https://uol.de/biologische-psychologie/team

Education:
MD from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Research Background:
Identification of the neurobiological underpinnings of neurological and psychiatric disorders
– Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and autism
– using neuroimaging tools including diffusion and functional MRI

Current Project: His current focus at RTG is on predicting the optimal neuromodulation and its outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disease using various statistical and imaging analytical methods.

Link to Scholar: scholar.google.com/citations

https://uol.de/amt/mitarbeiter/linda-bergmann

P4: Sensor-based tracking of upper limb use in domestic environments
PI: Hein
Collaborator: Kranczioch
  

Education:
(2023 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

https://uol.de/biologische-psychologie/team

P6: Combining cognitive training and tACS in stroke survivors to improve interference control
PI: Özyurt,
Collaborators: Thiel and Herrmann
  

Education:
(2022 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation
(2018 – 2021) Master of Science in Neurocognitive Psychology, University of Oldenburg
    (2013–2016) Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of California, Berkeley

Research Background:
MEG, EEG, MRI and tACS techniques, auditory processing, stroke rehabilitation

Current Project: Combining cognitive training and tACs in patients who have suffered a stroke to improve interference control

P21: Computational identification of candidate network targets for tTIS in psychomotor slowing

Principal Investigator: Thiel; Collaborators: Wessel and Grefkes
 

Education: 

(2026 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

(2023–2026) Master of Science in Neuroscience, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany

(2020–2022) Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Psychological Counselling and Psychotherapy, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

(2017–2020) Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
 

Research interests: fMRI, ageing, neurodegeneration, executive functions
 

https://uol.de/neuropsychologie/team/jennifer-decker-phd-candidate

P3a: Motor imagery neurofeedback training at home for upper-limb motor recovery in stroke and associated changes in cortical motor-prefrontal functional connectivity
Principal Investigator: Kranczioch
Collaborators: Thiel, Grefkes
  

Education:
(2022 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation
Research
Background:
Motor imagery, neurofeedback, electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), motor and cognitive assessment, stroke patients

Repeated practice of movement sequences enables these movements to be learnt and perfected. A similar effect can be achieved simply by imagining these movements, as the activity in the relevant brain regions overlaps significantly. This type of motor imagery (MI) training enables individuals with motor impairments in particular (e.g., stroke patients) to work on improving their actual motor skills at a cognitive level and is therefore promising in the context of neural rehabilitation. To provide feedback on performance during practice, additional neurofeedback (NF) can be provided based on individual brain activity during practice, often using EEG. This allows for real-time objective error analysis as well as correction, so that neural activity is specifically modulated.

Current Project: In this across-subjects multiple baseline study, extensive testing of motor function and cognition, as well as structural and functional imaging using EEG and MRI, will be carried out before and after four weeks of MI-NF training. The aim is to further investigate the effects of intensive home-based MI-NF training on the connectivity of motor and prefrontal areas and on the recovery of upper limb motor function in stroke patients.

https://uol.de/neuropsychologie/team

P2: TMS-induced EEG responses for the characterisation of brain network integrity
PI: Debener, Grefkes
Collaborators: Herrmann
 

Education:
(2023 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

https://uol.de/biologische-psychologie/team

P10a: Noradrenergic and cholinergic modulation of functional connectivity related to motor performance and interference resolution in older volunteers and patients with Parkinson’s disease
Principal Investigator: Thiel
Collaborators: Witt, Grefkes
  

Education:
(2022 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

P19: Comparing transcranial alternating current stimulation with EEG neurofeedback
Principal Investigator: Herrmann; Collaborators: Boetzel and Kranczioch

   
Education:
(2025 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

 

https://uol.de/psychologie/statistik/paul-grupe

P8: Monitoring far-transfer effects of neuromodulation and cognitive training on interference control in daily activities following a stroke using experience sampling methods
Principal Investigator: Andrea Hildebrandt
Collaborators: Brütt, Özyurt, Kranczioch

Education:
(2023 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation
(10/2021 – 09/2023) MSc in Neurocognitive Psychology, University of Oldenburg
    (09/2018 – 8/2021) BSc in Psychology, Leiden University, Netherlands
   

