Sophie Hernot

Sophie Hernot obtained her Master of Science in Bio-engineering from the Vrije Universiteit of Brussels. She completed her PhD thesis in Medical Sciences in 2011 on the use of microbubbles (ultrasound contrast agents) as well as Nanobodies for molecular imaging and drug delivery applications. As post-doctoral researcher in the Laboratory of In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI, VUB), her focus was initially on cardiovascular molecular imaging. Radiolabeled Nanobodies targeting markers of inflamed atherosclerotic plaques were optimized and their potential for the non-invasive imaging of atherosclerosis was demonstrated. As Tenure Track Professor since 2020, her research interests gradually shifted towards fluorescence molecular imaging in surgical and interventional applications. In this context, near-infrared fluorescently-labeled Nanobodies are designed and preclinically validated as tools for image-guided surgery, with the aim of translating them to the clinic.