On Wednesday 18 December, the prestigious HZ Stern was awarded, the prize for the best graduation thesis of 2024.

Angélique Huige, former ICT student, was awarded the HZ Stern. She won the statuette in the form of a tern, as well as a cash prize of 1,000 euros.

Thesis on deep learning in epileptic seizure detection

For Erasmus MC, Angélique conducted research on developing a deep learning model for detecting epileptic seizures in children in coma in Intensive Care. Using electroencephalograms (EEG), the brain activity of the patients is continuously monitored. To ease the burden on care staff, Angelique investigated how deep learning could be applied to minimal EEG data. She designed a model that uses small pieces of data to accurately determine whether a seizure is concerning. With her graduation project, she is making a huge contribution to the medical field, as it can make the difference between life and death.

Her research forms the basis for future research within Erasmus MC. Angélique says: ‘The next step is to create synthetic data, which will allow more research to be done. It would be nice if a semi-automatic system is developed, alerting healthcare staff if the patient has a seizure.'

Nominees HZ Stern

Besides Angélique, five other former students were nominated for the HZ Stern: Mika Jansen of Architecture, Amy de Letter of Human Resource Management, Amanda van Hooijdonk of Nursing, Mirela Minkova of Chemistry and Esmee de Keijzer of Pedagogy. They received €500 for their nominations.

Mini-symposium and presentation of certificates HZ Honours Programme

Prior to the HZ Stern presentation in the HZ Café on Edisonweg, a mini-symposium of the HZ Honours Programme took place. Students who opted for a broadening international and sustainable programme alongside their studies received their certificates during this symposium.