Menu
In the Spotlight: Meet Nienke Bakx
At Women in AI we’d like to inspire others by featuring women role models that are making a difference in AI. We aim to empower women who are working in AI by highlighting their success stories. This way we hope to inspire other women and girls to get into STEM-related fields. In our series ‘In the Spotlight’ we shine a light on an expert in the field and today we’d like you to meet Nienke Bakx.
Author: Ingrid van Heuven van Staereling
Adding AI solutions in the medical field
Nienke recently obtained a PhD in the field of medical AI. The project she had to work on fitted her perfectly: “I was able to develop and evaluate several AI models on one hand, but on the other hand, I was in close contact with doctors and other medical staff on how to safely implement it in their daily workflow.” Over the past 4 years, they successfully implemented two AI models at the radiotherapy department which helps to automate the treatment planning workflow. “It is something I’m proud of, although I’m also quite modest if you ask my friends and family.” But the main reason Nienke started her bachelor’s in Medical Engineering 10 years ago was to be able to make an impact with technical solutions in the medical field. “And I feel like it could not have had a better outcome.”
This summer, she started her job as a data science consultant at Datacation. “Here I am able to help other companies to make their working life more fun and efficient.” She prefers to also work on projects that can have a societal impact, such as her PhD in the hospital. “Luckily, our young team feels the same way, and we are already involved in some cool projects.” – Nienke explains enthusiastically. “For example, I’m working on a research project to detect pancreas cancer recurrence in an early stage.”
Optimizing breast cancer scans and treatment
As mentioned before, Nienke was able to evaluate and implement two AI models in clinical practice at the radiotherapy department at the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven. “The first model focused on automatic delineation of target volumes and organs on CT scans for breast cancer, while the second model was able to predict the dose distribution which was needed for the actual radiation of the patient.” The fact that they were able to thoroughly evaluate both models in multiple studies (retrospective, clinical pilots and clinical monitoring) and actually implement these in practice to make the workflow more efficient, is quite unique. Especially in the medical field, where technical developments unfortunately aren’t always the fastest. “More models are already being implemented at the radiotherapy department now, which can be done a lot faster because of the gained insights of my PhD.” – Nienke explains. “Besides, I was involved as a project leader at the newly established ‘AI competence center’ of the hospital, which we set up as a central point for all AI related matters.”
Connecting the technical world with the clinical world
One of Nienke’s responsibilities was to talk to medical doctors and other personnel and to give them insights on how they could potentially use AI in their daily workflows. “We organized several theme nights to educate everyone that was interested in AI, and we facilitated the researchers with data and computing power to train the newest models.” Nienke is undoubtedly able to connect the technical world with the clinical world. “I am also able to explain and discuss different aspects of AI and everything involved with it (such as the need for good data, evaluation and education) to different parties, with different educational levels.” In her new job, she is eager to apply this gained knowledge. “So I am also able to help people in other sectors reach their potential with the help of AI.”
Nienke’s work in the hospital has been a foundation for the radiotherapy department to be able to implement AI. But the insights they gained were also shared with other hospitals worldwide. “Only when we share these insights, we are able to accelerate the use of AI in a responsible manner.”
Being Part of the WAI Awards
With her amazing accomplishments Nienke has become a part of the Top 3 Nominees of AI Young Professional of the WAI Benelux Awards. The WAI Awards celebrate remarkable women who are making an impact on shaping the future of AI, with their expertise and unique perspectives driving innovation.
Women like Nienke dedicate themselves and their work to creating the future of AI. Join us on February 7th 2025 at the Women in AI Gala, where the awards winners will be officially presented. Come celebrate the outstanding women in AI across the various categories who are making a significant impact across the Benelux region. We can’t wait to see you there!