I am Yves Janssen Verlaak, a third-year Bachelor’s student in Physics at the University of Hasselt, driven by curiosity and a fascination with the fundamental workings of our universe. Beyond my academic interest in experimental and theoretical physics and space science, I enjoy hobbies that let me explore the skies and nature, including sailplane gliding, skiing and launching stratospheric balloons.

My physics journey began in 2014 with Arduino-based experiments, progressing from sensor data acquisition to writing custom libraries and eventually designing Arduino shields for more precise experimental measurements. This passion led me to join my highschool’s STEM team, the Space Heading Deezers. Initially, I followed the guidance of senior students, gaining hands-on experience in experimental design and data analysis. Over time, I took on greater responsibility by mentoring new students, leading team initiatives, and designing new experiments.

These projects included participating in Asgard projects, launching experiments on stratospheric balloons from the RMI in Brussels to Astro Pi, an ESA program that allows students to run experiments on Raspberry Pi’s aboard the International Space Station. These experiences ultimately led to my contribution to the downlinking software for the Peregrinus experiment, which was launched aboard the Ariane 6 maiden flight.

In university I continued these interests in the Oscar-QUBE group in my first year working on modelling quantum effects for NV diamond magnetometry in space and designing test equipment. In my second year organising a stratospheric balloon program during a course on “Experimental Techniques”, launching a self-developed UV spectrometer and taking on additional experiments from highschool students.

Skills

My skills have been developed through self-study, academic training, professional experience, and applied in a variety of solo and collaborative projects.

• Soft     Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently and adapt to challenges. Effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability in dynamic environments.

• Technical     Python,  C,  C++,  R,  MATLAB,  LaTeX.

• Systems & Tools     Linux (Arch),  CAD,  GNU Radio,  Ansys HFSS & OpticStudio, COMSOL.

• Languages     Strong reading, writing, and speaking competencies in English and Dutch, and a foundational grasp of French.

• Scientific     Physics modelling, data analysis, reading and interpreting academic papers.

Experiences

Faculty Coordinator | Faculty of Sciences UHasselt, Student Council
Aug 2025 - Present

• Elected by fellow Science students to represent them on the faculty board and student council.
• Working closely with both students and faculty to share ideas, raise concerns, and take part in important discussions.

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AI vision model developer | Strygoo, Internship
Jun 2025 – Aug 2025

• Developed a computer vision system to identify and differentiate between the European hornet (Vespa cabro) and the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina).
• Working closely with engineers and programmers to help integrate the model into a prototype detection device.
• Designed a custom GUI to control model variables in real-time. Integrated the system into an innovative trap design for practical field deployment.

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Student Representative | Faculty of Sciences, UHasselt
Jan 2024 - Present

• Representing physics students interests in the Educational Management Team (EMT) to provide feedback and improve the curriculum.

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Student Researcher | OSCAR-Qube, IMO-IMOMEC
Sep 2023 - Nov 2024

• Modelling quantum effects in NV- centers for precise magnetic field measurements in a space experiment as part of an interdisciplinary student team.
• Designed test equipment, including a Helmholtz cube, to simulate magnetic fields encountered during flight.
• Performed EMI/EMC simulations in Ansys HFSS to verify compliance with spacecraft guidelines.

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Communication Systems Developer | Peregrinus Experiment, Ariane 6 maiden flight
Sep 2022 - Jul 2024

• Developed mission-critical software for data downlink communication using the Iridium satellite constellation network.
• Collaborated on a trilingual high school experiment measuring Earth’s radiation and magnetic fields aboard Ariane 6’s maiden flight.

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EV Charging pole construction | CKS elektrotechniek, PLUON
Aug 2022

• Helped in constructing EV charging poles, managing warehouse supplies and made step-by-step guides to construct sub-assemblies.

Conference Proceedings

• Peregrinus: A high school built magnetometer & radiation experiment to orbit earth on Ariane-6
  Y. Janssen Verlaak, L. Denis, E. de Schrijver, et al., Proceedings of the 26th ESA PAC Symposium, Luzern, Switzerland, May 2024, 295–297 pg. https://atpi.eventsair.com/26th-esa-pac-symposium/proceedings

• Magnetic field measurements along the trajectory of the Ariane 6 maiden flight utilizing quantum diamond-based sensors
  Y. Beerden, Y. Janssen Verlaak, D. Hendrikx, et al., Proceedings of the 75th International Astronautical Congress, Interactive Presentation, International Astronautical Federation (IAF), Milan, Italy, Oct. 2024, Paper ID: IAC–24, B1, IP, 57, x90761. https://iafastro.directory/iac/paper/id/90761/summary/

Trainings

• Python for Data science by Flemish Supercomputer Centre (VSC)

Certifications

• Science Faculty coordinator: Elected role on the student council (2025-2026)
• Young Science Conference: Presented a poster on a conference as first-year bachelor student (2024)
• LaTeX workshop: Assisted in giving an annual LaTeX workshop for three consecutive years at UHasselt (2023-2025)
• Certificate buddy program: Supported first-year physics students with the transition to university life (2024-2025)

References are available upon request.