TechMed Talent Talks: Frontrunners of tomorrow

With the TechMed Talent Talks session, we offer the stage to the TechMed talents of the future. Research at the TechMed Centre covers a wide variety of topics. During the annual TechMed Research Day in June, we brought together researchers from these different disciplines. During the day, TechMed researchers were given a stage to share their work within the TechMed community and connect with other TechMed researchers. Furthermore, the Research Day aimed to provide a training ground for younger researchers and broaden their internal exposure.

Six of these young researchers were selected by both a jury and the public, and awarded with prizes for the best oral presentations and best poster pitches. These six, young and eager people will be the speakers of this session. Come and let yourself be inspired by their enthusiasm during the TechMed Talent Talks.

Where & When

Time: 14.45 - 16.00
Language: English
Room: FULL FOCUS Stage (TL 2148 | First floor)
Available seats: 50

The programme

14.45 - 14.48	Welcome & Opening Mariska van den Berg, University of Twente - TechMed Centre
14.48 - 15.00	Advanced ultrasound imaging for imaging behind the plaque Jelle Plomp, University of Twente
15.00 - 15.12	Simulation of electric fields during Deep Brain Stimulation in a whole-head model Thomas Keizers, University of Twente
15.12 - 15.24	Dynamic hydrogels for 3D cell encapsulation Kimberly Brock, University of Twente
15.24 - 15.36	AI-accelerated prediction of optimal implant alignment in total knee arthroplasty Linda ten Klooster, University of Twente
15.36 - 15.48	Raman spectroscopy for the diagnosis of inflammatory joint disease Tom Niessink, University of Twente
15.48 - 16.00	Multi-Heart Plate \| Modular and versatile three-dimensional cardiac chamber platform Jana Hecking, University of Twente
16.00	Closing Mariska van den Berg, University of Twente - TechMed Centre

Speakers

Tom Niessink | University of Twente

I am a biomedical engineer and clinical scientist. I am passionate about the development and validation of in vitro diagnostics, especially in rheumatology and oncology. During the TechMed Event I will present some work from my PhD thesis, which I will defend November 28th at the UT.

Jana Hecking | University of Twente

I am originally from a small town in Germany called Arnsberg. I started my professional career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (USA) with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration while competing in Division I collegiate tennis. During this time, I developed a keen interest in combining the study of cardiovascular diseases and organ-on-a-chip technology. This interest brought me to the University of Twente where I recently received my Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering with a specialization in Bioengineering Technologies. Now, I am a PhD candidate at the UT in the group Applied Stem Cell Technologies working on engineered cardiac in-vitro models, especially, on the next generation of miniature cardiac pumping chambers. In my free time, I still play as much Tennis as possible. On more quiet days, I like reading novels and cooking.

Kimberly Brock | University of Twente

My background is in materials engineering with a research focus on polymers for biomedical applications. My PhD project at the Developmental Bioengineering group of the University of Twente evolves around the development & characterization of hydrogels for 3D cell encapsulation. The aim of the project is to develop hydrogels that can mimic native cell environments, to create models relevant for tissue engineering. To better mimic the natural dynamicity and viscoelasticity of the cell niche, we focus on using dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) to create strong, yet dynamic, bonds. Additionally, the novel hydrogels offer interesting properties such as self-healing behaviour and stress relaxation. In this way we aim to expand the toolbox of dynamic hydrogels and improve artificial matrices to better resemble the natural (viscoelastic) environment of cells.

Jelle Plomp | University of Twente

I have always had an interest in both technology and the complexities of the human body. During my studies in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, I developed a special interest in image acquisition and image processing for imaging the human body, and for ultrasound imaging in particular.

Linda ten Klooster | University of Twente

I’m a Master student in Applied Mathematics and Science Education with a strong interest in Data Science and Deep Learning. My passion for impactful research in healthcare led me to an internship at Stryker. There, I focused on data-driven optimization of implant positioning in total knee replacements. This research sparked my interest in medical data science, and I’m now continuing this work in my graduate thesis, aiming to advance personalized and effective surgical solutions.

Thomas Keizers | University of Twente

I am a PhD student working at the department of Biomedical Signals and Systems. I focus on researching Deep Brain Stimulation, particularly in the context of Parkinson's Disease. Using volume conduction models and finite element methods I aim to investigate the distribution and characteristics of electric fields during Deep Brain Stimulation, not just in the direct vicinity of the electrodes, but throughout the entire head.

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