PhD Candidates

Agustoni Giovanni
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Michael Kaess
Research project: «lnterventions and Strategies for Preventing and Predicting Youth Suicide»

Aschenbrenner Lara Marie
Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry Bern
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. phil. Anja Gysin-Maillart
Research project: «Neurophysiological Patterns of Suicide Ideators and Suicide Attempters»

Asgari Jirhandeh Meisam
Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Stefan Klöppel
Research project: «Digital Biomarkers Development for Symptoms and Severity of Emotional Disorders in Geriatric Psychiatry Leveraging Passive Sensing and Machine Learning Approaches»

Baldizzi Giuseppina
Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Bogdan Draganski
Research project: «Predicting mood and cognitive outcome after electro-convulsive therapy in major depressive disorder.»

Barbosa Carneiro Fábio José
Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Inselspital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Bogdan Draganski
Research project: «Deep dive into white matter hyperintensities-dissecting the effects of small vessel disease and neurodegeneration on the ageing brain»

Brunner Meret Salome
University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. Marialuisa Cavelti
Research project: «Dissociation in adolescents’ daily life: Intra- und interpersonal precursors and links to auditory verbal hallucinations»

Dietrich Linda Katharina
University Hospital of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychothearpy
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Annekatrin Steinhoff
Research project: «Linking social stressors and adolescent self-harm: The roles of systemic inflammation & HPA-axis functioning»

Dmitrichenko Olga
Inselspital, University Hospital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Bogdan Draganski
Research project: «Trajectories of Brain Ageing: an integrative multi-dimensional approach»

Exl Matthias Thomas
Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Werner Z'Graggen
Research project: «Early diagnosis and aetiology of critical illness myopathy and polyneuropathy»

Fink Erik
University Hospital of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Michael Kaess
Research project: "Improving prediction, risk stratification and psychotherapy response prognosis of risk-taking and self-injurious behaviour using neurobiological markers"

Florineth Gianluca Andri
University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Leila Maria Soravia Bachofner
Research project: «Investigating efficacy and microstructural plasticity of LSD treatment in patients with alcohol use disorder»

Frei Adriana Olivia
Translational Research Center University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Sebastian Walther
Research project: «Feasibility of ASSIP HT and influence of the brief therapy on neuropsychological correlate»

Gallucci Laura
Department of Neurology, Bern University Hospital
Thesis Advisor: PD. Dr. Roza Umarova
Research project: «Prediction of post-stroke cognitive decline and dementia: impact of cognitive reserve and post-stroke life style»

Gayer Mihály
Universtätsklinik für Neurologie, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Bogdan Draganski
Research project: «Genetic and modifiable lifetime determinants of brain health»

Geiser Nora Carmen
Zentrum für Neurologie und Neurorehabilitation, Luzerner Kantonsspital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Nyffeler
Research project: «Cross-modal interaction after brain lesion - the influence of auditory stimulation on visual neglect»

Gredig Selina
lnstitute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Sebastian Grunt
Research project: «Barriers and facilitators for participation in children with cerebral palsy in Switzerland»

Giannakakis Michail Panagiotis
Department of Neurology, Inselspital
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. Thomas Meinel
Research project: «Personalized Protection, Pioneering Prevention: Novel Approaches for Covert Cerebrovascular Disease.»

Godehardt Sarah Katharina
Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Jessica Peter
Research project: «Supporting deep encoding with transcranial direct current stimulation in healthy young and older individuals»

Hammelbeck Johanne
Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Matthias Volkmar Kopp
Research project: «Early Life Intervention in Pediatrics Supported by E-health (ELIPSE) - lowering obesity and second-hand smoke exposure in children»

Haupt Clemens Alexis
University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Michael Kaess
Research project: "Project ELIPSE (Early Life Intervention in Pediatrics Supported by E-health)"

Hess Lea
Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Michael Kaess
Research project: «Prediction and prevention of suicidal crisis and suicide attempts in adolescent patients»

Holfelder Alexa
UPD Bern, Department of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Stefan Klöppel
Research project: «Remote Memory Clinic»

Krammer Werner
Dept. of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Roland Wiest
Research project: «Effects of serotonergic neuromodulation on behavioural recovery and motor network plasticity after cortical ischemic stroke: A longitudinal, placebo-controlled study»

Lory Kim Svenja
University Childrens Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Neuropädiatrie
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Regula Everts
Research project: «Effects and mechanisms of Sensory Afferent Electrostimulation (SAES) to improve Upper Limb Function in Children with Spastic Unilateral Hemiparesis»

Lysser Yves
UPD Bern, University Clinic of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. Jessica Peter
Research project: «Reducing hippocampal hyperactivity in Mild Cognitive Impairment»

