My Motivation & Career

I specialise in Development and Lifelong Plasticity, building on my strong foundation in (medical) neurobiology from my undergraduate studies. I am undertaking an internship with Dr. Lennart Verhagen, where I am currently conducting a proof-of-concept study for neuromodulation of the basal forebrain, specifically the nucleus basalis, using transcranial ultrasound (TUS). Through this, I have sharpened my skills in experimental design, technical pilots, and data acquisition and analysis. My work integrates TUS with simultaneous EEG, a promising yet challenging approach to modulating deep brain regions while capturing physiological data.

Beyond technical challenges, I am deeply motivated by the translational potential of neuromodulation. I aim to bridge the gap between neuroscience and clinical applications by developing tools that improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions. Recently, TUS has been convincingly demonstrated to influence behaviour in humans which may hold immense potential in that regard.

Throughout my academic career, I have actively engaged with leading experts and the broader neuroscience community through international conferences, such as FENS2024, and specialised programs, including the NeurotechEU summer school on EEG. These experiences have enriched my understanding of the field’s challenges and opportunities while fostering collaborations with like-minded researchers. Looking ahead, I am preparing to present my research findings at a conference in 2025.

My fascination with the mechanisms of brain plasticity and my curiosity about emerging technologies such as TUS have defined my academic trajectory. In the long term, I aspire to pursue an academic career dedicated to advancing non-invasive neuromodulation technologies. I am eager to contribute to developing innovative therapeutic approaches to improve neurological health and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by cognitive and motor impairments.