Learn more about her montivation and current field of interest:
Our labs' unique research approach combines developmental psychology and affective neuroscience with a clinical perspective. This integration allows us to delve into the fascinating evolution of brain function and emotion-cognition interactions during childhood and adolescence. Our research focuses on (1) Identifying Processes and Neural Mechanisms Relevant to Motivation; currently, we focus mainly on mental representations of the external world (i.e., world models), (2) Mapping the development of neural circuits related to motivation and goal-directed behavior, pinpointing critical periods in adolescence, and (3) Investigating how contextual factors and individual differences influence brain-behavior relationships. To achieve these goals, we employ a multi-modal and interdisciplinary approach. This includes behavioral experiments, intervention-based studies, and advanced imaging techniques such as fMRI, DTI, and EEG. Our lab utilizes psychophysiology, ambulatory assessments, and advanced data analysis methods like latent variable approaches, machine learning, and computational modeling.
As a new full member of BrainLinks-BrainTools, I am thrilled to be part of a community that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. I have already had the privilege of engaging in inspiring discussions with researchers from diverse disciplines, which have enriched our work. I am particularly excited about the potential for fruitful collaborations with experts in complementary methodologies, including transspecies research, to uncover mechanisms underlying mental disorders and identify new treatment targets. I am also eager to work with experts on noninvasive interventions, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, to integrate these with psychosocial treatments and enhance youth mental health care.
Finally, I am happy to share our expertise in designing and analyzing task-based and resting-state fMRI and DTI studies. Mentoring is essential to our lab, and we are excited to involve and collaborate with junior colleagues. Finally, I am looking forward to engaging with the broader Freiburg community to inspire students to immerse themselves in science from an early age.