Find Academic Supervisors

Christian Grefkes-HermannView profile

Professor

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Neural Plasticity
• Brain Connectivity
• +4 more

Christian Grefkes-Hermann serves as Professor of Neurology at Goethe University Frankfurt's Faculty of Medicine, based at University Hospital Frankfurt's Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery. His research targets stroke-induced brain network disruptions and develops novel rehabilitation strategies using non-invasive brain stimulation to restore motor function. His work focuses on neural plasticity, brain connectivity, and stroke rehabilitation through multimodal approaches including structural/functional MRI, EEG, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and machine learning. He investigates how interhemispheric network reorganization enables functional recovery and develops biomarkers for personalized rehabilitation protocols. Analysis of his publication history reveals an evolution from foundational studies on crossmodal processing (2002) to clinical applications in stroke recovery, with recent work emphasizing individualized biomarkers and frontoparietal connectivity as predictors of motor recovery. This trajectory demonstrates a consistent translation of basic neuroscience into clinical neurorehabilitation. Professor Grefkes-Hermann leads a research team within the Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery dedicated to bridging neural network science with practical rehabilitation solutions for stroke survivors, addressing Germany's challenge of 200,000 annual stroke cases where over 50% experience permanent disability.

Katrin VogtView profile

Researcher

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Neural Circuits
• Sensory Processing
• +7 more

Katrin Vogt is a Group Leader at the University of Konstanz and an Affiliated Scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. She serves on the IMPRS Board and Faculty, focusing on behavioral neuroscience in Drosophila larvae. Her research explores how social context and internal states (e.g., hunger) modulate neural circuits and behavior, utilizing genetic tools like optogenetics, RNAi, and CRISPR. Key Research Areas: Behavioral flexibility under internal state changes Neural integration of sensory and state signals in the antennal lobe Role of serotonin (CSD neuron) in modulating output pathways Computational modeling of state-dependent circuit dynamics Notable Achievements: Discovered state-dependent olfactory valence switching (e.g., geranyl acetate shifts from aversion to attraction under food deprivation) Elucidated glutamatergic inhibition mechanisms in picky local interneurons Identified 5-HT7 receptor's role in upregulating uniglomerular projection neuron activity Recent Publications: 2025: PLoS Biology on multimodal sensory neurons 2024: Current Biology commentary on behavioral neuroscience 2023: Current Biology on multisensory memory merging Academic Affiliations: University of Konstanz (Group Leader, Department of Collective Behavior) Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (Affiliated Scientist) IMPRS for Organismal Biology (Faculty Member) Scientific Awards: DFG Research Fellowship (Project No. 345729665) Students & Collaborators: PhD students: Hari P. Narayanan, Akhila Mudunuri Research assistants: Nora Tutas, Julius Klein, Constantin Dyroff DAAD summer student: Élyse Zadigue-Dubé Recent graduates: Amelie Edmaier (BSc 2023), Constantin Dyroff (BSc 2023)

Christian LeiboldView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neural Network Modelling
• Hippocampal Formation
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Christian Leibold is a former faculty member of the Faculty of Biology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU). His research focuses on theoretical and experimental neuroscience, particularly the hippocampal formation's role in spatial navigation and temporal coding. He investigated topics such as auditory processing, phase precession in hippocampal neurons, and the interaction between brain regions like the medial entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. Research Interests: Modeling hippocampal sequences and spatial navigation Temporal processing in auditory brainstem circuits Neuronal mechanisms of grid cells and place fields Data analysis of hippocampal activity patterns Collaborations: University of California San Diego (UCSD) Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Munich His work combines computational modeling with experimental approaches, addressing how neural circuits process spatial and temporal information. He contributed to understanding axonal myelination dynamics and the role of medial superior olive neurons in auditory localization.