P3b: Motor imagery neurofeedback training at home for upper-limb motor recovery following stroke and associated changes in cortical motor-prefrontal functional connectivity
Principal Investigator: Kranczioch
Collaborators: Thiel, Grefkes

Education:
(2025 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

 

https://uol.de/en/applied-neurocognitive-psychology/team/sina-khajei-msc

P7: Brain mechanisms of cognitive interference in the coordination of realistic action sequences in virtual reality
PI: Rieger
Collaborators: Hein
  

Education:
(2024 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

P17: Transcranial alternating current stimulation of patients with Parkinson’s disease at home
Principal Investigator: Boetzel
Collaborators: Roheger and Witt

Education:
(2025 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

 

P1: The role of the prefrontal cortex in motor recovery following a stroke
Principal Investigator: Grefkes
Collaborators: Debener, Kranczioch
  

Education:
(2023 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

P18: Implicit assessment of dual-task interference
PI: Debener
Collaborators: Hein, Witt

Education:
(2025 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

 

https://uol.de/neuropsychologie/team/lara-papin-phd-candidate-1

P12: Behavioural and Neural Correlates of Cognitive-Motor Effects during Gait and Balance
PI: Debener, Witt

  

Education:
(2022 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

https://uol.de/ambulantes-assessment-psychologie/team

P5: Frequency-specific neurofeedback to promote interference reduction in memory consolidation
PI: Roheger, Kranczioch
Collaborators: Notbohm
  

Education:
(2024 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation
     (2018 – 2024) Master of Science in Neurocognitive Psychology, University of Oldenburg
(2014 – 2018) Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Trier

Research Background:
EEG, neurofeedback, sonification

https://uol.de/biologische-psychologie/team

P10b: Impact of cholinergic stimulation on cognitive-motor dual-task performance and brain activity in older adults; Principal
Investigator: Thiel; Collaborator: Witt

Education:
(2024 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

https://uol.de/ambulantes-assessment-psychologie/team

P15: Smartphone-based assessment of daily cognitive fluctuations in Parkinson’s disease
Principal Investigator: Roheger
Collaborators: Thiel and Abdolalizadeh
  

Education:
(2024 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

https://uol.de/allgemeine-psychologie/mitarbeiter

P9: Interference resolution in older volunteers and patients with Parkinson’s disease
Principal Investigator: Herrmann
Collaborators: Witt
  

Education:
(2024 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

https://uol.de/neurologie/mitarbeiter

P11: Neurophysiological mechanisms and markers of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in healthy individuals and those with Parkinson’s disease
Principal Investigator: Witt, Thiel

  

Education:
(2022 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

https://uol.de/humanmedizin/abteilungen/universitaetsklinik-kjpp/team

P16: Interference control across the lifespan: bridging neurological and psychiatric rehabilitation
PI: Thiel; Collaborators: A. Hildebrandt; external collaborator: Prof. Dr Yulia Golub
 

Education and Work:
(2024 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation
(2023 – 2024) Clinical Neuropsychologist, Child Development Centre “Jo-Ha-Ku” (Georgia)
(2014 – 2023) Research Fellow at the Laboratory of Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Research Centre (Russia)
(2009 – 2014) Diploma in Clinical Psychology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (Russia)

Research interests•
Cognitive impairments in psychiatric and neurological conditions•
Substance use disorders•
Neuropsychological assessment•
Autism spectrum disorders
 

https://uol.de/rehaforschung/mitarbeiter

P13: How to translate neuromodulation into routine care?
Principal Investigator: Brütt
Collaborators: Hildebrandt, Hein
  

Education:
(2024 – present) PhD in the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation

https://www.rehazentrum-oldenburg.de/therapie-pflege/therapiebereiche/psychologie/

https://www.gesundheitnord.de/klinikum-bremen-ost/neurologie/team.html#c51457

PI: Karsten Witt

https://uol.de/neurologie/team

Education:
(2025 – present) PhD associated with the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation
 

PI: Witt

Expertise and Background
I hold a Diploma in Psychology and Clinical Neuroscience and a PhD in Neuroscience. My work centres on Clinical Movement Science, focusing on motor learning, movement analysis and motor development across the lifespan and in people with neurological conditions.

