Shanna Kulik

When I was trained to be a physical therapist, I realised I missed the theoretical challenge and noticed that only practical work just wasn’t it for me. I therefore continued my education and started the research master of Human Movement Sciences at the VU. There, I focused on neurodegenerative diseases and did a one-year internship in neural dynamics. In this internship I applied a mathematical model to MEG data of Parkinson patients. I then realised that I wanted to continue a career in science, more specifically by doing research in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. In 2016 I started working at the department of Anatomy and Neurosciences within VUmc. My PhD project entails the analysis of longitudinal MEG data of neuro-oncological and MS patients. Thereby, I will apply a mathematical model, aiming to predict (and eventually prevent) cognitive decline in both patient groups. What I like most about this project is the combination of studying clinical datasets and modeling. Eventually I hope to contribute to more knowledge in this field of research and to better care for people with a neurodegenerative disease.