Education

PhD: Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, Erasmus MC (Rotterdam, the Netherlands)

September 2012 to April 2018

• Computational analysis of brain connectivity data derived from medical images
• Published six peer-reviewed journal papers (three of which I am the first author) and two conference papers
• Received training in machine learning, statistics, Dutch language, neuroimaging, neuroanatomy, scientific writing and oral presentations
• Presented work at four international conferences, including three oral presentations, four posters and a nomination for best paper
• Thesis available here

Master in Applied Mathematics: TU Delft and KTH (Stockholm)

September 2010 to June 2012

• Full scholarship for “Computer Simulation for Science and Engineering” program
• Numerical methods (Finite Element, Finite Volume and Finite Difference)
• Thesis in the Neuronic Engineering group (KTH, Stockholm): “Determination of intracranial pressure from CT data using the Finite Element Method”

Bachelor of Health Sciences: University of Calgary (Canada)

September 2003 to April 2007

• Specialized in computer science applications in medical research
• Received several achievement-based scholarships
• Contributed to several research projects (see “Research experience” for details)
• Graduated with first class honours

Honours and awards

• Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, Category A, 2010-2012
• NSERC PGS M Postgraduate Scholarship, 2010
• One of seven University of Calgary graduates featured in university newspaper, 2007
• Jason Lang Memorial Scholarship, 2004-2006
• Undergraduate Academic Merit Scholarship, 2004-2006
• Jean Owen Outstanding Achievement Award, 2003
• Miller Thomson Award, 2003
• Alexander Rutherford Scholarship for academic achievement, 2003
• University of Calgary Scholars’ Advantage, 2003

Technical skills

• Programming: Expert in Python, prior experience: MATLAB, C#, C++, Java, Perl
• Data analysis: Experienced in basic statistics, SQL and machine learning
• Operating systems: Experienced using Linux, Windows and Mac environments

Academic research experience

PhD candidate: Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, Erasmus MC (Rotterdam, the Netherlands)

September 2012 to 2018

• Analyzed and visualized data using Python (numpy, scipy, matplotlib, statsmodels)
• Modeled brain connectivity associations using linear regression
• Used mercurial for version control and code management
• Provided guidance to other group members on programming practices
• Communicated results to audiences of variable levels of expertise

Master’s thesis: Neuronic Engineering Group (KTH, Stockholm)

January 2012 to June 2012

• Created a finite-element model of intracranial pressure changes during hematoma growth in the human brain
• Generated a surface mesh of the brain using CT data

Honor’s thesis: Evolutionary and Swarm Design Group (University of Calgary, Canada)

September 2006 to April 2007

• Transformed an immune system swarm simulation into a learning tool to be displayed in Calgary’s ‘Telus World of Science’
• Communicated with clients during iterative software and interface design, implementation, and testing

Summer intern: Blue Brain Project (EPFL, Switzerland)

May 2006 to August 2006

• Programmed a statistics module used in the construction of a digital model of the Neocortical Column
• Identified problems with existing data structures and suggested solutions

Summer intern: Dr. David Wishart’s Group (University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada)

May 2005 to August 2005

• Designed and implemented a ring current effect detection tool for protein analysis using NMR data
• Developed a program to match a protein’s secondary structure to a library of known protein structures

Independent study: Dr. Cairine Logan’s Group (University of Calgary, Canada)

September 2004 to August 2005

• Used bioinformatics tools to find cross-special regulatory regions upstream of Tlx-1 and Tlx-3
• Applied immunohistochemistry and western blot to determine spatial and temporal expression of Tlx-1 and 3 in chick embryos

Summer intern: Seaman’s Family MR Centre (Foothills Medical Center, Canada)

May 2004 to August 2004

• Constructed diagrams of the wiring of the building’s network
• Installed and used website management software for the centre

Summer intern: Alberta Children’s Hospital (Calgary, Canada)

July 2003 to August 2003

• Gathered & analyzed patient data for a study on juvenile obstructive sleep apnea
• Formatted the data retrieval cards for patients’ take-home breathing machines
• Created informative brochures about juvenile obstructive sleep apnea

