Place of residence: Ghent, Belgium and Tallinn, Estonia

Position: Post-doctoral researcher at Ghent University (workgroup CMST), where I research and find methods to develop textile-based wearables (e-textiles) and make them as reliable and comfortable as possible.

Guest Professor at TTK University of Applied Sciences (Institute of Engineering and Circular Economy), where I teach new textile technology possibilities, including e-textile fabrication methods, and research different circular textile technologies that can be applied to the industry.

Please describe a day in your life:

After getting out of bed, I go to the gym for a workout on better days. Afterwards, I make myself a cup of coffee with some breakfast. After reaching work, I generally catch up with emails and check my plans for the day. My days at work can be two types: (1) I spend the day in the lab doing prototypes, testing their reliability and, based on the durability or user tests’ results, designing new technologies; (2) I spend the day at the desk planning for current projects, researching new projects and literature, as well as attending (so, so many) meetings. Meetings I attend are with other partners from electronics, data-processing, and different end users in order to gain a clear understanding of the final needs of each case/project and product.

The evenings are spent cooking with my husband, watching our favourite shows, or meeting friends.

How many projects are you currently working on? Please describe them:

I am currently working on three running projects in Ghent, with some extras starting soon.

The first project is smart clothing for firefighters with integrated temperature sensors and electronics to warn the firefighters of too-high ambient temperatures and humidity. The project includes partners from the technical textiles and clothing field, electronics hardware, data processing, and end-users.

The second project is developing a smart, portable, easy-to-use electrocardiogram recorder garment specifically designed for horses. The project includes partners from the textile, electronics and veterinary fields.

The third project that is actively running is to develop a smart sock with integrated IMU sensors for the detection of movement patterns in young children. The project includes partners from the textile, electronics and psychology fields.

Previously, I have also worked with sportswear with the aim of having a sensor-integrated shirt to monitor back and pelvis movements, thus preventing back pain in athletes (photo).

Also, there has been a project to develop an interactive textile-based toy for young children to encourage less screen time and more tactile STEAM learning. The toy is equipped with integrated RGB LEDs that can change colour when pushed in different areas. This sparked curiosity about how light could be turned on and off (photo).

In Tallinn, I work to develop a course for bachelor-level students about different integrated technologies for textiles. It is intended to give students a perspective on what is already within reach with new technologies and how they could be used in textile and clothing production.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person/company in the world of technology these days?

It’s a difficult question since technology is such a broad term. Keeping it in my field – wearable smart technology – I would bring out Movesense. They provide a scalable, programmable and certified Bluetooth ECG, heart rate and movement sensor that gives different wearable technology companies realize their products without huge R&D into hardware and focusing more on the end-user – thus – making it actually useful and usable.

If you could pick one app/product/project existing now that you wish you were involved in, what would it be?

Smart space apparel has significant needs and requirements for protection, health and comfort with very little leeway. Massive challenge – so – extremely – exciting!

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your career?

Overcome biases at the workplace but also overcome my own criticism. I am my biggest critic, and that is difficult to change. However, through several different projects, project partners and workplaces, I have proven to myself that anything is possible. The question is – do you want “anything”?

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

Professionally, I am most proud of moving to another country, starting a new position in a department out of my field and doing my PhD there. It all needed very strong resilience. All of that showed me that I have the ability to prove myself anywhere to be an effective researcher and professional in a very multidisciplinary field (and world).

What is your next goal?

Develop sustainable plans and methods to make wearables that can assist and support health systems – especially for continuous care.

What tips do you have for people wanting to start in the tech world?

Stay true to yourself and believe in your work. There are so many influences, opinions and technologies out there. I believe you should focus on your passion area and leave the rest to others. Collaboration is key!

If you could say something to your younger self, what would it be?

You will find your people!

Which famous person would you like to have dinner with and why?

Katherine Goble Johnson – I just would like to ask how she kept going through all the obstacles in life and how not to doubt yourself.

Where would you like to travel next?

Scotland! I want to experience all the beauty and passion that it has to offer.

Do you have a person who influences or motivates you?

Throughout my life, my friends and parents have supported me a lot. However, no one motivates me more than my husband – the best and most patient person ever walking this Earth.

What did you dream of creating/inventing/doing as a child?

I have always wanted to MAKE things. Then, take them apart and make something else. Was it clothes, technology or whatever else?

How do you see technology evolving in the next ten years?

I see it being more and more accessible. I also believe it will be more assistive than ever before, which can be both good and bad.

What do you wish yourself with respect to your career?

I wish that I would never get bored and always keep pushing my boundaries.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself happy and content.

What is the invention of the century in your eyes?

I will include the 20th century as well – birth control pills and patches. 

If you were asked to stay on a deserted island for six months, what three things would you take with you?

My husband, “Old Man and the Sea”, fire starting kit