Lara Dao
C01 – Affective response in relation to epigenetics of estrogen signaling during puberty
Lara Dao is a PhD researcher in project C01, supervised by Prof. Dr. Vanessa Nieratschker (Tübingen) and Dr. Erika Comasco (Uppsala). Her project focuses on epigenetic mechanisms that are related to stress responses in puberty and menopause. For this, she will use fMRI and molecular biology-based approaches.
Prior to joining the IRTG 2804, Lara completed a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the Dresden University of Technology, followed by a master’s degree in neurobiology at the University of Tübingen.
Outside of the lab, she can be found trying to read her way through her ever-growing pile of books, playing the piano and guitar, singing, spending time in nature, hanging out with friends, and attempting to solve the NYT Wordle and Connections.
Ayah Elgendy
C02 – Estradiol administration and stress reactivity in females with depression before and after menopause
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Neural and Behavioral Neuroscience. My research focuses on how different reproductive stages and mental health status, such as naturally cycling and post-menopausal women with depression, affect neurofunctional connectivity, particularly the role of hormones.
My ultimate goal is to improve patient care by gaining a deeper understanding of these underlying mechanisms. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, traveling, creating travel videos, and painting with watercolors.
Franziska Reichmuth
C03 – Influence of stopping and starting Oral Contraception on stress and mood
Franziska Reichmuth is a PhD researcher at the University of Tübingen, supervised by Prof. Dr. Melanie Henes (Tübingen) and Prof. Dr. Inger Sundström-Poromaa (Uppsala). Prior to her PhD, she completed two Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and General Rhetoric at the University of Tübingen. During her Master’s in Cognitive Science at the University of Potsdam, Franziska contributed to several research projects on women’s mental health at Freie Universität Berlin and the University of Melbourne.
In her PhD, Franziska now researches how progestin-only oral contraceptives and hormonal intrauterine devices influence stress reactivity and mood homeostasis. To investigate this, she combines functional magnetic resonance imaging with physiological measures, such as salivary cortisol, during a stress task. In addition, she uses longitudinal ecological momentary assessment to capture mood changes in daily life.
After long measurement sessions, Franziska is enthusiastically welcomed home by her dog, Prof. Dr. Teddy, an expert in stress reduction and highly effective treat negotiation. Together, they recharge on long walks along the Neckar or head to the climbing gym, where Franziska tackles bouldering problems while Teddy prefers ground-level supervision and strategic treat bribery.
Gülce Lale
C04 – Targeting Stress Reactivity in Female Affective Disorders: An fMRI Study of rTMS Effects in Premenstrual Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
Gülce Lale is a PhD researcher in the Psychophysiology and Optical Imaging working group, led by Dr. Ann-Christine Ehlis and Prof. Dr. Andreas Fallgatter. Her research focuses on investigating the effects of neuromodulation on stress in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and depression using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Before starting her PhD, Gülce completed a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Psychology at Sabancı University, followed by a master’s degree in Neuroscience at LMU Munich.
In her free time, she enjoys walking in nature, doing yoga, reading, and spending time with friends.
Niket Aggarwal
C05 – Dopamine and motivation across hormonal transition phases
I completed my Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience from University of Rajasthan. I am interested in interoception, emotions, and mental health. Before joining IRTG2804, I worked as a research assistant and explored psycholinguistics, eye-tracking, and brain-body interactions.
Currently in neuroMADLAB I will work on the interplay between hormonal fluctuations, dopamine and motivation-related brain functions in women. I am particularly interested in how biological rhythms influence cognitive processes and mental health.
Apart from research, I enjoy exploring nature, listening to music, cooking, and teaching.
Eva Wiesner
C06 – Oxytocin and reward processing
After my bachelor’s in psychology at Radboud University I already hoped I could specialize in women’s mental health. To learn more about neuroendocrinology I went on to pursue a master’s degree in cognitive neurosciences at Utrecht University. In my time there I conducted research on stress reactivity throughout the menstrual cycle and sex differences in threat processing, making me even more passionate about the field.
Thus, I am super happy to join the IRTG2804 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Manfred Hallschmid (UT) and Prof. Dr. Christian Benedict (UU). During my PhD I will focus on how (intranasal) oxytocin can impact stress regulation and mental well-being throughout the menstrual cycle and whether there are any sex differences in its effects. For this, I will use fMRI, as well as endocrinological, psychophysiological and self-report measures.
