Developing a course
I never planned to teach project management. Then I realized how much of it research had already taught me.
Liyan Smeding
Assistant lecturer | Biomedical scientist | Science communicator
Looking for opportunities in biomedical teaching, lab work, and visualization.
Inspiring Curiosity in Science and Beyond
With a PhD in biomedical research, my work has taken me from designing proteins for cancer immunotherapy to developing and teaching university courses for life science students. Along the way, I discovered how much I enjoy making complex ideas accessible, whether through teaching, scientific visualization, or science communication.
I’m especially passionate about using visuals to bring science to life, spark curiosity, and help people see complex topics in a new way. Scroll down to explore some of my work in research, teaching, and science communication.
When not working you can find me at sports (gymnastics, climbing, diving) or on the couch making stuffed animals.
Visualization
Teaching
Videos
I co-created Yodi as part of SciFilmIt Hackathon. A great exercise in science communication and video making.
I brought my PhD comic to live in this animation. Very fun and a great way to think about the story in a new way.
Swiss FameLab nationals pushed me to shape my PhD into a story where Totoro the CAR-T cell stole the show.
Visualization
>>> Short comic explaining my PhD project. It is a great conversation starter. <<<
>>> Illustration for the research section on the website of the lab. A high level technical conceptual explanation of my PhD project, which was paired with a short explanation. <<<
>>> A methods figure from my PhD thesis <<<
>>> A comic inspired by the "Yes, But" meme to explain a fun educational finding during the development of a new course for masters students. <<<
>>> Introductory figure from my PhD thesis to introduce the concept of CAR-T cells <<<
>>> A proposed logo for Pint of Science 2024. <<<
>>> Example page from a self study booklet for a course on project management. Check out the full materials here <<<
>>> Nachito characters, its scientific versions were mascots for the Swiss edition of 2024 Pint Of Science <<<
Crochet Friends
Cacti
Who says even Cacti are hard to keep alive?
- Patterns from Hardicraft -
Totoro - This beloved Studio Ghibli character loves watching the Totoro movie with me
- Pattern from: HappyAmigurumi -
Leprechuans - Offerings may tempt the leprechauns of electronics to favorably influence your experiments
- Original pattern -
Nachito
The Swiss 2024 mascote for Pint of Science loves to explore in the lab
- Original pattern -
Cockroach friend
Sloths are not very clean, so of course Simon needed a Cockroach Friend!
- Pattern from MyAmigurumiFarm -
Covid 19 and 20
Made in 2020, covid-19 (right) joined his big brother nicknamed covid-20.
- Patterns unknown -
Baby Yoda
Baby Yoda, I am. Mmm, yes.
- Pattern by BeeFriendsCrochet -
Mimick
Anyone home?
- Pattern by Crafty Tibbles -
Andarna
This baby dragon looked a bit like a snake early on, earning her the name Mr snek.
- Pattern from The Nerdy Knitter -
About Me
I was born in China and raised in the Netherlands. For my biomedical science studies I traveled to France, the United States, and Switzerland. I'm now living in Stuttgart, Germany where I'm teaching a project management course for life science students. When not working you can find me at sports (springboard diving, gymnastics, climbing) or comfy cozy on the couch making stuffed animals.