Heritage Youth Research Summer Program Participant: Dr. Cairine Logan’s Group (University of Calgary, Canada)

July 2002 to August 2002

• Used immunohistochemistry on chick embryos to find the Pax3 gene
• One of 45 high school students selected from across the entire province

Professional experience

Research engineer: Almende BV (Rotterdam, the Netherlands)

February 2018 to present

• Developed innovative software solutions for research projects
• Analyzed data from a variety of fields
• Managed Almende's contributions to several international research projects
• Collaborated with business experts on project acquisition

Software developer and data scientist: The Hyve BV (Utrecht Netherlands)

February 2017 to January 2018

• Developed software for a platform which collects data for wearable devices
• Managed data for a pharmaceutical company
• Evaluated new open source technologies for their viability for inclusion into the company portfolio
• Investigated FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data

Systems Analyst: Telvent (Calgary, Canada)

June 2007 to July 2010

• Planned, implemented and tested software for oil pipeline monitoring in C# / C++
• Adapted SQL databases to custom project-specific requirements
• Coached new team members on software development practices
• Effectively communicated with customers during software development and testing
• Received recognition award and was promoted after minimum time requirement

Publications

• Langen, CD; White, T; Ikram, MA; Vernooij MW; Niessen WJ. (2015) Integrated Analysis and Visualization of Group Differences in Structural and Functional Brain Connectivity: Applications in Typical Ageing and Schizophrenia. PLoS ONE 10(9): e0137484
• White, T; Langen, CD; Schmidt, M; Hough, M; James, A. (2014) Comparative Neuropsychiatry: White Matter Abnormalities in Children and Adolescents with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. European Psychiatry 30(2):205-213

Conference posters

• Langen, CD; Muetzel R; Blanken L; Niessen, W; White, T. (2015) Age associations with Anatomic and Local Peak Activity Correlation Analysis (ALPACA). Organization for Human Brain Mapping Annual Meeting, Honolulu, June 14-18, 2015
• Langen, CD; Ikram, A; Vernooij, M; White, T; Niessen, W. (2014) Integrated analysis and visualization of group differences in structural and functional connectivity of the brain. Organization for Human Brain Mapping Annual Meeting, Hamburg, June 8-12, 2014
• Coutouly, M; Maiti, R; Montgomerie, S; Langen, CD; Wishart, DS (2006) A method to determine protein structures with minimal information. 6th International Conference of the Canadian Proteomics Initiative, Edmonton, May 10-12, 2006
• Sfyrakis, K; Langen, CD; King, JG; Jan, A; Lassere, S; Anwar, H; Ranjan, R; Hill, SL; Schürmann, F; and Markram, H. (2006) Blue Builder: Building the Neocortical Column According to Recipe. 5th Forum of European Neuroscience, Vienna, 2006.

Other information

Languages

• Native English speaker: Adept at written and oral communication
• Intermediate Dutch: Niveau B1 in NT2 cursus (goed met spreken en schrijven)
• Basic French: Formerly advanced level, can regain abilities with practice

Volunteer experience

• CyberMentor (Online, 2010-2012): Mentorship of girls interested in careers in science and engineering
• Canadian Park and Wilderness Society (Calgary, Canada, 2008): Community outreach and education
• Teaming Up for Tobacco-Free Kids (Calgary, Canada, 2004-2007): Presented to 10+ grade six classes about the importance of a tobacco-free lifestyle
• Students for Literacy (University of Calgary, 2005-2007): Taught literacy skills to two developmentally delayed individuals using interactive activities
• Student Leader (University of Calgary, Canada, 2004): Lead a group of new undergraduate students through their first days at the University of Calgary
• Teen Line / Youth Drug Line (Calgary, Canada, 2001-2004): Aided callers to find appropriate resources and formulate solutions to problems in times of crisis

Hobbies

• Exploring new and interesting places: Visited countries all around the world
• Creating tailored garments: Self-taught sewing enthusiast
• A master in the kitchen: Cooking and baking healthy and delicious dishes
• Artistic endeavors: Painting, drawing, glass-blowing and mixed-media
• Keeping active through tennis lessons and general fitness