Menéndez Granda Marta
Universitätsklinik für Alterspsychiatrie und Psychotherapie (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. Jessica Peter
Research project: «Prospective memory and aging: Neural processing routes and the influence of motivation»

Nogueira da Silva e Sousa Mario Jorge
Parkinson's Disease xMovement Disorders Center, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Paul Krack
Research project: «Speech as a potential biomarker for Parkinson’s Disease – from motion to emotion»

Noora Angelva
ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Tobias Nef
Research project: «Development and evaluation of an augmented Intelligence system for patient-specific interventions in rehabilitation»

Palermo Luana
University Hospital of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychothearpy
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. Marialuisa Cavelti
Research project: "The longitudinal course of impairment in personality functioning in adolescent patients"

Pfenninger Nicole
University Childrens Hospital, Inselspital & Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Andrea Katharina Klein
Research project: «An In-Depth Study of the Swiss Cohort of Dystrophinopathy Patients: Disease Progression, Adherence to Standards of Care & Identifying Barriers and Facilitators»

Raas Lea
Department of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, UPD Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Jessica Peter
Research project: «Exploring the role of the prefrontal cortex in remembering»

Salzmann Saskia
University Hospital for Children, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Regula Everts
Research project: "Metacognitive Intervention in youth with Oncological disease - the Mio study"

Sautebin Annie
Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Michael Orth
Research project: «Brain structure and brain function close to motor onset in Huntington’s disease gene carriers»

Schmitt Francesca
University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychothera
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Michael Kaess
Research project: "Mental health in benign and malignant hematological diseases"

Schneider Carlotta Louisa
University Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Christoph Nissen
Research project: «Modulation of sleep perception through auditory closed-loop stimulation of brain oscillatory activity»

Sedlinská Marie-Anna
Translational Research Center, UPO Bern, University of Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Anja Carolyn Gysin-Maillart
Research project: «Influence of the Brief Therapy ASSIP on Neuropsychological Correlates»

Stoffel Natascha
Department of Neurology, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Selma Aybeck
Research project: «Approaching Functional Neurological Disorder via Interoception & Oxytocin in the Bayesian Brain»

Schöpfer Raphaela
University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, UPD Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Jessica Peter
Research project: «Neuromodulation of the Prefrontal Cortex in Depression: Impact on Episodic Memory and Brain Dynamics»

Stüble Miriam
University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Jochen Kindler
Research project: «Early detection of psychosis and its neurobiological underpinnings»

von Känel Sofie Amanda
University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Sebastian Walther
Research project: «Investigating the neural correlates involved during gesture production in patients with depression»

Wicki Korian René Julien
UPD / Uniklinik für Alterspsychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Marc Alain Züst
Research project: «Preventing cognitive decline using portable, non-invasive sleep enhancement»

Wild Salome
University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Michael Kaess
Research project: «Sleep P: Sleep Neurophysiology as A Window onto Adolescent Mental Health»

Winiger Laura
Universitätsklinik für Diabetologie, Endokrinologie, Ernährungsmedizin und Metabolismus (UDEM), Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Regula Everts
Research project: «Brain aging in adult patients with Phenylketonuria»

Zarafeta Dimitra
Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste (UPD)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Leila Tarokh
Research project: «Computational Approaches to Understanding the Association Between Sleep and Mental Health»

Zengaffinen Francilia Sabrina
Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Werner Strik
Research project: «Symptom dimensions in psychopathology: From health to psychosis—Dimension of language and thought disturbance»

Zimmermann Nadja
Translational Research Center, University Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. Yosuke Morishima
Research project: «Aberrant local brain oscillations and cortical connectivity in the prodromal state and early psychosis – a TMS-EEG study»

Alvarez Abut Pablo
Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Kathleen Seidel
Research project: «Optimizing transcranial motor evoked potentials in supratentorial surgeries»

Amsler Jennifer
Inselspital Bern, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Britta Maurer
Research project: «Molecular and cellular characterisation of ANCA-associated vasculitis for precision medicine approaches»

Auer Elias
Universitätklinik für Neurologie, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. David Seiffge
Research project: «CARE-AF: Cardiac Assessment for Recurrent stroke risk Evaluation in patients with Atrial Fibrillation»

Bartkowiak Joanna
Columbia Univeristy Medical Centre, Bern University
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Fabien Praz
Research project: «Integrating Multimodal Imaging and Clinical Assessment for Improved Outcome Prediction in Transcatheter Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Interventions.»

