Freelance science communication and education
About me
Liesbeth Demuyser, PhD
I am a Belgian 30-year-old girl, fond of science and passionate about communication and education.
Having done a PhD and postdoc in microbiology, I am especially interested in life only visible under a microscope. I devoted the majority of my scientific research career to the investigation of fungal infections and development of therapies therefor.
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Since 2019, I am also a licensed lecturer and teacher and since 2021 a part-time freelance science communicator.
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Expertise
Research
During my PhD, I focussed on cell biology, microbiology, molecular tool development and fluorescence microscopy. In my postdoctoral research, I changed gears towards medical microbiology and mycology, probiotic therapy development, microbiome and metabolome analysis.
Science communication
I have contributed to a number of science communication initiatives, such as small_life_science @ Instagram, EOSblog, Biotech day @ VIB, Science day @ KU Leuven, Science-on-the-road @ VIB, W(eet)enschap @ Flemish government, etc. For more information, click here.
Project management
Managing projects is something I particularly enjoy doing. Motivating and guiding a team of people to reach common goals and setting out strategies to do so, is something particularly rewarding. As a postdoctoral researcher and as a lecturer, I have managed several projects, on a local, national, international and interdisciplinary scale.
Teaching
I taught several classes at KU Leuven involving microbiology, mycology, molecular genetics and cell biology. I was a guest professor at the Faculty of Medicine at KU Leuven and UAntwerp. At the University college UCLL, I teach basic chemistry, cell culture techniques, biotechnology, mycology, bioprocess technology, etc.
Engagement
During my time at KU Leuven, I actively participated in policy making. I was a member of the Science Faculty Council and Science Faculty Board. Further, I was vice-president of the fABAP Science Council. I also coordinated local COVID19 initiatives at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology.
Event organisation
I have had the chance to co-organise a number of events, ranging from an inter-departmental science fair at KU Leuven to an international conference on mycology in Nice, France. I also organised part of the 2019 Biotech Day. In every occasion, fruitful collaboration between crew members was vital.
Experience
Master in Science
In 2013, I obtained a master degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at KUÂ Leuven (Belgium). I graduated summa cum laude with congratulations from the jury. I was granted the award for best master student Biochemistry and Biotechnology by PDL and Chemici Leuven.
PhD in Science
I obtained an aspirant grant of FWO to start my PhD research at the lab of Molecular Cell Biology (KU Leuven), where I optimised biosensors for monitoring of cellular signal transduction in human fungal pathogens. I obtained the title of Doctor in Science in 2017.
Postdoctoral researcher
Following my PhD, I started as a postdoctoral research at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology. My research focussed on vaginal fungal infections. In the context of this research, I obtained an FWO grant to perform research at the University of Copenhagen.
Lecturer
In 2018, I followed a teacher training program, next to my work as researcher. I obtained my license as teacher in 2019. Immediately after, I started working part-time at the university college UCLL, where I teach several theoretical and practical courses to lab technicians in training.
Science communicator
Over the course of my academic career, I constantly felt the urge to communicate my science to a broader audience. I invested a significant part of my time in science communication and outreach. For more information, click here.