Meet Koen Tielemans

Koen Tielemans

I plan to develop platforms for testing evolved modules within various synthetic cell-like environments.

Hi, my name is Koen Tielemans. I previously studied Biotechnology in Wageningen, where I was part of the 2022 iGEM team “Colourectal.” Afterward, I completed my internship and worked at a start-up focused on the in vitro production of custom mRNA, where I was part of the enzyme development team.

Currently, I am back at Wageningen University and Research, joining the EVOLF consortium under the supervision of Dr. Nico Claassens and Prof. Dr. Ir. Thijs Ettema. My work will focus on in vivo testing and the directed evolution of minimal modules for synthetic cell metabolism. Additionally, to ensure these modules to function in a synthetic cell, I plan to develop platforms for testing evolved modules within various synthetic cell-like environments. Lastly, we aim to work on transport proteins for modular take up of building blocks.

Outside of work, I have a broad interest in different cultures and natural environments, which I strive to experience as much as possible through education and travel. I also enjoy collecting plants, vinyl records, and go thrifting.