My scientific vision is to redefine how we understand virus–host interactions by uncovering the molecular mechanisms of viral engagement with host cell-surface glycans. I aim to move the field beyond simplistic receptor concepts toward a mechanistic, biologically relevant framework that explains viral host adaptation, antigenic evolution, and zoonotic emergence.
I am an Associate Professor in Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery at Utrecht University, where I lead an interdisciplinary research program integrating virology, glycobiology, structural biology, and chemical biology. My PhD training in virology and postdoctoral work at The Scripps Research Institute established a strong foundation in the biology of the influenza virus glycoproteins and their receptor specificity. These experiences shaped my long-term ambition to connect molecular recognition at the virus–glycan interface to viral evolution and immune escape at the organismal level.
My ERC Starting Grant enabled me to establish an independent research line that combined chemo-enzymatic glycan synthesis, glycan arrays, tissue binding assays, and structural approaches to reveal previously unrecognized principles of influenza virus receptor usage. Building on this foundation, my ERC Consolidator Grant research vision focuses on integrating receptor binding, antigenic drift, and immune pressure into a conceptual framework explaining influenza virus evolution across hosts and tissues. Through ERC Proof of Concept funding, I seek to translate fundamental discoveries into innovative tools and strategies that support antiviral development, vaccine design, and pandemic preparedness.
Looking ahead, my goal is to establish a globally leading research program that bridges chemistry and virology to deliver novel concepts on infectious disease research and public health.
Check out our latest story on how H5N1 viruses bind their receptor as published in PNAS and Nature.
Check out our latest paper on how SARS-CoV-2 uses sialylated glycolipids to infect cells!
With a news and views in Nature Chemical Biology
Our paper on the receptor specificity of an influenza B virus from a spiney eel was discussed in this week of virology
https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-824/
Our paper on N-glycolylneuraminc acid discussed in This Week in Virology
TWiV 556: Glycolyl’s not for the birds
UU News article about the awarded ERC-Starting Grant Sugar enable
Our vaccines are still so old-fashioned!
Google scholar page