In my free time I do pole dance and aerial hoop and I also enjoy reading, cooking, and going on hikes:)
Antonia-Sophie Wilhelm
C07 – Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), androgens, reward processing
Antonia Wilhelm is a PhD researcher in project C07, supervised by Prof. Dr. Birgit Derntl (UKT) and Prof. Dr. Alkistis Skalkidou (UU). Her research focuses on mental health, emotional processes, and brain function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To address these questions, she uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), questionnaire-based measures, and ecological momentary assessment (EMA).
Prior to joining the IRTG 2804, she studied psychology at the Marburg University and then began her qualification to become a psychotherapist in Tübingen, which she continues alongside her doctoral work.
Outside of her research, she enjoys spending time with friends, being in nature, as well as knitting, reading, and engaging in various sports.
Berfin Gülbahçe
C08 – Anti-estrogenic therapy in pre- vs. postmenopausal breast cancer patients
Berfin Gülbahçe is a PhD researcher in Project C08, supervised by Prof. Dr. Birgit Derntl (University of Tübingen) Prof. Dr. Markus Hahn (University of Tübingen), and Prof. Dr. Anna Wikman (Uppsala University). Her research investigates how social support and interpersonal relationships influence mental health during and after breast cancer treatment. To address these questions, she combines questionnaire-based assessments, large-scale cohort data, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
She holds two B.A.s in both Psychology and Sociology from Boğaziçi University (Turkey) and an M.Sc. in Neural and Behavioural Sciences from the University of Tübingen (Germany). Prior to starting her doctoral studies, she gained experience in psychotherapy settings, science communication focused on interpersonal relationships, and the development of an evidence-based self-help mobile application. Her previous research has explored topics including time perception, somatic symptoms, and body memory.
Outside the office, she can usually be found making or having good coffee, attempting to relearn the piano, hunting for vinyl records, capturing some instants with a film camera, practicing yoga, working out, spending time with friends, going to the movies or exploring a new country.
Cosima Weidinger
C09 – Changes in social media use throughout the menstrual cycle in adolescent girls
I graduated in Psychology from the University of Göttingen, where I worked as a research assistant in clinical neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute during my bachelor’s studies. During my master’s, I developed a stronger focus on prevention research. My research interests lie at the intersection of social and societal influences on mental health, as well as biopsychological determinants. I am particularly interested in gender-sensitive and inequality-informed perspectives, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as minorities and minors.
During my PhD, I will focus on the effects of social media on mental health outcomes in young girls, integrating social, hormonal, and neurobiological perspectives.
Outside of academia, I enjoy traveling, being active, and spending time in nature – whether playing volleyball, swimming, hiking, or surfing. I am also always up for grabbing a cup of coffee and visiting a good bookstore.
Joana Aldinger
C10 – Maternal and fetal reactions to psychosocial stressors/rewards during pregnancy
Joana is a certified midwife since 2020 with a M.Sc. in midwifery science and women`s health from
the university of Tübingen. She has work experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings and the
close relationships with the families she cares for in midwifery practice is what motivates her to
pursue research.
As a PhD-Student at the IRTG 2804, Joana’s scientific research is oriented towards addressing the
disparity in data related to gender, with a particular emphasis on promoting the mental well-being of
women, with a focus on pregnant individuals. She wants to further investigate the relationship
between maternal psychological stress during pregnancy and maternal mental and physical health, as
well as its effect on fetal and neonatal outcomes and physiological fetal development.
When she is not at the fMEG-center, the delivery room or on the road, she enjoys reading historical
romans, beach vacations with her partner, (techno) music and a relaxing Sunday at home with her
cats.
Sarah-Lisa Walz
C11 – Women’s mental health across stressful life course transitions: investigating the moderating role of gender identification, social institutions, and biopsychological predispositions
I completed both my bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with a minor in Philosophy, and my master’s degree in Sociology with a focus on empirical social research at the University of Tübingen. My research interests lie in the fields of gender, gender equality and health. Specifically, I am interested in differences in individuals’ health behaviors and outcomes based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. In addition, my PhD work will focus on women’s mental health across the life course and its relationship to changes in family policies. I am proud to be part of a research collective that strives to expand knowledge on women’s health — still an under-researched topic — and thereby contributes to improving gender equality in our society.
Beyond research, my second passion is Latin partner dancing, particularly bachata and salsa. Being present in my body and working together with my dance partners to get the technique exactly right provides the perfect balance to my predominantly desk-bound research work.
Abhishek Prabhu
C12 – Computational modeling, sex classification, hormonal transition phases