Kai EssigView profile

Professor

• Human Factors
• Interactive Systems
• Eye Tracking
• +15 more

Prof. Dr. Kai Essig is a Professor of Human Factors and Interactive Systems at the Faculty of Communication and Environment, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Kamp-Lintfort, Germany. He has a strong interdisciplinary background combining computer science, cognitive science, and human-computer interaction, with a focus on eye tracking, visual perception, and assistive technologies. Master of Science in Computer Science and Chemistry, Bielefeld University (1998) Ph.D. in Computer Science, Bielefeld University (2007) His research centers on eye tracking, human-computer interaction, usability engineering, visual attention, and cognitive interaction technology . He investigates how movement expertise influences visual perception and how multimodal software can support real-time human actions. His work integrates computer vision, machine learning, and neuroscience to develop intelligent systems that adapt to user behavior. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent trend in eye movement analysis, mental representations, brain-machine interfaces, and assistive technologies . These works span domains such as sports psychology, robotics, augmented reality, and cognitive neuroscience, demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary approach. Key themes include gaze-based interaction, automated annotation of visual behavior, and the implementation of smart systems for daily living assistance. Scientific recognition includes: Landmark in the Land of Ideas (2018) – for the ADAMAAS project, awarded by 'Land of Ideas', a joint initiative of the German government and the Federation of German Industries Prof. Essig has been actively involved in research projects such as ADAMAAS (Adaptive and Mobile Action Assistance in Daily Living Activities), which received national recognition. He has collaborated extensively with the Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics Research Group at Bielefeld University and the Excellence Cluster CITEC. While no formal advising of students is listed, his publications suggest mentorship and collaboration with junior researchers. His lab work is centered on eye-tracking systems, multimodal interaction, and cognitive modeling , particularly within applied environments like smart glasses and assistive technologies.

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neural Plasticity
• Language Processing
• +5 more

Professor Gesa Hartwigsen is a leading cognitive neuroscientist holding dual appointments as Professor for Cognitive and Biological Psychology at Leipzig University and Lise Meitner Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS). She leads the Research Group Cognition and Plasticity, focusing on neural networks for higher cognitive functions, adaptive plasticity in cognition, and language network reorganization after stroke. Her educational background includes: Studies of Psychology (Dipl.-Psych., 2001-2006) at Kiel University PhD in Neurology (Dr. phil., 2007-2010) at Kiel University Habilitation in Psychology (2018) at University of Potsdam Hartwigsen's research spans cognitive neuroscience with particular emphasis on language processing, neural plasticity, and brain stimulation techniques. Her work investigates how brain networks support semantic cognition, how they adapt following neurological damage, and how they change across the lifespan. She employs advanced methodologies including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), functional MRI, and concurrent TMS-fMRI to establish causal relationships in neural processing. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on language networks, executive control mechanisms, and neural plasticity. Her work increasingly integrates advanced computational approaches with neurostimulation to understand semantic processing, speech comprehension in challenging environments, and recovery from language disorders. A significant trend is her development of methodological frameworks for concurrent TMS-fMRI, establishing new standards in the field. Her notable scientific recognition includes: ERC Consolidator Grant (2023-2027) for "The Flexible Brain: (Re-)shaping Adaptation in Semantic Cognition" NVIDIA GPU grant (Titan Xp Donation) Hartwigsen has secured substantial research funding, including multiple DFG projects as Principal Investigator. Her current DFG Research Unit (2023-2026) focuses on "Modulation of brain networks for memory and learning by transcranial electrical stimulation," where she serves as PI. She has successfully led multiple interdisciplinary projects examining language networks, neural plasticity, and brain stimulation effects. At the MPI CBS, she leads the Cognition and Plasticity research group, which investigates how brain networks support cognitive functions and adapt to challenges. Her team employs a multimodal approach combining neurostimulation, neuroimaging, and behavioral methods to understand the causal architecture of cognitive networks, particularly in language processing and semantic cognition.

Ashwin RamView profile

Researcher

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Wearable Computing
• Augmented Reality
• +4 more

Ashwin Ram is a postdoctoral researcher at Saarland University's Human-Computer Interaction & Interactive Technologies Lab, under Prof. Jürgen Steimle. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the National University of Singapore (NUS), advised by Prof. Shengdong Zhao, and a Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering from NIT Trichy. His research focuses on wearable augmented reality, smart glasses, and accessibility, leveraging cognitive and behavioral theories to design intelligent interfaces. Notable contributions include Mindful Moments (DIS '23, Honorable Mention), a mindfulness tool for smart glasses, and a quadruped robot guidance system for visually impaired individuals (CHI '24, Honorable Mention). He has served as an Associate Chair (AC) for UIST 2025 and CHI 2025. His work bridges HCI with wearable computing, exploring topics like video learning optimization (LSVP, IMWUT '21), sound source localization via neural networks (NCC '18), and accelerating Hawkes processes for event modeling (ICML '17 workshop). He collaborates internationally, including a research visit at UCL's Multi-Sensory Devices Group. Key achievements include 17 peer-reviewed publications (Google Scholar, ORCID: 0000-0003-1430-8770) and interdisciplinary projects like semantic floor map-based robot navigation. Beyond academia, he practices Carnatic music, plays guitar, and is fluent in Malayalam, Tamil, and English, with proficiency in French, German, and Hindi.

