In this thought-provoking episode of the Professional Spotlight Series, host Tanmay Netke sits down with Rhea Verbeke, a postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven, whose work is redefining the way we think about water purification and scientific impact.

Her career has spanned disciplines—bioscience engineering, physics, environmental engineering, and chemistry—culminating in the development of a new class of epoxy membranes that could change the future of clean water access.

But Rhea isn’t just driven by research. She’s on a mission to bridge technology and societal change. We talk about:

• Her groundbreaking work on epoxy membranes

• Founding the Open Membrane Database

• Co-hosting the Smart Water Solutions podcast

• Why she’s rethinking how academia serves the world

• And how self-development, mountain trails, and biking keep her grounded

Rhea is deeply committed to making a direct impact—on the planet, on people, and on the way we solve today’s environmental challenges.

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by a scientist who is not only thinking outside the box, but actively rebuilding it.