Academic CV

1. Curriculum Vitae of:
Dr Alexander Frans Johan van Aken
Alexander.vanaken@soecken.nl
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/alexander-van-aken/2/720/63a
Date of Birth:
22-11-1973
Place of Birth: Waalwijk, the Netherlands
Nationality:
Dutch
Languages:
English, Dutch, German, French, Croatian.
Present appointment:
Director at Soecken SEO consultancy (http://www.soecken.nl)
SEO consultant for Oban Multilingual (http://www.obanmultilingual.com/)
Previous appointments:
Teaching Fellow at the University of Sussex (2010-2011)
Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Sussex (2005-2010)
Education
Secondary education
1986-1993 Graduated from Stedelijke Scholengemeenschap Zutphen, the
Netherlands with a VWO diploma (voorbereidend wetenschappelijk
onderwijs i.e. preparatory scientific education)
University:
1993.1995 Studied Artificial Intelligence (CKI, cognitieve Kunstmatige
Intelligentie) at the University of Utrecht (UU) in Utrecht, the
Netherlands. Not completed due to changed interest.
1996-2002 Studied and graduated in Medical Biology MSc at the Vrije Universiteit
(VU) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2002-2006 Reading for a DPhil in biochemistry at the University of Sussex, UK.
(completed)
Continuing education and professional development:

2. 2009- PGCertHE course at the University of Sussex. Advisor Mrs Janet Pryse
(J.E.Pryse@sussex.ac.uk) Mentor professor Darrell Evans
(D.evans@bsms.ac.uk).
SEO working experience
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Keyword Analysis
On Page Optimization
Linkbuilding
Google Analytics
Google Rankings monitoring with Advanced Web Ranking
Article writing / translating Dutch, German and English
SEO consultancy
Creating PPC ads
SEO workshops and training
SEO publications
SEO writing
http://marketingcollege.nl/is-linkvariatie-belangrijk-voor-linkbuilden/
http://marketingcollege.nl/het-verschil-tussen-nofollow-en-dofollowlinks/
http://marketingcollege.nl/wat-is-nou-een-pagerank/
http://marketingcollege.nl/wat-is-de-ideale-linkvariatie-deel-1/
http://marketingcollege.nl/heeft-google-boter-op-het-hoofd/
http://marketingcollege.nl/wat-is-de-ideale-linkvariatie-deel-2/
http://marketingcollege.nl/seo-workshop-alex-van-aaken-arjan-samsonsander-schep/
Academic Teaching experience
Courses taught at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam the Netherlands:
Biochemistry and Biophysics – Demonstrating practical classes in a laboratory
setting. (reference Dr. R. van Walraven , rieky.van.walraven@falw.vu.nl )
Courses taught at the University of Sussex in Brighton UK:
Within the School of Lifesciences:
Principles of Neuroscience – Demonstrating practical classes in a laboratory setting
and leading tutorial groups. (reference Dr. K. Staras, K.Staras@sussex.ac.uk).

