Lena Vlaminck

I graduated with the highest distinction at Ghent University in 2016 with a Master of Science in Biology. On November 13th, 2020 I obtained my PhD in Biotechnology at the same institution. I spent only one-third of my time in Belgium at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. The rest of the time I did research at the Ghent University Global Campus in South Korea, where I was part of an emerging research facility. During my PhD, I developed bioassays and searched for bioactive components to promote growth in rice. On December 1st, 2020 I began my next adventure: postdoctoral researcher in the lab of professor Sofie Goormachtig (VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology) working on the project 'Soy in 1000 gardens'. In this project, researchers from VIB, UGent, KULeuven, and ILVO join forces to map soil bacteria in Flanders that can help introduce soy as a protein-rich alternative in sustainable agriculture in Flanders.
Traveling, taking long nature hikes, and observing wildlife are the things I love to do. Enjoying a beautiful environment and escaping everyday life is something I attach great importance to. I brew beer with my husband and I also like to cook, because experimenting doesn't stop when I leave the lab. In addition, I have an eye for aesthetic perfection and I like to be creative.