• Neuroscience
• Olfactory Systems
• Sensory Processing
• +3 more

Dr. Katrin Vogt is a researcher at the University of Konstanz, specializing in neuroethology and sensory systems. Her work focuses on understanding recurrent neural circuits governing state-dependent behavior, particularly in olfactory systems of Drosophila larvae. She leads a subproject investigating hunger-dependent serotonergic modulation in the antennal lobe, collaborating with a doctoral student. Her research bridges vertebrate and invertebrate models to identify conserved network principles across species. Dr. Vogt is part of a DFG-funded interdisciplinary team examining recurrent circuits' roles in flexible behavioral responses to environmental changes. Her research interests include neural circuitry modulation, sensory integration, and behavioral plasticity. Key projects involve analyzing how sensory inputs are modulated by internal states like hunger, and how recurrent connections enable adaptive responses. She has contributed to studies on visual and olfactory memory formation, multisensory integration, and navigational strategies in Drosophila. Publications highlight work on dopamine signaling in taste punishment, social behavior in larvae, and cross-species odor coding principles. Her findings aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms underlying sensory-driven behavior and neural plasticity in both vertebrates and invertebrates.

• Event Cognition
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Visual Working Memory
• +4 more

Frank Papenmeier is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Tübingen, within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on event cognition, human-robot interaction, visual working memory, and visual attention. He coordinates the 'Coordination Cognitive Psychology and Research Methods' research group. His work explores how people perceive and interact with dynamic environments, including studies on event segmentation, cognitive offloading, and aesthetic judgments. He has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work addressing topics like the impact of framing on art perception and the role of AI in education. Papenmeier's research integrates experimental methods with interdisciplinary approaches, including collaborations on teleoperation systems and AI-based tutoring. He has presented at major conferences such as the European Society for Cognitive Psychology and the Psychonomic Society. His lab emphasizes methodological rigor, evidenced by contributions to replication databases and open science initiatives. Education: Not explicitly stated in the text, but his titles include Dr. rer. nat. (Doctor of Natural Sciences) and Diplom-Psychologe (Psychology Diploma). Research Interests: His primary areas include event cognition, human-robot interaction (e.g., helping behavior toward robots), visual working memory (e.g., spatial configuration processing), and cognitive offloading (e.g., impact on memory and performance). He also investigates aesthetic judgments and narrative comprehension through eye-tracking and experimental paradigms. Articles Trends: Recent work addresses applied topics like cookie consent interfaces, AI in education (e.g., R programming tutors), and perceptual effects in 3D cinema. His studies often bridge cognitive theory with real-world applications, such as usability design and social robotics. Labs/Teams: Leads the research group 'Coordination Cognitive Psychology and Research Methods' at the University of Tübingen. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects involving robotics, AI, and human-computer interaction.

• Customer/Patient Experiences
• Service Design
• Service Innovation
• +4 more

Dr. Susan Stead is an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) within the Faculty of Business and Economics at RWTH Aachen University. She leads the Healthcare Innovation Lab and Digital Responsibility & Innovation Lab , focusing on customer/patient experiences, service design, and AI applications in healthcare. Her career spans roles at Maastricht University (2014-2020), including project leadership, mentoring, and teaching in service design and innovation management. Education: M.Sc. in International Business (Strategic Marketing), Maastricht University B.BA. in International Business, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences Ph.D. in Service Design and Innovation (2020), Maastricht University Research engagement at Bishop’s University (Quebec) and practical experience at NorthSouth GIS (Wellington) Her research integrates qualitative and quantitative analysis using tools like SPSS, SmartPLS, and Leximancer 4.0, with data from Web of Science, PubMed, and primary sources such as interviews and co-creation workshops. Recent publications address AI in emergency care ( Ärzteblatt , 2024), gamification ( Journal of Service Research , 2023), and multisensory customer experiences ( Journal of Service Research , 2020). Stead collaborates across disciplines, including co-authored works with researchers like Dominik Mahr and Gaby Odekerken-Schröder, and contributes to understanding digital transformation, ethical AI, and smart hospital frameworks.

