Stephanie J Forkel
Neuropsychology | Neurovariability | Precision Neuroscience
Our lab's work centres on neurovariability and its impact on cognition across different brain states, including health and disease. By utilising advanced neuroimaging techniques, the goal is to better understand the emergent properties of the brain's connectivity. This research is vital for improving the diagnosis of neurological disorders and advancing the field of precision neuroscience.
My career reflects a deep commitment to international research, where I have served in key advisory and evaluative roles. Notable positions include Programme Chair for the Organization of Human Brain Mapping (OHBM), Scientific Advisor to the British Council in 2019, leader of the Donders Language & Communication Theme, and Chair of the Clinical Neuroanatomy lab @CNSeminars. I have also contributed to the European Research Council evaluations and worked with funding bodies like UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), emphasising my dedication to enhancing global research collaboration, innovation, and equity.
TECHNIQUES & METHODS:
-
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
-
Microneurosurgical post mortem Klingler dissections
-
Advanced Diffusion-weighted imaging and tractography
-
Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (nTMS)
-
Structural connectivity
-
DISCONNECTOME
-
Lesion-symptom mapping
-
Applied Clinical Neuropsychology
-
3D printing
My group has a long-standing collaboration with the group of Michel Thiebaut de Schotten (CNRS, University of Bordeaux), which is formalised in the BCBlab (Brain Connectivity Behaviour and a joined effort to make neuroscience research accessible across the globe through our NGO - Neuroscience Alliance.
RESEARCH TOPICS:
-
Neurobiology of Language
-
Brain anatomy
-
White matter phenotypes
-
Neurovariability in brain structure and behaviour
-
Predictors of clinical recovery in patients
-
Comparative neuroimaging
-
Emergentism
-
Neurological disorders & Neurosurgical implications (e.g. stroke, PPA, tumours)
Qualifications
Professional Accreditations & Academic Degrees
Ius Promovendi at Radboud University
2023
The ius promovendi, in Dutch higher education, is the right to promote and supervise doctoral students as promoter.
Extended University Teaching Qualification
(UTQ)
2023
The Dutch extended University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) is proof of the didactical competence of lecturers in academic education. All 14 Dutch universities recognise the UTQ.
Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches
(HDR | Dr. habil | Privatdozent |
ius promovendi)
2021
Habilitation is the highest European university degree. The candidate fulfils a university's set criteria of excellence in research, teaching and further education. The habilitation is awarded after a public lecture, after which the venia legendi ("permission to read") is bestowed.
The degree is a qualification for a full professorship and is known as HDR in FR, Privatdozent or Dr. habil. in DE or ius promovendi in NL.
L'autorisation à diriger une thèse (ADT)
2021
Authorization to supervise a thesis (ADT) is granted by the Academic Council (CAC), on the advice of the Council of the doctoral school of the University of Bordeaux.
Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol)
2019
The title of Chartered Psychologist is legally recognised and reflects the highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise. More information available from the British Psychological Society.
Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
2018
Senior Fellowship is awarded to professionals who demonstrate they meet the criteria of the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) for teaching and supporting learning in higher education. A Senior Fellow of HEA presents a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as a key contribution to high-quality learning.
More information available from AdvanceHE.
PhD Neuroimaging
King's College London, UK
2009 – 2013
I obtained my doctorate in applied clinical neuroimaging after successfully completing a multicentre stroke study. In my PhD, I demonstrated that neurovariability is a critical predictive factor for recovery after stroke.
The results are available in Brain, 2014.
Associate Fellow Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
2011
Fellowship demonstrates a personal and institutional commitment to professionalism in learning and teaching in higher education. Across four categories, from Associate to Principal, Fellowship provides individuals with recognition of their practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.
More information is available from AdvanceHE.
Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (GCAP)
2010 - 2011
The Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice in Higher Education is the first qualification in teaching practice for academic staff. It is increasingly recognised that individuals responsible for the student learning experience in universities in the UK should have access to a teaching qualification and/or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). The GCAP provides a route to both a qualification in higher education academic practice and recognition as a Fellow of AdvanceHE.
MSc Neuroscience
King's College London, UK
2008 - 2009
The MSc Neuroscience covers key areas of psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience and neurology. More information o the MSc website.
Psychology (Honours)
National University of Ireland, Galway
2007 - 2008
Graduates will be eligible for membership to relevant professional societies (the Psychological Society of Ireland and the British Psychological Society), as well as entry to specialist postgraduate professional programmes. More information available from the NUIG website.
Psychologie (Diplom)
Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg, Austria
2005 - 2008
Psychology at the University of Salzburg has a strong STEM orientation covering essential classes on biological psychology, statistics, and neuropsychology. More information available from the University website.
Professional Experience
Let’s Connect
