Research
I use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to explore how we can live longer and healthier lives. The 1mm long worm is a highly effective model to explore the molecular basis of human diseases, including neurodegenerative disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer. My research portfolio explores the mechanisms underpinning disease, but also how to use C. elegans in a multidisciplinary platform to probe the effects of drugs, food and exercise and translate these to human health. In the department of Environment and Health (BETA) at the VU, my focus is on the effect of environmentally relevant chemicals e.g., pesticides and PFAS on (neuro)development.
