From the Laboratory Bench to Public Health Surveillance: My Journey into Epidemiology

If you had asked me at the beginning of my studies where I saw myself in the future, I probably would not have said public health surveillance.

During my studies in Medical Laboratory Technology, I developed a strong interest in microbiology and infectious diseases. Looking back, however, I realize that public health had been quietly present throughout my journey all along.

Then came 2020.

Almost overnight, I witnessed a hospital laboratory transform its operations to respond to an emerging public health crisis. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I found myself fascinated. For the first time, I began to wonder what happened beyond the laboratory.

How were these results used? Who interpreted them? How did thousands of individual test results contribute to decisions affecting entire populations?

While continuing to work part-time in the hospital laboratory, I enrolled in a bridging programme in Epidemiology at the University of Antwerp. It was a challenging year that required balancing work and study, but it also provided the foundation I had been searching for.

I was introduced to epidemiology, biostatistics, and research methods. More importantly, I began to understand how health data could answer questions far beyond the laboratory.

“For the first time, I began to wonder what happened beyond the laboratory. How did thousands of individual test results contribute to decisions affecting entire populations?”

Finding my place through MEPI

This realization motivated me to continue into the Master of Epidemiology (MEPI) programme.

During the master’s, I explored different branches of epidemiology, public health, and biostatistics while further developing both analytical and research skills.

One particularly formative experience was my master’s thesis, conducted in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Using national registry data, I investigated the recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection and later had the opportunity to publish the work as first author in a peer-reviewed journal.

Beyond the thesis, I gained experience developing RStudio teaching materials for epidemiology courses at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, helping translate legacy R Commander scripts into more modern training resources.

In addition to technical skills, MEPI introduced me to an international community of students and professionals who shared a common commitment to improving population health. Those exchanges broadened my perspective on public health challenges and reinforced the value of collaboration across countries and disciplines.

Equally important were the opportunities to engage with the academic community beyond coursework. As a student representative and coordinator of the Buddy Programme, I learned the value of creating supportive environments where students from diverse backgrounds can connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.

MEPI introduced me to an international community of students and professionals who shared a common commitment to improving population health.

TURNING DATA INTO PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION

After graduation, my professional journey continued to reflect this blend of analytical work and public health practice.

I worked in tuberculosis epidemiological surveillance, health promotion research, and real-world evidence analysis within a clinical AI environment. Each role provided new perspectives on how health data can support evidence-based decision-making.

Today, I work as a Scientist in the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases service at Sciensano, Belgium’s national public health institute.

My work focuses on surveillance systems, including Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and the Belgian Mortality Monitoring (Be-MOMO). Through these systems, I contribute to the validation, management, and analysis of surveillance data, helping monitor trends in respiratory infections and excess mortality across Belgium.

What I find particularly rewarding is the opportunity to transform large volumes of health data into meaningful public health insights. Whether supporting routine surveillance, contributing to epidemiological analyses, or collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, the ultimate goal remains the same: providing timely and reliable evidence that can inform public health preparedness and decision-making.

BUILDING MY OWN PATH

I moved through laboratories, research projects, student leadership, and public health practice. At times, I felt uncertain about which direction to take. Yet each experience contributed something valuable and ultimately helped me understand where I wanted to make an impact.

What matters most is staying curious and remaining open to new opportunities for growth. For future students, current students, and fellow alumni, I hope this serves as a reminder that finding your place in public health is itself part of the journey. Sometimes, the experiences that seem unrelated at the time become the very foundations of the work you eventually find most meaningful.

In my case, what began with microorganisms under a microscope evolved into a passion for understanding respiratory infections at the population level. Looking back, I was not searching for my path as much as I was building it—one experience, one question, and one opportunity at a time.

Looking back, I was not searching for my path as much as I was building it—one experience, one question, and one opportunity at a time.