Birgitt Peeters was a Belgian 2023-24 Fulbright Visiting Student Researcher in Biomedical Engineering at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School. As a PhD researcher at KU Leuven’s Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Training, she specializes in subject-specific computer models of spinal deformity patients. She received a Flemish Research Foundation PhD fellowship for her innovative project. After obtaining a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering (magna cum laude), she participated in the Belgian Solar Team, contributing to the development of an advanced solar car that promotes sustainable energy solutions, highlighting her diverse range of interests.
Q: “Can you briefly describe your grant project?”
My research project aims to develop a pipeline for image-based personalized computational modeling and simulation of patients with spinal deformities such as scoliosis. With the aid of these models and simulations we can gain better understanding of the underlying biomechanics of this disorder and provide currently lacking dynamic evaluations of motion and function. Ultimately this pipeline can be used as a tool to aid in the clinical treatment decision-making process and move towards more personalized treatment options.
Q: “What have you accomplished during your time in the USA? What can you tell us about the initial outcomes of your program?”
We have succeeded in developing a pipeline for automated creation of personalized computer models of patients with spinal deformities using their medical images. The current workflow will be adjusted and optimized further in the future to accommodate more patient-specific features and to increase the user-friendliness of the workflow. Moreover, we are working on a dynamic optimization workflow to include the effect of spinal stiffness on spine motion, which has been neglected to present although it is known to be affected in these patients. Finally, we are working on an AI algorithm to create high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images, from the low resolution images that are usually available in clinical practice.
Q: “Has the United States been what you expected? In what ways has life in the USA surprised you, either for its similarities to or differences from your own culture?”
I was not too sure what to expect going to the USA, but all the worries and stress about living in the USA for a while were already gone after 2 weeks. I was pleasantly surprised by the openness of Americans during conversations and discussions about any topic. One of the things I will miss most was the unexpected small-talk at a stop sign on the street, in a park, in a store, and so on. Europeans keep to themselves more often, but I did really enjoy those short conversations with strangers. The biggest culture shock on the other side was public transportation, which required a bit more adjusting as I was used to being able to get anywhere easily and fast by public transport.
Q: “What has been your favorite “discovery” in the USA?”
My favorite discovery was going to a sports game in a big stadium! I watched a Celtics game in TD Garden, and I loved it so much. The game was exciting and the atmosphere in the stadium was amazing. It was such a fun experience! I also love the National Parks, some of them made me feel like I was on a different planet! My favorite food discoveries were Reese’s peanut butter cups, the tens of different flavors in Oreo’s, and real Mexican food.
Q: “What will you do after your Fulbright grant? In what ways has your experience in the USA this year impacted your plans for the future? “
I will continue to work on the projects I started in the USA (further development of the modeling and simulation pipeline, integrating the spinal stiffness, and developing the AI algorithm). We want to keep on collaborating in the future between our research groups and hope to set-up long-lasting collaborative projects. Of course, I also would like to finish my PhD, and the knowledge I gained from this research stay will be very helpful to achieve that goal.
Q: “What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the Fulbright Program?”
Stop hesitating and apply! The Fulbright Program not only helps a lot with the visa process but also helps to prepare you for your stay abroad. Although it’s always a bit stressful and scary to move to another country, it should not stop you from applying for this program. I am very happy I got the opportunity to take part in this program and I learned so much from it – not only work related, but it’s also a cultural enrichment!
Articles are written by Fulbright grantees and do not reflect the opinions of the Fulbright Commission, the grantees’ host institutions, or the U.S. Department of State.