Alumni

Elisabeth Stes - My time in Ive's lab shaped my career in many ways. I came to develop proteomics tools for plant biology, but discovered I loved making complex science accessible to others. The collaborative environment and pioneering research at Ive's lab gave me countless chances to write, present and explain our work to different audiences. The experience of bridging fundamental plant research with real-world applications became the foundation for my career transition. Those years in the lab didn't just make me a better scientist, it revealed that my strength lies in connecting science with people. Today, as Communications Manager at theAgTech scale-up Aphea.Bio, I draw on that foundation daily. I'm grateful that Ive gave me the space to discover and develop these skills alongside rigorous scientific training.

 

Xiangyu Xu - Joining the Functional Phosphoproteomics Group for my PhD is one of the best decisions I have ever made. My PhD research focused on kinases regulation, but what I gained went far beyond any single project. The group provided an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment, where I was encouraged to think independently while also benefiting from close mentorship and collaboration. Ive created an environment where you are encouraged to be curious, bold, and independent, while always knowing that thoughtful support from Ive, senior labmate, and other group members is just a conversation away. Whether it was brainstorming signalling pathways on a piece of A4 paper or troubleshooting experiments, there was always room for open discussion and “stupid” questions (which often turned out to be the most interesting ones). Research felt challenging, but never lonely. My time in the group has shaped the way I think and work today. The technical skills, confidence, and problem-solving mindset I developed during my PhD are things I rely on every day. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher, I still catch myself thinking, “How would we approach this back in the group?”.

 

 

Lam Dai Vu - My time in the group was formative for my development as an independent scientist. The research environment encouraged intellectual ownership but also close collaborative interaction with people from diverse backgrounds. Navigating changing directions and unexpected challenges also helped me develop adaptability and resilience, skills that are central in my current position as a lead scientist In Cryptobiotix, a preclinical Contract Research Organization.

 

 

VIB (2013 - Present)

  • Cassio Flavio Fonseca de Lima (PhD)
  • Xiangyu Xu (PhD)
  • Lixia Pan (PhD)
  • Lam Dai Vu (Phd / PostDoc)
  • Tingting Zhu (PhD / PostDoc)
  • Shanshuo Zhu (PhD)
  • Natalia Nikonorova (PhD)

 

University of Nottingham (2011 - 2015)

  • Priya Ramakrishna (PhD)
  • Evan Murphy (PhD)
  • Stephanie Smith (PhD)
  • Nathan Czyzewicz (PhD)
  • E. Leanne Williams  (PostDoc)