Lina OravecView profile

Professor

• Music Education
• Elementary School Music
• Inclusive Music Education
• +4 more

Professor Lina Oravec is a distinguished scholar in Music Education at the University of Koblenz-Landau, where she has served as Professor of Music Education since 2015. She currently holds leadership positions including Managing Director of the Center for Teacher Education (2023-2025) and leads multiple significant research projects such as KuMuS-ProNeD, DiEP-M, and All-in-Band. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in elementary music education. Her research interests focus on elementary school music education, inclusive classroom music-making, music teaching by non-specialist teachers, the interface between elementary and school music education, and qualitative-empirical teaching research. She has pioneered approaches to digital music competencies and inclusive music education practices that have influenced teacher training programs across Germany. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on inclusive music education, qualitative research methodologies, and the challenges of music instruction in elementary schools. Her work consistently addresses the practical implementation of music education theory while focusing on equity, accessibility, and teacher development in music education contexts. Senior Fellowship of the Stifterverband for Innovations in Higher Education (2019) Stifterverband Fellow for the All-in-Band project Professor Oravec actively mentors emerging scholars through her role as co-editor of the open-access journal "Contributions to Empirical Music Education" (b:em) since 2016 and as a member of the management teams for the working groups "Qualitative Research in Music Education" (QFM) and "Music Education Primary School." Her current projects include significant funding from the BMBF, Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education, and Bertelsmann Foundation. She leads the Center for Teacher Education at the University of Koblenz-Landau and coordinates collaborative research teams across multiple institutions focused on digital innovations in teacher education for arts subjects. Her All-in-Band project creates inclusive music ensembles that bring together music students and special needs students, demonstrating her commitment to practical applications of inclusive education principles.

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Action and Perception
• Body Perception
• +3 more

Prof. Simone Schütz-Bosbach is a Professor of Experimental Neuro-Cognitive Psychology at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), leading the Body Social Cognition & Action Lab. Her research focuses on human sensation, perception, and action using methodologies like fMRI, EEG, and TMS. She has held academic positions at institutions including the Max Planck Society and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg. Her awards include the Otto Hahn Medal (2004) and a Heisenberg Fellowship (2013). Education: Diploma in Psychology (University of Bonn, 2000), PhD (LMU Munich, 2004), Habilitation (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, 2015). Research interests include cognitive neuroscience of action, self-other distinction, and body perception. She has explored topics like sensory attenuation, interoceptive processing, and neural mechanisms of agency. Publications span 20+ years, with recent works on social evaluative stress, cardiac-phase effects on motor inhibition, and neural dynamics in belief updating. Her lab investigates the interplay between interoception, action, and social cognition. She collaborates internationally and engages in interdisciplinary research, bridging neuroscience and psychology. Awards and memberships include the Junge Akademie (2008–2013), Leopoldina (2008–2013), and VolkswagenStiftung-funded European Platform for Life Sciences. Her work emphasizes embodied cognition and predictive coding frameworks to understand self-representation and action.

Katja FiehlerView profile

Professor

• Experimental Psychology
• Perception & Action
• Sensorimotor Integration
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Katja Fiehler holds the W3 Professorship for Experimental Psychology ("Perception & Action") at Giessen University since March 2020. She previously served as W2 Professor (2016-2020) and Heisenberg-Professor (2011-2016) at the same institution. Her research focuses on sensorimotor integration, tactile perception, and spatial cognition in naturalistic environments, particularly through virtual reality applications. Current roles: Speaker of Cluster Project "The Adaptive Mind" Leadership: Speaker of DFG IRTG-1901 "The Brain in Action" Member of directorate: DFG SFB/TRR-135 "Cardinal mechanisms of perception" Directorate member: Bender Institute for Neuroimaging (BION) Katja's research spans tactile suppression during action, spatial memory coding, and multimodal perception. Her team investigates how sensorimotor predictions modulate sensory processing, how aging affects motor-sensory integration, and the neural basis of allocentric/egocentric spatial representations. Recent publications show strong focus on virtual reality experiments, sensorimotor recalibration, and inter-effector coordination. Key themes include tactile perception modulation by movement demands, spatial cognition in naturalistic environments, and cross-modal metacognition. She leads the "Team Perception and Action" at Giessen University, which includes researchers like Dr. Belkis Ezgi Arikan, Dr. Tom Nissens, and Dr. Meaghan McManus. Her lab develops tools like vexptoolbox for VR-based human behavior studies.

