Romy van Acker

Master thesis: 'Modelling of Kidney (Patho)Physiology in Tubuloid-on-a-Chip', graded 7.6/10. - Developed an immunocompetent co-culture model with patient-derived kidney cells and a blood vessel using commercial organ-on-a-chip plates

Investigating the interplay between herpesviruses and the immune system, project graded 7.5/10 - Determined the role of nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) in herpesvirus (HSV) infection of neurons by using siRNA transfection techniques - Set up bioluminescence-based reporter models to study viral manipulation of NMD Group of dr. M.G.M. Verjans, Herpesviruses

Assisted in all coronavirus projects during the pandemic: - Characterized SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Omicron, Delta) using respiratory organoids in both BLS-II and BSL-III labs. (RNA isolations, immunofluorescence microscopy, cloning, qPCR, virological techniques) - Contributed to the development of an MVA-based MERS vaccine in a phase 1b clinical trial (processing and managing samples, analyzing seroconversion with ELISA) - Developed a reverse-genetics system to study coronaviruses - Supervized a MBO student during their graduation internship for 9 months Group of dr. B.L. Haagmans, Coronaviruses

Development of a 3D-muscle-on-a-chip model to study Pompe disease, project graded 8.5/10 - Optimized and set up 3D muscle-on-a-chip model using iPSCs - Measured contractile function, studied morphology by immunofluorescence microscopy and characterized differentiation by qPCR and Western Blotting Group of P.W.W.M. Pijnappel, Metabolic disorders

Avian organoid culturing for avian influenza virus (AIV) research, project graded 8/10 - Set up and optimized avian intestinal organoid protocols - Characterized cultures by fluorescent stainings, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR - Mapped molecular patterns of AIV characterized in low and highly pathogenic variants Research group of Prof. R.A.M. (Ron) Fouchier, Influenza

Gained extensive theoretical knowledge on immunology, virology, state of the art therapies and advanced research techniques Conducted high-quality scientific research through two internships, focusing on herpesvirus interactions and kidney-on-a-chip modeling. Thesis (industry): ‘Modelling kidney (patho)physiology in organ-on-a-chip model’, graded 7.6/10 Report (academia): 'The role of NMD in neurotropic alphaherpesvirus infection’, graded 7.5/10

Study track: Patient-Centered Research Developed strong laboratory skills on a wide range of techniques through practical coursework and internships. Report: 'Culturing avian intestinal organoids for avian influenza research', graded 8/10 Thesis: 'Modelling Pompe disease in a 3D skeletal muscle-on-a-chip system', graded 8.5/10