Stephanie J Forkel
Neuropsychology | Neurovariability | Precision Neuroscience
As a Principal Investigator and Research Group leader at the Donders Institute in Nijmegen, I lead the Donders' Language & Communication Theme (18 PIs across 3 institutions), and chair the @CNSeminars. I am the Programme Chair for the Organization of Human Brain Mapping (OHBM).
My passion for sharing knowledge and expertise is reflected in my leadership roles and commitment to advancing neuroscience through research, teaching, and science communication.
Having lived in many different countries, from Egypt to the US, I came to value our differences and similarities. This appreciation is reflected in my research on Neurovariability and its impact on cognition across brain states (in health and disease). Understanding what we all share and what makes us unique will change how we approach neurological diagnostics, predictions, and treatments leading to improved precision neuroscience.
Techniques and methods used:
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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Microneurosurgical post mortem Klingler dissections
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Diffusion-weighted imaging and tractography (DTI, HARDI)
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Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (nTMS)
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Structural connectivity
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Disconnectome
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Lesion-symptom mapping
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Applied Clinical Neuropsychology
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3D printing for neuroscience
My group has a long-standing collaboration with the group of Michel Thiebaut de Schotten (University of Bordeaux), which is formalised in the BCBlab (Brain Connectivity Behaviour). Together we aim to unravel the neuronal bases of cognition as emergent functions. We also co-founded the NGO - Neuroscience Alliance.
Research areas:
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Brain anatomy
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Whote matter phenotypes
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Neurovariability in brain structure and behaviour
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Predictors of clinical recovery in patients
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Comparative neuroimaging
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Emergentism
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Functional white matter
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Neurological Disorders
Qualifications
Professional Accreditations & Academic Degrees
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
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