As a PhD candidate at Erasmus MC, I conducted advanced research into brain (dis)connectivity, exploring how neural pathways are implicated in neurological conditions. I analyzed large-scale MRI datasets, developing novel methodologies to investigate brain connectivity patterns and their role in neurological disorders. My research provided deeper insights into brain function and disconnection syndromes, bridging the gap between clinical practice and scientific understanding. I worked closely with clinicians and data analysts, ensuring that the research findings were clinically relevant and scientifically rigorous.

My thesis, titled "Short Circuit: How Brain Connectivity and Disconnectivity Relate to Brain Function," examined the role of structural and functional brain connectivity in both healthy and pathological states. The research explored the impact of white matter lesions and age-related neurodegeneration on brain connectivity, using advanced neuroimaging techniques like resting-state fMRI and diffusion tensor imaging. The findings contributed to a more nuanced understanding of how connectivity loss can affect brain function, with implications for cognitive and psychiatric conditions.