About Me
I have over 20 years of experience in industry and academia, and I hold an MSc and a PhD in engineering. Since 2017, I have been educating myself to shift my career towards data engineering, data science, and machine learning. Today, I am working part-time as a researcher at both the Biomedical Research Institute and the Rehabilitation Research Center (Reval) - University of Hasselt. I am also taking a part-time 6-month sabbatical leave to pursue some personal projects.
Researcher @ Biomedical Research Institute, Research Group Biomedical Data Sciences, Hasselt University, Belgium - current employment - fixed-term & part-time contract — Sep 2023 - Dec 2025.
The Research Group in Biomedical Data Sciences is affiliated with the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), the Data Science Institute of UHasselt (DSI) and the University MS Center (UMSC).
Involved in two projects: BELTRIMS and MS DataConnect project.
From the proof of concept stage (Technology Readiness Level 3) to developing a pilot system that can be demonstrated in a relevant environment (Technology Readiness Level 6/7).
🔨 Tools: Python, Pandas, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, …
Researcher @ Rehabilitation Research Center (Reval), Hasselt University, Belgium - current employment - fixed-term & part-time contract — Apr 2024 - Dec 2024
Involved in the FWO-funded project from dr. Lousin Mumdjian (FWO postdoctoral mandate): “Auditory-motor coupling in persons with a cerebellar impairment.”. Focus on sensor data cleansing, signal processing, and time-series analysis. Data from gait (IMU sensor technology) and gait-beat synchronisation measures.
🔨 Tools: Python, Pandas
Non-statutory academic staff @ Rehabilitation Research Center (Reval), Hasselt University, Belgium - Fixed-term part-time contract — Jan 2024 - Mar 2024.
Technical Developer @ Rehabilitation Research Center (Reval), Faculty Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Belgium - part-time & fixed-term (replacement contract) — Jan 2022 - Dec 2023.
Researcher - Expert @ Rehabilitation Research Center (Reval), Faculty Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Belgium - part-time & fixed-term contract — Jan 2023 - Aug 2023.
Researcher @ Karel de Grote University of Applied Science and Arts (KdG), Campus Hoboken, Antwerp, Belgium - part-time & fixed-term — Jan 2020 - Aug 2023. Research Projects.
🌐 ML@E2dge - 🔬PWO-project, 1 December 2021 - 31 August 2023 (14 person-month).
Machine Learning at the Extreme Edge (ML@E2dge) examines applying machine learning to develop intelligent devices.
✍🏻 Publication: 🌐 Gait Stride Length Estimation Using Embedded Machine Learning
🔨 Software & hardware tools: Python, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, TensorFlow, TensorFlow Lite, Keras, Weights & Biases (MLOps platform), Edge Impulse Development Studio, (Xsens) IMU sensor.
🌐 Elgas - 🔬 TETRA-project – 1 January 2020 - 30 November 2021 (23 person-months).
Effects of air quality in ships’ accommodations on human health: monitoring environmental parameters, risk analysis, and recommendations. Project partners: Hogere Zeevaartschool (HZS), Karel De Grote Hogeschool (KdG) and Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO). KdG was responsible for the (IoT) platform (system integration, software, and firmware design). This research was funded by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (TETRA Fund).
✍🏻 Tutorial: 🌐 Cloud-Based Data Logger
🔨 Tools: Python, Raspberry Pi, and Teltonika RUT955 router.
Senior Consultant @ VeroTech, Leuven, Belgium - Full-time - Jan 2018 - Dec 2019.
Consultant @ Cochlear Technology Centre (CTC), Mechelen, Belgium.
Tasks:
🔨 Tools: SIMetrix Circuit Design and Simulation (Spice), Python, and Altium Designer (PCB design)
Project Manager @ Peira, Turnhout, Belgium - Full-time — Aug 2017 - Dec 2017.
Project ownership from start to finish. Responsible for:
Senior Electronic Engineer @ Bruker microCT & Bruker Biospin - Full-time — Feb 2016 - Jul 2017.
