Emma Verheye

I am passionate about science and its potential to change lives.
My curiosity led me to complete a Master’s in Biomedical Research (2021) and to pursue a PhD in Medical Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Sep 2025). During my PhD, I specialized in immunotherapy in onco-hematology and discovered the value of clear communication, making science accessible and relevant for both expert and non-expert audiences.

I thrive in dynamic environments, combining critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Engaged to take ownership, eager to learn, and determined to deliver quality, my goal is to bridge scientific expertise with real-world clinical impact and contribute to therapeutic innovation that truly makes a difference.

Beyond science, I enjoy playing padel and being actively involved in scouts. These activities have strengthened qualities I bring into my professional life: teamwork, strategy, resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of responsibility. They keep me balanced and continuously sharpen the skills I apply to science and collaboration.

I am now looking for opportunities where I can translate my expertise into patient-centered solutions and support the advancement of healthcare.

Pre-doctoral Researcher @VUB-VIB                       Oct 2021-Sep 2025

Projects: Mapped the immune landscape of Multiple Myeloma using scRNA-seq (murine and human), uncovering dendritic-cell dysfunction and novel immunotherapy targets. Developed immune-activation strategies.

Experience in: Onco-Hematology, Immunotherapy, scRNA-seq.

• Research & Collaboration: Co-authored 8 research papers (3 first-author) and grant proposals; collaborated within interdisciplinary teams across research, clinical, and industry partners.
• Communication: Delivered conference presentations (VIB, ORC, BHS, EACR), guest lectures, and public outreach activities.
• Project & Data Management: Planned and coordinated multi-step research projects; managed and analyzed large datasets (scRNA-seq).
• Leadership & Supervision: Supervised and mentored Master’s students.
• Technical Skills: scRNA-seq · Flow Cytometry · Murine & Human Models.
• Transferable Skills: Problem-solving · Critical Thinking · Time & Project Management · Cross-functional Collaboration.

Assistant in Quality Assurance – Student Job @VUB                    Jan-Sep 2020

• Quality Assurance: Quality management and accreditation processes (quality manual, SOPs, workflows); compliance with lab standards.
• Process Improvement: Transition from paper-based to automated systems; improved efficiency and traceability.
• Operations & Coordination: Resource allocation, budgeting, and team support; early experience in people and project management.

Relevant Student Employment & Volunteer Experience         2013-2019

• Healthcare assistant @De Ceder Beersel, Youth leader @Amajoe
• Youth Leader & Head Leader (Finance & Communication) @Scouts Beersel

PhD in Medical Sciences @VUB-VIB                   2021-2025

@VUB – Translational Oncology Research Center – Team of Hematology and Immunology – Prof. Karin Vanderkerken, Supervisor: Prof. Kim De Veirman.

@VIB – Center for Inflammation Research – Lab of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy – Supervisor: Prof. Damya Laoui.

PhD thesis: Mapping the immune heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment to identify novel target populations for immunotherapy in Multiple Myeloma.

Master of Biomedical Research, magna cum laude @VUB                  2019-2021

Master’s thesis: The impact of β-blockers on Multiple Myeloma cell survival.

FELASA cat. C - Directing animal experiments (2020).         

Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences @VUB                      2016-2019

Bachelor’s thesis: Ultrasensitive Single Molecule Array (SiMoA) PSA immunoassay has superior predictive value for recurrence after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.