Fabian is a postdoctoral researcher at the Microbial Community Engineering (MiCE) group of CMET. He has a keen interest in host-microbe interactions and loves to develop microbe-based applications that benefit human health. Fabian worked on numerous research projects, focussed on various aspects of human-related microbiology. Amongst others, he studied the effect of NSAIDs on the gut microbiome using an in vitro model (M-SHIME), developed a new methodology for fast identification of pathogens causing corneal ulcers, assessed potential probiotics in the context of halitosis, and mapped interindividual effects of antimicrobials on the oral microbiome. Currently, his main research focus lies in exploring novel strategies to assist in the development of new antimicrobial compounds.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Bioscience Engineering from the University of Antwerp (Belgium) and a Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering – Environmental Technology from Ghent University (Belgium). Following his studies, he started his professional career as a high school chemistry and biology teacher. After teaching for one year, he joined the CMET and the Periodontology and Oral Microbiology research group at KU Leuven (Belgium) to pursue a PhD.
Selected key publications
- Mermans F, De Baets H, García Timermans C, Teughels W, Boon N. Unlocking the mechanism of action : a cost-effective flow cytometry approach for accelerating antimicrobial drug development. MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM. 2024;12(4).
- Mermans F, Mattelin V, van den Eeckhoudt R, García Timermans C, Van Landuyt J, Guo Y, et al. Opportunities in optical and electrical single-cell technologies to study microbial ecosystems. FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY. 2023;14.