@ Bruker Biospin - Rheinstetten, Germany / Wissembourg, France / Kontich, Belgium. - Mar 2017 - Jul 2017.
Project with an application in Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). Comprising:
@ Bruker micro-CT - Kontich - Belgium — Feb 2016 - Jul 2017.
Responsible for electrical and electronic design for the optical X-ray imaging system inside the Optical Molecular Imaging (OMI) team. Comprising:
🔨 Tools: Altium Designer (PCB design), TINA & LTSpice (simulation), and Python.
Research Engineer @ Pepric, Leuven, Belgium - Full-time — Mar 2012 - Jan 2016.
Responsible for the technology development of an ex-vivo tool for quantifying magnetic nanoparticles. Comprising:
RF Engineer @ Orban Microwave Products, Leuven, Belgium - Full-time - Aug 2009 - Mar 2012.
Responsible for GaN power amplifier (using X-parameters and compact models) and active antenna design in the framework of European project 🔬 🌐 PANAMA (Power Amplifier aNd Antennas for mobile Applications) and involved in two work packages, one as work package leader.
🔨 Tools: Advanced Design System, Momentum, Microwave office, EAGLE (PCB design), Vector Network Analyzer, spectrum analyser, power meter, signal generator and oscilloscope
Product Generation Engineer @ NMDG, Bornem, Belgium - Full-time — Apr 2007 - Jul 2009.
Responsible for translation of prototype to a product; Comprising:
🔨 Tools: Advanced Design System, Mathematica, Vector Network Analyzer, signal and (arbitrary) waveform generator, power meter, (sampling) oscilloscope, spectrum analyser.
Project: Antenna design for medical implant @ Client ‘X’ - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Esat-Telemic), a project under Non-Disclosure Agreement, Leuven, Belgium — Nov. 2006 - Mar 2007.
Achievements: proof of concept and a prototype design.
🔨 Tools: CST Microwave Office, Matlab, and Advanced Design System
Doctoral Research @ Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Esat-Telemic), Leuven Belgium — Sep 2002 - Dec 2006. Design of antennas used on the human body. This research focused on the design of small, low-cost ultra-wideband (UWB) 3.0-9.0 GHz antennas for wireless body area networks (WBAN). Funded by IWT PhD scholarship (active participation in drafting and preparation of the grant application).
Author of several scientific publications (see publication list).
🔨 Tools: CST Microwave Office, Matlab, and Advanced Design System
Other activities:
Summer job, Clock-o-Matic, Holsbeek, Belgium — August 2001.
Task:
🌐 ML@E2dge - PWO Project. Machine Learning @ the Extreme Edge (ML@E2dge).
🌐 Elgas - Tetra Project. Effects of air quality in ships’ accommodations on human health: monitoring environmental parameters, risk analysis, and recommendations.
🌐 MULTIFUN - European Project (FP7). Multifunctional Nanotechnology for Selective Detection and Treatment of Cancer. Member of one work package.
🌐 PANAMA - European Project. Power Amplifier aNd Antennas for Mobile Applications. Member of two work packages, one as work package leader.
Project Antenna design for a medical implant, a project under Non-Disclosure Agreement, Client ‘X’ & Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Esat-Telemic). Proof of concept (TRL1) & prototype design (TRL2).
Doctoral degree in Engineering Science (PhD, dr.), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 2007.
Funded by IWT PhD scholarship (active participation in drafting and preparation of the grant application)
Thesis: Design of Antennas Used on the Human Body.
Master of Science in Engineering Science (MSc, ir.), Cum Laude, electrical engineering option Telecommunication and Telematic, Katholiek Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 2002
Thesis: Exposure of Human Blood to an Electromagnetic Field and the numerical model.
In the thesis, a numerical model (Finite-Difference Time-Domain method) was written in C on a Linux platform.
Followed extra courses in
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSc, Ing.), Cum Laude, electricity option Electronics specialisation telecommunication, Institute for Higher Education in the Sciences & the arts, De Nayer Institute, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium, 1999
Internship @ Hevrox EMC/Safety Services, Beringen, Belgium (today, Hevrox EMC/Safety Services is integrated into the EMI solution).
