What is the topic of your PhD project and what does your work look like in practice?
With my PhD, I’m trying to understand how the mammalian brain achieves flexibility while learning. Briefly: I train mice in a task that requires them to have flexible behavior, and then I try to understand which mathematical model best describes their learning strategy.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
As a kid, I wanted to be either a marine biologist or a writer. At the age of 16/17, I started learning about neurobiology and decided to study it.
What is an important life lesson you have learned in the past?
I learned that I shouldn’t compare myself to others. Everybody struggles and has challenges at work and in their private life.
Is there a project or anything you're involved with that you'd like to promote?
I’m part of the mental health committee of the PhD council, and together with the other members we manage the Buddy system (click here for more info). If you are a first-year PhD, you can register as a junior buddy and will be paired with a senior one who will help you settle in the new environment. If you are a 2nd, 3rd, 4th year PhD you can register as senior buddy.