Kelly Tilleman’s research experience started in the field of proteomics where she obtained a PhD in biomarker research in inflammatory arthritides at the University of Ghent in 2007. At that time, she combined her scientific enthusiasm with the responsibility of quality manager for an accredited DNA fingerprinting laboratory. As a post-doctoral fellow Kelly got in touch with the group op prof. Petra De Sutter, as they joined forces in several research projects. Because of her experience as a quality manager and her interest in the wonderful world of reproductive medicine, she started a new career at the department of Petra de Sutter in November 2009. Kelly has combined the task as the quality manager of the fertility centre and the bank for reproductive tissues and cells with scientific research in the area of fertility preservation where they aim to optimize the in vitro maturation of oocytes starting from ovarian cortical tissue. Additionally and more specifically for fertility preservation in transgender persons, they are trying to  develop realistic and innovative fertility preservation for female-to-male transgender persons.

Currently, Kelly is the director of the IVF laboratory at Ghent University Hospital where she has the privilege to work with a very dynamic and enthusiastic team. They perform all IVF laboratory processes in medical assisted reproduction, run a successful fertility preservation program and perform embryo biopsy for pre-implantation genetic testing. Kelly is still part of the quality management team, where the mission is to learn and grow as an organisation in order to perform and care better for every single patient who visits our fertility centre.

Internationally, she is the current coordinator of the special interest group SQART at ESHRE, Belgian representative for EDQM at the Council of Europe and board member of international organization ICCBBA (ISBT-128).