Thesis: Validation of a fully anechoic room according to the prEN 50147-3 with HP-VEE. Content: Implementing an automatic measurement tool using HP-VEE and validating the fully anechoic chamber.
Joeri R. Verbiest, Bruno Bonnechère, Wim Saey, Patricia Van de Walle, Steven Truijen, Pieter Meyns, Gait Stride Length Estimation Using Embedded Machine Learning, MDPI Sensors, 2023. Paper
Li X., Torfs G, Vandewege J, Bauwelinck J, Verbiest J.R., Sensitive and quantitative pEPR detection system for SPIO nanoparticles, Electronics Letters, pp. 1600-1601, Volume 49, Issue 25, 2013. Paper
J.R. Verbiest and G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “A low cost small size tapered slot antenna for lower band UWB applications”, IEE Electronics Letters, Volume 42, Issue 12, pp. 670-671, 2006. Paper
J.R. Verbiest and G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “Small size planar triangular monopole antenna for UWB WBAN applications”, IEE Electronics Letters, Volume 42, Issue 10, pp. 566-567, 2006. Paper
J.R. Verbiest and G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “A Novel Small Size Printed Tapered Monopole Antenna for UWB WBAN”, IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, pp. 377-379, vol. 5, 2006. Paper
J.R. Verbiest and G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “Microwave Breast Cancer Detection and Superficial Hyperthermia Breast Cancer Treatment”, Revue HF, Belgian Journal of Electronics and Communication, no. 4, pp 35-44, 2004.
J.R. Verbiest and G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “Antennas for Wireless Biomedical Applications”, Revue HF, Belgian Journal of Electronics and Communication, no. 4, pp 13-24, 2004.
J.R. Verbiest and G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “Development of Optimal Radiated Structures in the Surrounding of Biological Tissues”, Revue HF, Belgian Journal of Electronics and Communication, no. 2, p. 18, 2004
Detection of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION’s) in the pig lung using the particle electron paramagnetic resonance (pEPR) technique, Christine M Shortt, Deirdre Edge, Eric Roskin, Joeri R Verbiest, Farouk Markos, Stephanie Teughels, WMIC 2014, Seoul; Sept 17-20.
Bio-distribution of supraparagmetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the pig, C. Shortt, D. Edge, S. Teughels, E. Roskin, J. Verbiest, O. Gobbo, A. Prina-Mello, Y. Volkov and F. Markos. Drug Discovery and Development, Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Experimental Biology 2014, San Diego; April 26-30.
G. Pailloncy and J. Verbiest, “On the fly PA Design with the R&S NMDG ZVxPlus”, ARMMS RF & Microwave Society, April 2009.
J.R. Verbiest and G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “A Microstrip-Fed Equilateral Triangular Microstrip Antenna on a Finite Periodic Surface of Square Patches”, The Second IASTED International Conference on Antennas, Radar, and Wave Propagation (ARP2005), Banff, Canada, pp.366-370, 19-21 July 2005.
J.R. Verbiest and G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “Design of very small antennas for biomedical devices”, Proc. 12th URSI Forum, Brussels, Belgium, 10 December 2004.
J.R. Verbiest, P. Delmotte, G.A.E. Vandenbosch, L. Verschaeve and A. Maes, “The Use of High Impedance Surfaces in the Construction of an Exposure Setup. A Preliminary Feasibility Study”, Journées Internationales de Nice sur les Antennes (JINA2004), Nice, France, pp. 116-117, 8-10 November 2004.
J.R. Verbiest, G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “Development of Optimal Radiated Structures in the Surrounding of Biological Tissues”, Proc. 11th URSI Forum, Brussels, Belgium, 18 December 2003.
J.R. Verbiest and G.A.E. Vandenbosch, “Development of a Finite-Difference Time-Domain model for the research on biological effects by electromagnetic fields”, Proc. 10th URSI Forum, Brussels, Belgium, 13 December 2002.
Last update: 1 April 2024