The human brain is capable of changing its function and structure in
response to extrinsic or intrinsic stimuli. This capability of
neuroplastic change represents the neurobiological basis for learning
new skills or to aid recovery of loss of function in the presence of
neurological diseases. The overarching question of our research is: may
neuroplastic processes be harnessed for the recovery of sensorimotor
function in neurological diseases?
In a translational setting we investigate basic neuroplastic
mechanisms of sensorimotor functions in healthy subjects and their
modulation in the presence of brain diseases such as stroke or
Parkinson’s disease. Different training- and learning interventions are
being used and their effect characterized using non-invasive brain
imaging techniques (Functional and structural MRI, EEG). We particularly
focus on the investigation of neurophysiological mechanisms underlying
neuroplasticity-inducing non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such
as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or transcranial
alternating current stimulation (tACS). To do this we use neuroimaging
and brain stimulation techniques both separately and in combination
(tDCS – fMRI; tACS – fMRI).
We collaborate closely with the Day Clinic of Cognitive Neurology at the University of Leipzig and its Outpatient Clinic for Stroke Rehabilitation
. To assess the clinical impairment of individual patients we use a
comprehensive neuropsychological and sensorimotor test battery, as well
as a robot-assisted assessment of upper extremity sensorimotor function
using an exoskeleton robotic device.
Academic Education
1996 - 2004
Medical school at the University of Leipzig, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
2004
M.D.
2006
"Dr. med." doctoral thesis
2013
Board Certification in Neurology
2016
Habilitation in Neurology
Career
2005 - 2006
Neurology resident, University of Greifswald, Germany
2006 - 2007
Research Fellow at the Human Cortical Physiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, USA (supervisor: Dr. Leonardo G. Cohen)
2007 - 2008
Neurology resident, University of Greifswald, Germany
2009 - 2014
Postdoc at the Neurology Department of the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Resident at the Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University of Leipzig
since 2014
Group Leader "Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery"
Awards
Fellowship from the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation (2006)
German Parkinson Association Research Award (2014)
Reviewer
Brain, Neuroimage, Brain Stimulation, Human Brain Mapping, Neuroscience Letters, Frontiers in Human, Neuroscience, Journal of Neural Transmission, Journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Neurobiology of Aging, Brain Connectivity, Experimental Brain Research, Brain Research, Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, Brain Topography
Memberships
Society for Neuroscience
German Society for Neurology (DGN)
German Society for Clinical Neurophysiology and Functional Imaging (DGKN)