3. Experimental Neuroscience – Course organizer and demonstrating practical classes
in a laboratory setting. (reference professor C.J. Kros, C.J.Kros@sussex.ac.uk).
Advanced Techniques in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience – Demonstrating
practical classes in a laboratory setting. (reference professor G.P. Richardson,
G.P.Richardson@sussex.ac.uk).
Neuroscience and Behavior – Demonstrating practical classes in a laboratory setting
and leading tutorial groups. (reference Dr. C. Tornoe, C.Tornoe@sussex.ac.uk).
Neuroscience of Sensory Disorders – Course organizer and leading seminar groups.
(reference Dr. D. Osorio, D.Osorio@sussex.ac.uk).
Neural Circuits – Leading seminar groups. (reference professor G. Kemenes,
G.Kemenes@sussex.ac.uk).
Advanced Techniques in Neuroscience (MSc course) – Lecturing and
demonstrating practical classes in a laboratory setting. (reference professor G.
Kemenes, G.Kemenes@sussex.ac.uk).
Clinical aspects of biochemistry - Leading tutorial groups. (reference Dr M.A.
Titheradge, M.A.Titheradge@sussex.ac.uk).
Cellular and Molecular Biology - Leading tutorial groups and practical classes in a
laboratory setting. (reference Dr M. Paget M.Paget@sussex.ac.uk).
Bioenergetics – Demonstrating practical classes in a laboratory setting and leading
tutorial groups. (reference Dr. D.G. Whitehouse, D.G.Whitehouse@sussex.ac.uk).
Human Physiology – Demonstrating practical classes in a laboratory setting and
leading tutorial groups. (reference Dr. C. Tornoe, C.Tornoe@sussex.ac.uk).
Chemical Biology (MSc course) – Leading seminar groups (reference Dr P. Varnai,
p.varnai@sussex.ac.uk).
Proteins in Action – Demonstrating practical classes in a laboratory setting.
(reference professor A.L.Moore, A.L.Moore@sussex.ac.uk)
Energy in Life – Course organizer and lecturer. (reference Dr. D.G. Whitehouse,
D.G.Whitehouse@sussex.ac.uk).
Research Methods in Biochemistry – Lecturing and leading practical classes in a
laboratory setting. (reference Dr. J. Armstrong J.Armstrong@sussex.ac.uk)
Techniques in Neuroscience - Demonstrating practical classes in a laboratory
setting. (reference professor G.P. Richardson, G.P.Richardson@sussex.ac.uk).
Within the Medical School (BSMS):
Module 102 (Molecular Cell Biology) – Lecturing and leading tutorial groups.
(reference professor D. Evans, D.evans@bsms.ac.uk).
Module 104 (Gastrointestinal physiology) – Leading tutorial groups. (reference Dr.
M. K. Maconochie, M.K.Maconochie@sussex.ac.uk).
Module 202 (Neuroscience and Behavior) – Leading seminar groups, leading
tutorial groups and demonstrating practical classes in a laboratory setting).

4. Teaching experience
Curriculum development
Within the Medical School (BSMS) at the University of Sussex I have developed
several course materials on physics, chemistry and neuroscience (reference professor
D. Evans, D.evans@bsms.ac.uk).
I have developed online exercises for medical students on the topics of: molecular
cell biology and neuroscience (reference professor D. Evans, D.evans@bsms.ac.uk).
I have developed exam questions on Molecular Cell Biology and Neurobiology for
first and second year courses within the medical school (references professor D.
Evans, D.evans@bsms.ac.uk and Dr. H. Witchel, h.witchel@bsms.ac.uk).
I have developed exam questions for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in
the school of life sciences.
Recruiting
I was a member of the recruiting team at the medical school (BSMS) at the University
of Sussex. Candidates who are invited to come for an interview at BSMS get a 20
minute interview. The interview panel consists of three people. Usually I ask the
candidate questions about the science underlying medical conditions but depending on
the candidate’s answers I have explored topics ranging from ethics to the role of
medicine in society. (reference mr. D. Beaney, d.beaney@bsms.ac.uk).
Mentoring
I was an academic tutor within the medical school (BSMS) at the University of
Sussex. I look after a group of eight first year medical students. I teach them academic
skills, such as writing essays, doing literature searches and giving scientific
presentations. I am also a mentor to these students and I give them advise on
academic or personal problems. I also act on their behalf by writing references for job
or housing applications. (reference professor D. Evans, D.evans@bsms.ac.uk).
Leadership
Within the medical school (BSMS) at the University of Sussex I worked as a module
tutorial leader. In practice that means that I supervise a group of five tutors (a mixture
of PhD students and Doctors) during the module 202 – Neuroscience and Behaviour
course. I organise a total of 8 tutorials and am responsible for both the content and the
logistics of the tutorials. I recruit and contract the tutors directly. During the module I
organise and lead meetings prior to the tutorials to discuss the content and to address

