In forensics, human biological forensic evidence is of great importance, since these traces contain a wealth of information about a committed crime, thereby answering crucial questions like what happened, when, where, why and by whom. There is a strong need to make forensic information available as soon as possible to assist in solving crimes and ensure a safety society. However, at this moment, there is still a lack of confirmatory analysis techniques that are able to deliver on-site 
information that can speed up the crime scene investigation already during the initial phase. If confirmatory information about a possible suspect can be obtained directly at the scene of crime, forensic experts have investigative leads to rapidly solve crimes and making legal proceedings more efficient. Moreover, detailed information, such as donor characteristics and knowledge of time of deposition of biological traces, strengthens the evidential value. My research focusses on the 
development of such rapid, on-site forensic analysis methods and develop method to obtain additional information from the chemical profile of human biological traces, which can be used to answer crucial forensic questions. 

Additionally, the knowledge obtained for the forensic field can easily be integrated into public health. From a medical perspective I am working on the development of non-invasive tools to aid in diagnostics, which includes the development of specific biosensor that allow rapid and real-time analysis on location. These tools can be used as point-of-care devices and will help the patient to monitor directly its personal health. 

Forensic research - (bio)chemical analysis of fingermarks and other biological traces

Medical fiels - non-invasive diagnostics, biosensor development, rapid testing