About me
I am a psychologist and neuroscientist with more than 12 years of experience in interdisciplinary research and (under)graduate level teaching and mentoring. Having been embedded in the academic environment, I have developed a fascination for the topics of communication and interpersonal dynamics, as well as personal development.
My motivation
Scientists have an important, versatile and often fulfilling job, and one that comes with many challenges, some driven by the sub-optimal academic system. During my academic career, I myself have experienced many ups and downs that are part of the academic life, and I know how exciting, but also stressful the life as a researcher can be. Usually, labs provide on-site expertise when it comes to technical research skills, but no guidance on how to deal with difficult situations and how to sustain motivation and productivity. I was lucky to experience how helpful and empowering it can be to have good external mentors to support your academic career and provide an outside perspective.
I have also observed circumstances, in which combinations of poor supervision, unresolved conflicts and overambitious or badly managed research projects led to bad scientific practice as well as frustrated and burnt out individuals. With the work I do now, I want to help prevent such scenarios by empowering individuals to identify and use their resources and potential to overcome challenges, live their idealism, and move science forward. It's never too early to start the process!
Short CV
Currently:
- Part-time freelancer coach, mediator and trainer (since 2023)
- Part-time employed as open science officer at the University of Leipzig (since 2024)
Qualifications:
- Mediation (ImKonsens, Leipzig; 2020-2021), 220 hours
- Systemic Coaching (CoachingSpirale, Berlin; 2021-2022), 205 hours
- Thiagi's Interactive Techniques for Instructor-Led Training (3 days, Berlin, 2023)
Experience in academia:
- Degrees in Psychology (Mag.) and Molecular Biology (BSc; both at the University of Graz)
- PhD in brain imaging (Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre)
- 8 years of experience as a Postdoc (Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, and at the Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences)
- University level teaching and supervision and mentoring of PhD, MSc and internship students
- Leadership positions in the Communication Committee of the largest international organisation for brain imaging (Organization for Human Brain Mapping)
- Co-founder of an Open Science Initiative
Networks:
- Mediationsteam Leipzig
- Train Together Network
- Action&Drama Improvisation theatre
- Alumni and member of success team of the Max Planck Society's Sign Up! career building program
Academic successes
- Publications: 10 published first-author, 2 last-author research publications, 2 review papers in international peer-reviewed journals, 1 book chapter, 13 conference proceedings, 2 publications on open-science related initiatives
- Own fellowships and own research grant by German Research Foundation (DFG)
- Prizes for my PhD and postdoctoral work
For all my publications, look at my Google scholar profile or download my full academic CV.