5. any queries. At the end of the module I organise and lead a feedback meeting to
evaluate and share experiences with the team.
Academic
Research skills:
Whilst working in the then laboratory of experimental neurophysiology (1999) at the
Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) as an undergraduate under the
supervision of Dr. K. Kits (ksk@bio.vu.nl) I used the following techniques:
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Culturing neuronal cells from acutely isolated mouse striatum.
Patch-clamping of cultured striatal neurons, Lymnaea stagnalis neurons and
NT2 neurons.
Recording and analysing data using the pCLAMP software package.
Whilst working in the laboratory of professor H. Westerhoff (2000-2001) at the Vrije
Universiteit (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) as an undergraduate under the supervision
of Drs K. Krab (klaas.krab@falw.vu.nl) and A.M. Wagner (A.M.Wagner@uva.nl) I
used the following techniques:
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Isolating intact, high quality mitochondria from plant and mammalian sources
using differential centrifugation.
Measurement of mitochondrial electron transfer using both polarographic and
voltametric electrochemical techniques.
Computer simulation of the electron transfer chain using the Stella software
package.
Recording and analysing data using the MacLab software package.
Analysing data using the Kaleidagraph software package.
Whilst working in the laboratory of professor A.L. Moore (A.L.Moore@sussex.ac.uk)
at the University of Sussex (Brighton, UK) during my PhD in Biochemistry (20022005) I used the following techniques:
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Culturing yeast and bacterial colonies.
Yeast transformation, expressing plant genes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
Isolating intact, high quality mitochondria from yeast, bacteria, plant and
mammalian sources using differential centrifugation.
Measurement of mitochondrial electron transfer using both polarographic and
voltametric electrochemical techniques.
Measurement of mitochondrial electron transfer using spectrophotometry.
Measurement of mitochondrial swelling using spectrophotometry.
Determination of mitochondrial protein concentration using
spectrophotometry.
Measurement of membrane potentials and assessment of the activity of ion
channels and ion pumps in mitochondria using an ion selective electrode.
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis & Western analysis.

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Recording and analysing data using the MacLab software package.
Analysing data using the Kaleidagraph software package.
Working experience
Since 2005 I worked as a postdoctoral research fellow in the laboratory of professor
C.J. Kros (C.J.Kros@sussex.ac.uk) at the University of Sussex. Here I use the
following techniques:
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Sacrificing mice using cervical dislocation.
Isolating the organ of Corti from acutely dissected mice.
Investigate ion channel activity of inner ear sensory neurons using patchclamp electrophysiology.
Application of fluid jet to mechanically stimulate the inner ear sensory
neurons whilst measuring simultaneously the ionic currents using patch-clamp
electrophysiology.
Application of a Piezo motor driven stiff probe to mechanically stimulate the
inner ear sensory neurons whilst measuring simultaneously the ionic currents
using patch-clamp electrophysiology.
Application of superfusion to locally perfuse inner ear sensory neurons with
pharmacological agents (e.g. ion channel blockers such as aminoglycoside
antibiotics) in conjunction with simultaneous whole cell patch-clamp
recording and mechanical stimulation of the same neuron.
Using confocal microscopy to monitor the mitochondrial membrane potential
in isolated organs of Corti using voltage-sensitive dyes.
Recording and analysing data using the Signal software package.
Analysing data using the Origin software package.
Analysing data using the Asyst software package.
Other academic skills:
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Creating lectures and presentations in PowerPoint.
Presenting posters at scientific conferences.
Giving presentations at scientific conferences.
Planning and developing research projects.
Writing grant applications for funding bodies.
Analyzing experimental data.
Writing scientific papers.
Setting up and trouble shooting patch-clamp electrophysiology equipment.
Creating and manipulating images using Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Photo
Shop.
Thorough knowledge of Windows operating systems.