Stephan PreihsView profile

Researcher

• Acoustics
• Digital Signal Processing
• Audio Coding
• +6 more

Stephan Preihs is a postdoctoral researcher and group leader at the Institute of Communications Technology of the Leibniz University Hannover , with a focus on acoustics, digital signal processing, and immersive audio systems. He received his Dipl.-Ing. in electrical engineering (communications engineering) from the same university in 2010 and his Dr.-Ing. in 2016. Education: Dipl.-Ing., Electrical Engineering (Communications Engineering), Leibniz University Hannover (2010) Dr.-Ing., Leibniz University Hannover (2016) Research Interests: Acoustics for immersive audio reproduction Digital signal processing and audio coding Signal detection/classification Psychoacoustic models Audio transmission for PMSE Recent Article Trends: Deep learning in sound source localization Wind turbine noise analysis via immersive audio Advancements in headphone technology Immersion prediction in spatial audio Low-latency communication protocols Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award at IEEE International Workshop on Networked Immersive Audio (2024) AES Show 2024 Best Technical Paper Award AES Spring 2021 Student Paper Award AES Poster Award 2019 AES Convention Student Paper Award 2019 Teaching: Lecturer for '3D Audio - Fundamentals of Spatial Reproduction Systems' Lecturer for 'Applications of Digital Audio Signal Processing' Coordinator of student laboratories in 'Audio Communication and Acoustics' and 'Transmission Technology'

Katja Dörschner BoyaciView profile

Professor

• Perception
• Computational Neuroscience
• Material Perception
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Katja Dörschner Boyaci is a Professor at Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen , Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, leading the Perception & Active Exploration Group . Her research focuses on understanding how the human brain constructs rich perceptual experiences from sensory input, particularly in the perception of material properties like softness, glossiness, and roughness. Research Interests: Computational and neural mechanisms of material perception Integration of visual and haptic information Expectation-driven modulation of perception Neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG) and psychophysical approaches Virtual reality and computational modeling Her work combines psychophysics , neuroimaging , and computational modeling to explore how humans judge material properties from static and dynamic images, and how prior experiences shape these perceptions. Scientific Contributions: Published extensively on material perception, with recent papers in Nature Human Behaviour , Journal of Neuroscience , and Vision Research . Leads the collaborative B8 project on integrating experience and sensory information in material perception. Collaborations & Funding: Co-leads the B8 project with Prof. Hüseyin Boyaci, funded to investigate neural mechanisms of expectation-based perception. Employs interdisciplinary methods including EEG, fMRI, VR, and behavioral experiments. Laboratory & Team: The Perception & Active Exploration Group at Giessen University studies how humans perceive intrinsic object qualities through active exploration and sensory integration, with implications for product design, computer graphics, and robotics.

• Visual Perception
• Eye Movement Control
• Sensorimotor Integration
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Alexander Schütz is a faculty member at the Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg , leading the Sensorimotor Learning research group. His work explores the interplay between eye movements and visual perception , focusing on trans-saccadic integration, dynamic signal integration, and perceptual stability. Academic Affiliation: Department of General and Biological Psychology Key Collaborators: Karl Gegenfurtner, David Souto, Miriam Spering Research Interests Integration of bottom-up salience and top-down value signals in eye movement control Trans-saccadic information calibration and perceptual adaptation Individual differences in multistable perception and motor learning His 2024-2025 publications reveal trends in: Visual processing in rod vision and occlusion Optical flow models for eye movement prediction Neural mechanisms of cost-benefit trade-offs in visual search Perceptual biases in autism-psychosis spectra Visuotactile integration during spatial judgments Grants ERC Starting Grant PERFORM (2015-2020): Calibration of peripheral and foveal vision ERC Consolidator Grant SENCES (2021-2025): Processing of inferred vs. sensory visual information Laboratory Equipment : EyeLink 1000+ eye trackers, ViewPixx stereoscope, ProPixx projector, and Vizard VR platform for behavioral studies.