Experience
R&D communication specialist
May 2021 - December 2024
In this multi-faceted and independent role, I interpreted and helped communicate technical hearing aid features to customers and the market. In addition, I implemented new ways to evaluate hearing aids inside virtual sound environments by making use of cutting-edge loudspeaker array technology.
- Interdisciplinary collaborations with technical experts, spatial audio recording artists, acoustic and visual interior designers.
- Software and hardware implementation of a 45-loudspeaker, Ambisonic spatial audio rendering system.
- Highly agile and independent operational thinking, handling daily emerging new challenges in an integrated way.
Traveling the world
December 2021 - February 2023
A 15-month-long solo journey across four continents, carrying my violin. You can read about some of my experiences in the Stories section of this website.
- Volunteering efforts in several countries and projects, related to creative expression and hospitality.
- Participation in a wide range of music projects, endeavors of mindful intent, and explorations for personal growth.
PhD researcher
December 2017 - March 2021
Assessing hearing device benefit using virtual sound environments
In this project, I aimed to bridge the gap between laboratory-based tests and real-world performance of hearing aids and their applications. I made use of virtual sound environments (VSE) to evaluate the impact of various hearing-aid signal processing strategies, with particular focus on spatial processing algorithms. The research was carried out at the Hearing Systems section at the Technical University of Denmark.
- 3-year research and development of novel models and evaluation strategies for the validation of hearing aids in VSEs
- International collaboration with researchers worldwide, including in Sydney, Australia
- Learning and dissemination opportunities in a rigorous, academic environment
Traveling the world
September 2016 - August 2017
An 11-month journey on my own through 18 countries around the globe, meeting countless people of all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. I wrote stories throughout my trip that are accessible in the Stories section of this website.
- Countless interactions with vastly different people, improving insights in general behaviors
- Constantly dealing with challenging, unknown environments and circumstances, in an independent way
- Making judgment calls/practical decisions on-the-fly, figuring out complex logistical problems
IP Quality Assurance Engineer
September 2016 - August 2017
Validation and quality assurance of the 7x50 SROS (Service Router Operating System) software, controlling the 7x50 service switches and routers that carry on third of the global internet traffic.
- Testing of Enhanced Subscriber Management features
- Researching effects of highly specialized feature combinations on the routing platform behavior
- Scripted validation (TCL & Python) of interactions with the TCP/IP and OSI protocol suites
Private tutor Sciences, maths & violin
September 2008 - Now
Teaching a range of topics withing maths, physics, chemistry and computer science to high school and university students, for general improvement of understanding or preparation for specific trials and exams.
Pedagogic violin teaching to young children and adolescents.
Education
MSc in Electrical Engineering - Magna Cum Laude
September 2007 - June 2012
A five-year civil engineering education at one of the most prestigious universities in Europ specializing in signal processing, telecommunication, and computer science. Participation in extracurricular activities, such as the University Symphony Orchestra, and the VTK student club.
Erasmus Exchange Year - ECTS: A
September 2010 - June 2011
A one-year exchange as part of the Erasmus program, to the Technical University of Denmark. Additional focus on Artificial Intelligence, Analog High-Frequent System Design and Computer Graphics. Participation in extracurricular activities, such as the BEST Engineering Competition, and the Polyteknisk Forening.
Skills
Music
- Higher degree in violin, advanced degrees in piano and bagpipes
- Symphony orchestras & ensembles:
USO Leuven, J&M Orchestra Antwerp, Flemish Symphony Orchestra - International music collaborations in Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia,...
Tech & IT
- OS: Windows (including Office), macOS, Ubuntu Linux
- Scientific: MATLAB, SPSS, R
- Web: HTML, CSS, SQL, PHP, content management platforms
- Programming: Java / Javascript, Python, C++, Bash
- Creative: Adobe Photoshop / Premiere / Audition, Inkscape
Languages
- Excellent: Dutch (native), English
- Very good: French, Swedish
- Basic: German, Danish, Spanish
Sports
- Running: 5k, 10k, half marathon
- Sailing: Optimist & Laser class boat license
- Others: Brazilian jiu-jitsu, tennis, archery, chess