My name is Robrecht De Baere (23) and I started as a PhD student under the supervision of prof. Jessica Van Oosterwijck. Here I will be working on the neuroscientific link between chronic pain and stress. In fact, I also graduated in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in Neuroscience and a focus on MRI research.
Besides the brain, I am also hugely interested in gender, queerness and broader intersections between humans, society and science. I enjoy collaborating and also learning, so don't be shy to reach out to me sometime!

"Nothing teaches us better than our own experiences."
The first sentence of my motivation letter that I used to obtain my FWO scholarship (under the guidance of prof. Dirk Cambier) and therefore perhaps also the appropriate sentence to let you get to know me. 
Many different experiences made me stand where I am now in life; namely at the start of my doctorate at Ghent University and this with a lot of enthusiasm! Because of writing my thesis in the same research group and doing a neurological internship at K7 of Ghent University Hospital, I already feel somewhat at home in this team, which is definitely a good feeling.
I am an open, social person with hobbies in cycling, running, soccer and an epicurean in terms of traveling and eating/drinking. I hope to meet you all soon and am open to all questions!

I am Maxim De Sloovere, 26 years young and a 2020 COVID graduate from the best university in the universe (MSS specialization). Three years on, I have gained a number of specializations (dry needling, manual therapy and bikefitting) and experiences (one year doctoral fellowship at the Movement and Sports Sciences and independent physiotherapist in KineKnokke).
Cycling and soon cyclocross again (both physically and on TV) earn my interest when the bookworm in me is resting. Besides raising a mischievous and inexhaustible border colli (Vika) full-time, I also practice triathlon. Anyway if they miss me I am fishing (...or in my vegetable garden). Looking forward to meeting each of you!!!

My name is Clara and I am a physical therapist with master's specialization in neurological disorders. Vestibular disorders have always fascinated me since my education. Therefore, I decided to further specialize in vestibular rehabilitation. I currently work part-time at Sint-Lievenspoort as a physiotherapist for adults with balance problems. I also teach at KU Leuven on the research and treatment of peripheral vestibular disorders. I am very much looking forward to temporarily joining the department's audio vestibular research group!

I am Iris Heselmans, new colleague and doctoral student under the supervision of prof. Kurt Eggers. My speech therapy adventure started at Thomas More Hogeschool, where I obtained my bachelor's degree in speech therapy and where my interest in scientific research within the field of fluency disorders was born. In 2023, I obtained my master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiological Sciences at Ghent University and since November 1, my FWO mandate started focusing on the role of emotional reactivity and regulation in developmental stuttering. Curious about what the coming years will bring me and eager to start this adventure. 
Family and friends, in addition to being hardworking and motivated, would describe me as an enjoyer of life, great animal lover and a family person. I look forward to meeting you.

I have a background in biomedical sciences and medical imaging. During my PhD, I conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in autistic children, where the effects of intranasal oxytocin administration were evaluated on different levels (e.g. behavioural, neurological, physiological and biological). Oxytocin is a neuropeptide, commonly known as the ‘love hormone’, which plays a role in social behaviour, but also in stress and pain modulation. In general, my research interests lie in investigating brain-related disorders, using neuroimaging techniques (EEG, MRI), biological data (oxytocin, cortisol), and physiological measures (heart rate, skin conductance). I aim to contribute to this field, to advance diagnostics and treatment approaches for individuals facing psychiatric/neurological challenges.

My name is Bo Uzeel and I am starting a temporary appointment of assistant academic staff within the department, unit of speech-language pathology and audiology. I myself am a recent graduate within this program and am therefore very much looking forward to now contributing my own bit to the students' learning process. Specifically, I will provide support in the vestibulology and clinical audiology classes.
I am 22 years old and live in Gullegem, West-Flanders. In my spare time, I have been a scout leader for four years now, occasionally go squash or make travel plans with friends. I am looking forward to getting started at Ghent University and hope it will be a fun and enriching experience!

My name is Joren and I live in Erpe-Mere. In June 2022 I graduated in rehabilitation sciences and physical therapy at Ghent University, after which I started working as a physical therapist in a private practice. I combined this with manual therapy studies also at Ghent University, which I successfully completed in July 2023. Since I have been very interested in scientific research for a long time, I will start a PhD at Ghent University in November 2023.
In my free time, I like to discover new travel destinations. Furthermore, I often read about pain, stress and behavior, although I can also enjoy some fiction. I also like to watch soccer, and hope every year that KAA Gent will win another championship. I am looking forward to this new adventure at Ghent University!