Neurasmus cohort 2020-2022

ust having completed the first year of Neuramus, I can say that it has been a great learning experience on different levels: academic, personal, cultural, and career-wise. I learned so much more that is providing me with valuable insights about potential future orientations in the world of Neuroscientific research. The program is also a unique opportunity to meet and collaborate with people from various countries and backgrounds - but sharing the same passion and interest for Neurosciences. Neurasmus was my dream Master program when I initially applied, and I am truly grateful for this experience.

Neurasmus has proved me the opportunity to explore the wonderful field of neuroscience and see what it has to offer. Despite not having an extensive background in neuroscience when I entered the program, I soon developed my research interests and confirmed my love for brain research, thanks to the wide range of labs to choose from. The lessons I've learned during my time in the (online) classroom and lab have enhanced my academic and research skills as a critical thinker and problem-solver. As someone who values translational research, I hope to see my work having a positive impact on people one day. From exploring the food scene to going for runs along the Spree in Berlin, I've enjoyed immersing myself in the city (as much as possible in a global pandemic). I am very grateful for this community and the connections I've made with fellow Neurasmates from around the world.

I studied Psychology at UNAM, and since the beginning, I was interested in Neuroscience. Thanks to the internships and volunteering I did during my Bachelor's I fell in love with cognitive neuroscience. I am extremely interested in neurorehabilitation, particularly I want to link complementary non-pharmacological therapies with dementias. Although everything related to the brain thrills me, I also have other passions like dancing, cooking, reading, riding my bike, get to know new places and people, and participating in social projects. Overall, I am a very calm and friendly person, who enjoys every aspect of life.

I chose the Neurasmus program because I was eager to learn about why we do the things that we do, both on a scientific and a spiritual level; what better way than to live in two different countries and study the brain! Over the past year on this program I have grown so much; not only as a scientist, but as a person. Part of what makes doing science so rewarding is the ability to connect to people from all over the world. Neurasmus allows you to immerse yourself in many different cultures and ways of living, so that you become able to tackle a problem with a diversity of perspectives. The journey is not always easy, but the struggles along the way have enriched my experience and pushed me to thrive in a multi-disciplinary environment. We all support each other on this path and I am so honoured to a be a part of the Neurasmus family.

I am a neuro-enthusiast and a nomad who loves to not just visit but live in different places. I believe that a true understanding of any problem/concept requires a multiperspective lens both in life and in science. I joined Neurasmus for a European Master in Neuroscience after completing a Bachelors in Bioengineering from SASTRA University, India. My formative education in Bioengineering helped me unravel my interests in neuroscience. When I started looking for options to further this interest, I immediately knew Neurasmus was the first thing I wanted. I applied and got selected into the Track 3 of the program to start a journey in Neuroscience in two different countries far away from my comfort zone. I love how this program helps integrate not just a wonderful scientific community but also a truly international family. I would be forever thankful to this family as this experience has helped shaped both my professional and personal life in multiple ways.

After completing my bachelor's in the United States, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and to travel and experience new cultures, while also doing something that I love, like neuroscience. Neurasmus has provided me with this unique opportunity. Here, I could profit from the specialties of different institutions across Europe and learn neuroscience from a broad variety of perspectives. This experience has enriched my knowledge of neuroscience and has taught me how to solve problems by approaching them from many directions. Not only has Neurasmus given me the chance to integrate many areas of expertise, it has also given me an international network of friends and colleagues that I will forever cherish.

Inspiring people, science and an openness to exploring the world; this is what I've gained from my Neurasmus journey. After joining Neurasmus after my bachelors degree in Biochemistry, I have made the greatest discoveries about myself and the world surrounding me. People from all over the world have taught me that no matter what your background is, your love for science and people can be integrated to guide yourself and others through such a wonderful experience that is the Neurasmus program.

Cześć, that is Polish for Hi! My name is Zuzanna and I almost never stop asking questions. That is partially why I have decided to pursue a career in academia. However, I would not have started my Neuroscience adventure without my fascination with the place of humans in the world. I have always been mesmerized by art and literature and loved discovering new cultures and countries. I began to be intrigued by the sole organ that embodies the essence of human creativity, intelligence, emotion and social interaction– the brain. I am keen on discovering how throughout the entire lifespan we are influenced by both the environmental and the biological factors that shape our behaviour and make each of us unique but also determine if and to what extent mental disorders occur. I extremely value the fact that as a Neurasmate I have the independence to explore my own interests in the neuroscientific field but at the same time make friends from all around the world. For my Neurasmus journey I chose track 1: Neurogenomics, I spent the first year of my masters in Amsterdam where I had the opportunity to study processes related to memory formation and its persistence over time. For the second year, I will be moving to Berlin and I am looking forward to what awaits me in the next steps of my Neurasmus adventure. Besides my passion for the brain, I am committed to promoting gender equality, I love sightseeing and I treat cooking as my mindfulness practice.