7. In the laboratory of professor C.J. Kros at the University of Sussex I supervised two
technicians who were responsible for the maintenance of our mice colonies and for
the upkeep of the laboratory (reference professor C.J. Kros, C.J.Kros@sussex.ac.uk).
Since October 2010 I worked as a Teaching Fellow at the University of Sussex.
In this capacity I give lectures, lead practicals, tutorials and seminars. I also convene
several university courses and am responsible for the teaching materials, exam
questions, recruiting (lecturers, practical assistants, tutors) and all other administrative
tasks.
Previous Research interests:
Investigating Mechanoelectrical transduction of inner ear sensory neurons in various
mouse mutants (Varitint, Usher1-C amongst others) using patch-clamp
electrophysiology. The Mechanoelectrical transduction channel has not been fully
characterised. By investigating the functional properties of this channel in a range of
genetically modified mice I hope to obtain further insights into the structure-function
relationship of the MET channel.
Effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics on inner ear sensory neurons. Aminoglycoside
antibiotics enter the inner ear sensory neurons directly through the MET channel. I
use a range of aminoglycosides (e.g. gentamycin, neomycin and dihydrostreptomycin)
as a tool to gain insights into the structure-function relationship of the MET channel
using patch-clamp electrophysiology.
Once inside the inner ear sensory neurons aminoglycosides induce apoptotic cell
death. I investigate the intracellular effects of aminoglycosides using a wide range of
techniques: patch-clamp electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, electron
microscopy, metabolomic analysis and biochemical assays. I collaborate with various
other scientists on this project.
Publications:
TRPML3 mutations cause impaired mechano-electrical transduction and
depolarization by an inward-rectifier cation current in auditory hair cells of
varitint-waddler mice.
van Aken AF, Atiba-Davies M, Marcotti W, Goodyear RJ, Bryant JE, Richardson GP,
Noben-Trauth K, Kros CJ. J Physiol. 2008 Nov 15;586(Pt 22):5403-18.
A helix-breaking mutation in TRPML3 leads to constitutive activity underlying
deafness in the varitint-waddler mouse.
Grimm C, Cuajungco MP, van Aken AF, Schnee M, Jörs S, Kros CJ, Ricci AJ, Heller
S. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Dec 4;104(49):19583-8.
Harmonin-b, an actin-binding scaffold protein, is involved in the adaptation of
mechanoelectrical transduction by sensory hair cells

8. Michalski N, Michel V, Caberlotto E, Lefèvre GM, van Aken AF, Tinevez JY, Bizard
E, Houbron C, Weil D, Hardelin JP, Richardson GP, Kros CJ, Martin P, Petit C.
Pflugers Arch. 2009 Nov;459(1):115-30.
Mutations in protocadherin 15 and cadherin 23 affect tip links and
mechanotransduction in Mammalian sensory hair cells.
Alagramam KN, Goodyear RJ, Geng R, Furness DN, van Aken AF, Marcotti W, Kros
CJ, Richardson GP.
PLoS One. 2011 Apr 21;6(4):e19183.
Other working experience
Worked for Vodafone (Amsterdam , the Netherlands) at IT support for the customer
care department from October 2000 to December 2001 (part time job during my
studies). Both technical support to customers on the phone and solving problems in
the back office.
Worked as assistent system administrator at the IVM (Institute for Environmental
Studies) at the VU (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) for four months in 2002.
Worked in cultural center Ekko (Utrecht, the Netherlands) between 1995-2002.
First as barman for 2 years. Then as night manager during events (disco evenings,
musical performances etc) supervising a team of about 7 people. Being responsible
for timetabling, allocating tasks, supervising the cash registers. Finally as the manager
of the bar staff (between 30 to 40 people) organizing monthly meetings, supervising
the stock taking and recruiting of new bar staff.
Leisure interests
Playing classical guitar, learning languages, travelling.