since 2008, I work as a Clinical Epidemiologist in the research programs Cancer and Methodology at the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, since 2018 as Associate Professor. Furthermore, I have more than ten years of experience in teaching and coordinating courses in clinical epidemiology, both nationally as well as internationally. Since 2020 I am coordinator of the PhD program Clinical and Translational Oncology, and since 2021 I am coordinator of the Research Program Cancer and management team member of the Epidemiology department of the Julius Center, as well as board member of the UMC Utrecht Strategic Program Cancer.

Interests and Focus

My main research focus is on the clinical evaluation and translation of biomarkers, particularly for cancer classification (i.e. diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers). These markers include emerging imaging technologies such as molecular imaging, omics-based tests, and organoids. I have both experience in preclinical research as well as applied clinical science, and have expertise and experience in the design and analysis of studies spanning all (translation) phases of biomarker development, as well as treatment studies (from phase I through phase III).

2022: Voted best lecturer of the year by the Selective Utrecht Medical Master program students, Utrecht University

2016-2017: Jury member of the Talma Eykman award, UMC Utrecht.

2016-2017: Jury member of the Frits de Waard Penning, UMC Utrecht.

2014: Epidemiology teacher of the year, Epidemiology department, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht.

2014: Voted best lecturer of the year by the Selective Utrecht Medical Master program students, Utrecht University.

2013-2016: Methodologist of the Medical Ethical Review Board of the UMC Utrecht.

2013: UMC Utrecht Research Talent Program.

2012: Invitee, 2nd Inspire2Live annual conference at the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (meeting of talented young international cancer scientists).

2011: René Vogels Foundation travel grant.

2009: Dutch Cancer Society Research Fellowship (four year personal grant).