Research Focus
My primary research objective is to clarify how motor control, brain function and cognitive processes interact during movement, and to explain the differences in how individuals learn motor skills. By identifying the behavioural, cognitive and neural factors that shape sensorimotor learning, I seek to explain why some people respond well to training whilst others do not. A major focus of my research is investigating the therapeutic potential of non-invasive brain and neurostimulation techniques to modulate neural activity and behaviour, particularly in the context of ageing.

Translational Goal
: I aim to advance our understanding of how these processes interact in health and disease. My ultimate goal is to translate this knowledge into personalised, evidence-based therapeutic strategies that enhance functional performance and dramatically improve the quality of life for individuals affected by neurological conditions.

PI: Mandy Roheger
Education:
2022 – present: PhD student in Ambulatory Assessment in Psychology, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg
2020 – 2022: MSc in Psychology, University of Lübeck

https://uol.de/neuropsychologie/team/melanie-klapprott-phd-candidate

Principal Investigator: Stefan Debener
Thesis Project: Effects of different acute sport interventions on memory performance and (neuro-)physiological correlates

Education:
(2023 – present) PhD affiliated with the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation
(2020 – 2023) MSc in Neurocognitive Psychology, University of Oldenburg

https://uol.de/neurologie/team

Principal Investigator: Witt

Education:
(2022 – present) PhD (Dr. med. Excellence programme) associated with the Research Training Group for Neuromodulation
(2018 – present) degree in Medical Sciences, University of Oldenburg

Current Project: We are investigating transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and analysing the effects of this neuromodulation procedure in healthy subjects and patients with Parkinson’s disease. In the study, I am primarily focusing on analysing pupil size, salivary alpha-amylase and adverse events. My aim is to continue pursuing this line of research in the future.

https://uol.de/hals-nasen-ohren-heilkunde

Principal Investigator: Radeloff, Herrmann 

Education:
(01/2025 – 06/2025) MD Scholarship from the RTG Neuromodulation
(2019 – present) degree in Medical Sciences, University of Oldenburg

Current Project: Improving the side-effect profile of alternating current (AC) stimulation of the ear through appropriate placement of the return electrode

https://uol.de/neurologie/johannes-stalter

Principal Investigator: Witt

Research Background:
Transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) is a new method for non-invasively stimulating
deep regions of the brain. The idea behind this is to emit two very high frequencies that do not interfere with brain activity; these frequencies are slightly different (e.g. 2 kHz and 2.1 kHz) and overlap in the region of interest (ROI) within deep brain regions such as the basal ganglia. In this way, the frequencies cancel each other out, leaving only the difference between the two frequencies (in this example, 0.1 kHz) to target the ROI. This frequency then stimulates the deep-seated regions. Overlying cortical layers are not affected by this technique. The current is delivered via electrodes placed on the participants’ scalps. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of tTIS in an animal model and its safety in humans. The studies in this application extend the research question to a proof of principle for tTIS in a disease model, namely Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Current Project: In this project, tTIS will be applied for the first time in patients with PD. One major symptom complex comprises the motor symptoms, which are caused by changes in neuronal oscillations in the basal ganglia, specifically the putamen. Another aspect of this disease is non-motor symptoms such as apathy, which is characterised by a lack of motivation. This is thought to be caused by altered oscillations in the region of the nucleus accumbens.
To ensure precise stimulation, we will simulate the stimulation on an individual subject basis using personalised MRI scans. In the second phase, the two distinct aspects of this condition are investigated. Firstly, we stimulate the participants’ putamen. Changes in motor performance will be measured using a finger-tapping task, which is analysed by a 3D video camera system. A further sequential finger-tapping task is performed to assess motor learning. Secondly, the nucleus accumbens will be stimulated at a gamma frequency to enhance effort-reward behaviour and thereby modulate motivation. This is tested using a well-established motivation task, in which participants must squeeze a hand grip to earn rewards. The studies will be accompanied by a standardised safety assessment. Using a cross-over design involving real or sham stimulation, the impact of tTIS on motor and non-motor symptoms will be investigated in order to assess feasibility and safety and to provide an initial proof of concept for tTIS in treating motor and non-motor aspects of a neurodegenerative disease.

GRK Office

Finance and Administration

GRK Office

Scientific Coordination