He has a BSc and MSc Degree in Bio-Engineering from Ghent University and a PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences. For 17 years he has specialized in the study of bacterial infections in humans and animals, with a focus on the evaluation and development of novel diagnostics. His current research program centers around creating biosensors to detect pathogens, immune responses and disease biomarkers. He has published more than 60 papers in peer reviewed journals and been invited to be a speaker at numerous conferences.