Newcomers

My name is María Sánchez. After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in General Linguistics at Leipzig University (Germany), I completed a Master’s in Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium). I am now a PhD researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussels under the supervision of Profs. Mathieu Declerck (VUB), Esli Struys (VUB) and David Peeters (Tilburg University).

My main PhD project investigates bilingual language control from a more ecologically valid perspective by integrating both linguistic and non-linguistic context in the shape of more naturalistic sentence production as well as more realistic animated interlocutors.

I will be joining Prof. Asli Özyürek and her team for a two-month research stay, where I am hoping to learn more about Virtual Reality technology and how to integrate it into my research.

Dear all,

My name is Michelle Vuong and I am an intern at the Neurobiology of Language Department, supervised by Hatice Zora. We are working on a follow-up study on Turkish prosody mismatches, testing heritage speakers of Turkish who grew up in Germany. You can find me in room 330!

I am a graduate student at the University of Konstanz, Germany, studying the MA Multilingualism. I just finished my exchange semester at Radboud University where I focussed on language and speech technology, text and multimedia mining and programming skills in Python. In April 2025 I am returning to Konstanz to write my MA thesis on social priming in foreign accent perception - how seeing different faces affects foreign accent ratings of L1 Cantonese productions in German.

In my free time I enjoy reading novels, bouldering and singing.

Thank you very much for the warm welcome already, I'm am very much looking forward to meeting everybody and learning from you!

Best wishes,
Michelle

Dear all,

My name is Jill Kessen and I just started working as an intern at the Language and Genetics department under the supervision of Maggie Wong and Simon Fisher. The next six months, you will find me in room A310. I was born and raised in Limburg, where I completed my Bachelor in Liberal Arts and Sciences at Maastricht University. A few years ago, I moved to Nijmegen for my Master’s in Medical Biology (specialization Neurobiology) at Radboud University, which I will be completing this year. In my free time I enjoy singing, watching a series/ film, and occasionally bouldering. I am excited for the next few months and I look forwards to meeting all of you!

Kind regards,

Jill

Dear colleagues,

I’m Letizia Vogini, and I just started as an intern at the Language & Genetics Department (A310) under the supervision of Maggie Wong and Simon Fisher. My internship will last until the end of July, and I will be assisting in the characterization of neural organoids to elucidate the neurobiological pathways involved in heterogeneous SETBP1-haploinsufficiency disorder.

I am a fourth-year bachelor’s student at HAN University of Applied Sciences, with a strong laboratory-focused background. In June 2024, I obtained a pre-master’s in Neurobiology at Radboud University. Recently, I completed my first internship at the Donders Institute (5 months), within Kolk’s group, where I worked on culturing midbrain and dorsal forebrain organoids, as well as assembloids, and performed molecular analyses to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of Lesch-Nyhan Disease.

Originally from Switzerland, I enjoy spending time in nature, so I often go for long walks and hikes in my free time. I also love physical exercise, cooking, listening to podcasts, and most importantly, spending time with my dearest friends.

I look forward to meeting all of you and getting to know you better!

Best,

Letizia

Dear all,

My name is Magdalena Unterberger and I am excited to begin my first Master’s internship project with Dr. Fatma Uzbas here at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics within the Language and Genetics department. I will be investigating cortical organoids and CHD3 mutations from Monday to Friday until mid-August and one can find me in room A310.
Originally, I am from Austria, where I completed my Bachelor’s in Molecular Biology at Karl-Franzens University in Graz. Since September of last year, I have been pursuing my Master’s degree in Medical Epigenomics. Over the summer months, I have always enjoyed gaining new insights and learning new skills through various internships in different research groups, which also gave me the opportunity to travel to other countries and experience their culture for a while. That combined two passions of mine, travelling and the world of chemical and biological research.
Apart from that I love the mountains, climbing in the summer whilst snowboarding during winter. However, since moving to Nijmegen, I’ve had to adapt a little bit, so now I enjoy exploring different sports courses through the RSC membership.

I am honored to begin my internship at the MPI and I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of you!

All the best,
Magdalena

Hello dear colleagues,

My name is Erik van Stuivenberg and I have recently started as Head of Human Resources, part of the MPI Operations department. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master in Human Resources Management … a decent basis I thought, but being between so many bright people has put my feet back on the ground. Happy with that, as it will take me out of my comfort zone and make me learn new things.

My work experience is mostly in HR roles within different types of industry, e.g. paper, construction and engine manufacturing. Frequent travelling was part of these jobs, which I like as it goes well with my genuine interest in different cultures.

My hobbies are running, field hockey and motor cycling. Last but certainly not least: I live with my wife Patricia in beautiful Nijmegen, we have two lovely student daughters Hannah and Katrine.

And a big THANK YOU to all for making me feel super welcome!

Hi everyone! My name is Pedro Alonso González and for the next seven months, I’ll be an intern at the Language & Genetics department in the Population Genetics and Human Communication group, under supervision of Sanjeevan Jahagirdar and Beate St Pourcain. You’ll likely be able to find me in room A204 until the end of August.

Although my name might not imply, I’m actually (half) Dutch and grew up not too far from here in the beautiful city (read: village) of Ravenstein.

Before starting my master Medical Epigenomics, I completed the (medical) Biology bachelor, also at Radboud University, where I’ve also been very active in the biology study association and co-determination.

Aside from semi-reluctantly growing my list of extracurricular activities, I like to spend my free time running and reading books (mostly fiction). I also love to sing and to honour my Spanish roots, I play the classical guitar.

I’m very much looking forward to meeting you all and learning a lot!