Vincent Crabbe

Figuring out complex things is part of my DNA. I get enormous satisfaction from understanding something down to its smallest parts. That explains why I find molecular biology so appealing: it zooms in on the smallest components of the cell to explain complex phenotypes. Therefore, I chose to specialise in Molecular Biotechnology during my master’s in Bioengineering Sciences at VUB. During the course on ‘Molecular Microbiology’, I became even more fascinated by microbial gene regulation and decided to conduct my master’s thesis at MICR.

After graduating in the summer of 2022, I worked for eight months as Education/Research Officer at VUB. During this period, I refined my teaching skills and prepared a project proposal for a prestigious FWO PhD fellowship. My application got approved, so I started on my PhD project in November 2023.

My PhD project focuses on transcription-factor-based biosensors. By sensing metabolic intermediates inside the cell, these biosensors hold the potential to enhance the production of valuable compounds like bioplastics. Despite this potential, much of it remains untapped due to the current trial-and-error approaches in biosensor engineering. My research aims to address this by developing biosensors in a more rational manner, integrating knowledge from biology with mathematical modelling and structural bioinformatics. This way, I aspire to contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable bio-based economy.

Feel free to follow me on LinkedIn or browse through my publications to learn more about my research.