Lab Philosophy
We are an enthusiastic international research team part of the Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, the Netherlands and associated to the Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, UMCG, Groningen.
Our goal is to advance the understanding of the nature of executive functions as well as their neural implementation, advance the testing and assessment of executive functions and look for ways how to enhance executive functions in healthy and pathological groups.
Our mission is to contribute to the development of good researchers and to the increased scientific knowledge of executive functioning. Our vision is to help increasing the well-being and cognitive health of individuals and patients. We value collaborations and teamwork within our group and with members of the university, as well as as with national and international partner.
Our goal is to advance the understanding of the nature of executive functions as well as their neural implementation, advance the testing and assessment of executive functions and look for ways how to enhance executive functions in healthy and pathological groups.
Our mission is to contribute to the development of good researchers and to the increased scientific knowledge of executive functioning. Our vision is to help increasing the well-being and cognitive health of individuals and patients. We value collaborations and teamwork within our group and with members of the university, as well as as with national and international partner.
Principal Investigator
Stefanie is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology at the University of Groningen. Her research focuses on executive functions, in which she assesses the underlying neurocognitive processes. She teaches courses addressing topics in clinical neuropsychology, neurophysiological research methods, as well as in research ethics and science integrity. Stefanie finished her psychology studies and her PhD in biology at the University of Münster, Germany. Afterwards she completed post-doctorates at the University of Oldenburg, Germany and the University of the Balearic Islands in Spain. Since 2012, she works as a voluntary scientific adviser of the international non-governmental human rights organization “International Justice Mission” Germany.
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PhD students
Francisco is a psychiatrist who takes part in a joint PhD program at the University of Groningen and the National University of Mexico (UNAM). In his research line, we study the neural basis of executive (dys)function and behavioral symptoms in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, using advanced MRI and EEG methods. We furthermore adapt and validate new neuropsychological tests for both the Netherlands and Mexico in the 4C (Cross-Cultural Cognitive Control) study. Francisco is furthermore a fellow of Alzheimer Nederland.
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![]() Media report in Spanish: Serving face!
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Diede Smit, MSc.
Diede is a psychologist and graduated at the University of Groningen. In her PhD project, we investigate the effects of neurofeedback on cognition and assess this training approach as a therapeutic tool in subclinical groups.
More information about the study: www.neurofeedback-rug.nl
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Research assistants
Morten Lietz

Morten Lietz graduated in Behavioural Cognitive Neuroscience research master of the Clinical and Molecular Neuroscience track. His interest lies in functional connectivity in neurodegenerative diseases and neuroplasticity. He is involved in the Neuro Ex-Func group since 2018 and assisted with the adaption of neuropsychological tests as part of the 4C studies, as well as the development of EEG-based functional connectivity assessment in mild cognitive impairment and subjective cognitive decline. Additionally, he works as an adjunctive docent for the neuropsychological department of the University of Groningen.
Student assistants & trainees
Karl Zimmermann
Karl takes part in the program of the Behavioural and Social Sciences Research Master in the theme Deficits, Distress, and Disorders. His main interests lie in the interaction of neuroscience and cognitive experience in view on psychopathology. In September 2019, he will start the Research Master in the Domain: Deficits, Distress, and Disorders.
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Chiara Biserni
Chiara graduated from the University College Groningen in Social Sciences. Her background is mainly in Neuroscience and Biology. Chiara is now enrolled in the Clinical Neuropsychology master programm. Chiara currently helps in the Coco-19 study, in which subjective cognitive complaints as a possible consequence of Covid-19 are assessed. Her field of interests are in the relationship between brain deficits, psychiatric conditions and behaviour, with a particular interest in neglect and aphasia.
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Neuropsychological assessment team
Jeanique La Faille
Dorien Wouters
Eva Hoogvliet
Marieke Folbert
Dorien Wouters
Eva Hoogvliet
Marieke Folbert
Leoni van der Veen Eva van Rein Frederique Houtzager
Incoming & affiliated students
- Jaroslav Krc, Masaryk University, Czech Republic