Spotlight on PhD graduate Charlotte Stoffels

Published on 22/11/2023

Charlotte Stoffels conducted her PhD thesis at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). She developed a new methodology using high-resolution chemical imaging techniques allowing the localization of Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) inside cells and tissues.

What is your research background?

I did my bachelor's degree in general engineering, a first master's degree in chemical and materials engineering, and a second master's degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Liège in Belgium. During my first master's in 2018, I did a six-month internship at LIST in the Nano-Enabled Medicine and Cosmetics (NEMC) group, during which I functionalized microcarriers for cell expansion and materials sensing. During my second master's degree, I did a second internship at LIST in the Environmental Health (EH) group, during which I developed a serum-free 3D alveolar lung model in vitro for respiratory sensitisation. I then started my PhD in the Advanced Instrumentation for Nano-Analytics (AINA) group at LIST. I studied the toxicity of perfluorinated compounds using high-resolution chemical imaging techniques.

What is your research topic?

Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) have been widely used for many industrial applications including carpeting, firefighting foam, and textiles. So, there are omnipresent in our environment. Unfortunately, these chemicals are persistent and accumulate in human and animal bodies, leading to major health issues. Increased restrictions and public attention on well-known PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have resulted in a number of emerging alternatives as replacements. However, little is known about these alternatives and more studies are needed to better understand their effects on humans and the environment.

In my PhD project, we have developed a new methodology using high-resolution chemical imaging techniques allowing the localization of PFAS inside cells and tissues. This new visualization methodology provides insightful information to better understand potential negative impacts of these toxicants and opens new opportunities in toxicology in general.

How was your time with LIST?

I joined LIST in 2018 as a trainee, and now I have started a new position as a Junior R&T Associate in the Environment and Technology Department, so my journey continues. The research environment I've been working in has been very conducive to interdisciplinarity and collaboration. What I appreciated most was the independence I was given, while still benefiting from constant support when needed.