What is the topic of your PhD project and how does your work look like in practice?
I am part of the AI for Parkinson lab in which we are researching AI-based tools to analyse real-life wearable sensor data that was collected during the large Personalized Parkinson Project. The goal is to develop digital biomarkers that are more reliable and sensitive to change than current clinical assessments for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). My focus within the lab is on detecting tremor (and distinguishing it for example from tooth brushing), and investigating the relation between tremor and stress. On Thursdays I am working at the DCCN, where I am part of the Systems Neurology group. Since I am not collecting any data myself, this means that during my work I am sitting a lot behind my desk. Therefore I like going outside for a short walk during lunchtime with other PhD students (except when it's raining).
What has your career path been so far and how did you come to your current position?
I studied Technical Medicine at the University of Twente, where my interest in medical signal analysis and AI grew. When I was doing my graduate internship at the Radboudumc, I read about the AI for Parkinson lab and immediately got enthusiastic. I decided to apply and luckily got accepted.
Who are you working with and what do these collaborations look like?
The AI for Parkinson lab is part of the Digital Biomarkers for PD consortium, in which we collaborate with people with a background in different fields (such as medicine, mathematics or computer science). I really enjoy these collaborations, in which I can learn a lot from everyone. I also like the combination of learning about more applied research within the Radboudumc and more fundamental research within the DCCN. This variation keeps me interested and motivated at work.
What does your perfect weekend look like?
A perfect weekend day consists of going outside for a run or ride on my racebike, trying out a new recipe or restaurant with friends and going to a comedy show in the evening.