Linda Loonen
As a Senior Scientist in Health and Microbiology, my work is primarily centered around gut health and its intricate biological interactions. This includes studying the effects of prebiotics, probiotics, pathogens, and inflammatory compounds, as well as exploring the complex interplay between diet, the microbiota, and the host throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract.
From a young age, I have been captivated by biology—constantly driven by the questions: How does this work? And why? Pursuing a career in life sciences was a natural progression. I began my academic journey with a Bachelor of Applied Science (HBO), followed by a Master’s degree in Cell Biology at Wageningen University (WUR). There, I also completed my PhD, focusing on the role of antimicrobial peptides in the gut, utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models.
I continued my scientific career at WUR, where I investigated the function of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor and its ligands in various intestinal disease models, as well as the impact of maternal diet during pregnancy on offspring development. Throughout my academic and professional journey, a consistent theme has been the dynamic relationship between diet, the host, microbiota, and gut immunity. Today, I continue to explore this intersection as part of the NIZO Health Team. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with a diverse array of partners on a wide range of topics, mainly related to healthy nutrition, and would be delighted to support you in addressing your specific research questions and improving your product.
Please feel free to get in touch!
Mail Linda