The Colleague Chronicles with Febe

Curiosity, Safety, and Sweet Creations: A Day in the Life of our beloved colleague Febe Froyen

R&D Lab Assistant & Health and Safety Advisor

From the moment she stepped into the lab, Febe was drawn to the thrill of discovery. A career in research and development seemed like the perfect intersection of curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork. “No two days are the same,” she reflects. “One day you’re designing an experiment; the next, you’re troubleshooting an unexpected result. It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it exciting.”

Febe’s work doesn’t stop at innovation. She has also specialized as a Health and Safety Advisor, a role that has become increasingly vital in today’s bio-economy environment. Safety, she explains, isn’t just about following rules—it’s a mindset. “The habit I wish everyone would adopt is simple: pause for five seconds before starting any task. Check your surroundings, ensure your equipment is ready, make sure you’re wearing the right PPE*, and be certain you understand the steps you’re about to take. That small moment of awareness prevents most accidents.”

PPE stands for: Personal Protective Equipment:

-Lab coats or coveralls

-Safety goggles or face shields

-Gloves (nitrile, latex, heat-resistant, etc.)

-Protective footwear

Bridging Two Worlds

Few people ask her what she enjoys most about combining R&D with her safety role, so it’s a question we like to add! “I get to bridge two worlds,” she says. “The drive for innovation and the need for safe operations. Being involved in both areas allows me to spot potential risks early and turn them into practical improvements.”

Some people assume her work happens solely at the lab bench, but a large part of her day takes place behind a computer screen! From planning experiments and updating protocols to ordering chemicals and consumables, there’s a quiet layer of preparation that keeps the lab running smoothly.

Her health and safety work adds yet another dimension: risk analyses, creating safety protocols, and implementing preventative measures—all crucial to ensuring a safe, efficient workplace.

Dreams of Automation and Culinary Adventures

If there were no limitations,  she would like to automate routine lab tasks such as sample handling and repetitive measurements. “It would free up time for deeper problem-solving and reduce human error,” she explains.

Outside of the lab, her passions take a much sweeter turn.
Baking has long been a personal love, and she delights in crafting cream puffs, twisted doughnuts, and, more recently, the ever so challenging macarons. “I even took a workshop with friends to master this art,” she recalls with a laugh. “For a first attempt, I think they turned out pretty well. And of course, my grandmother’s secret cream puff recipe remains unbeatable.”

A Journey Yet to Take

Despite her busy professional life, one dream remains: and that is a trip to Japan. “I’ve been fascinated by the Japanese culture since I was little, and I love the food,” she says. “I was even supposed to do an internship there during my final year of studying, but unfortunately it was canceled due to COVID.
I haven’t made it there yet — but it’s still on my list.”