Baumann Lukas
Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. Christien Thrunheer
Research project: "Immune responses and inflammation following vaccination in immuno-suppressed persons"

Beyeler Morin
Department of Neurology - Inselspital - University Hospital Bern
Thesis Advisors: Prof. Dr. Simon Jung
Research project: «Use of biomarkers in ischemic stroke)»

Bini Tommaso
Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Lorenz Räber
Research project: «Clinical impact and predictors of Complete endothelialisation at 3 years after Left Atrial Appendage Closure device: the COMPLETE-LMC study»

Bovermann Xenia
Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, University Children`s Hospital, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Philipp Latzin
Research project: «Automated quality control in lung function measurements and its implementation in longitudinal follow-up in patients»

Brechbühl Daniel
Clinic for pediatric neurology, Kinderspital, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisors: Prof. em. Dr. Maja Steinlin
Research project: «Childhood arterial ischemic Stroke: an approach to pathophysiology and a more»

de Brito Rodrigues Nunes Maria Lucília
Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Annalisa Berzigotti
Research project: «Predictors and management of post-banding ulcer bleeding in cirrhosis»

Büchi Annina Elisabeth
Universitätsklinik für Pneumologie, Allergologie und klinische Immunologie, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. Sabina Guler
Research project: «Electrical Impedance Tomography for the Assessment of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Chronic Lung Diseases»

Catucci Damiano
Department of Diagnostics, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Dr. Adrian Thomas Huber
Research project: «MAGNIPHICO: MAGnetic resonance imaging for Nonlnvasive characterization of Portal Hypertension In patients with ChrOnic liver disease »

Durand Alexane
Divison of Clinical Radiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. vet. Daniela Schweizer
Research project: «MRI skull stripping in dogs an cats.»

Ferro Desideri Lorenzo
Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Martin Zinkernagel
Research project: "Investigational clinical and imaging features associated with the clinical course of central serous chorioretinopathy"

Goldberg Johannes
Department of Neurosurgery - Inselspital - Bern University Hospital
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. med. David Bervini
Research project: «Screening for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in heavy smokers and value of arterial wall enhancement for follow-up imaging with ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI»

Göldlin Martina Béatrice  
University Clinic for Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
Thesis Advisors: Prof. Dr. Urs Fischer und David Julian Seiffge
Research project: «Classification of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) subtypes - MRI-based phenotype of small vessel disease»

Gomes Livia
Inselspital SWEZ
Thesis Advisors: Prof. Dr. Claudio L.A. Bassetti
Research project: «Towards new biomarkers in Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence - a microbiome approach»

Gschaidmeier Alisa Madeline
Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Sebastian Grunt
Research project: «Effects and mechanisms of Sensory Afferent Electrostimulation (SAES) to improve Upper Limb Function in Children with Hemiparesis»

Henning Nilius
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Dr. Michael Nagler
Research project: «Improving the value of laboratory tests using machine learning algorithms»

Jakob Julian
BIHAM Institute of Primary Health Care Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Reto Auer
Research project: «Effects of Electric Nicotine Delivery Systems on pulmonary health in teenagers»

Kassar Mohammad
Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: PD. Dr. med. Nicolas Brugger
Research project: «Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Interdependence Following Percutaneous Repair or Replacement Assessed by Multimodality Imaging in Patients with Severe Atrioventricular Valve(s) Regurgitation(s)»

Koch Alexander
Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Matthias Kopp
Research project: «Early Life Intervention in Pediatrics Supported by E-health (ELIPSE) - lowering obesity and second-hand smoke exposure in children»

Kurmann Christoph Carmelino
University Hospital Bern, Department of Neuroradiology
Thesis Advisors: Prof. Dr. Jan Gralla
Research project: «Predicting Brain Eloquence with perfusion imaging using deep-learning: the BENIGN study»

Kolev Mirjam
Clinic for visceral surgery and medicine
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Nasser Semmo
Research project: «Primary Biliary Cholangitis in the Context of Systematic Autoimmunity»

Lange Naomi
Division of Hepatology, University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, lnselspital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Annalisa Berzigotti
Research project: «FIMADIA: Non-Invasive Findings of Flbrotic MAFLD Patients in a DIAbetes Outpatient Clinic»

Lenouvel Eric
Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste Bern (UPO), Universitätsklinik für Alterspsychiatrie
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Stefan Klöppel
Research project: «The cognitive basis of fear of falling and its treatment»

Maradan-Gachet Marie Elise
Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center, Neurology Department, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Paul Krack
Research project: «Creativity and hallucinations in Parkinson's disease - Dysfunctional brain networks and the role of dopamine»

Mulder Fanny
Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Panchaud Alice
Research project: "Pharmaceutical interventions based on interprofessional collaboration in medication management "

Münger Robin
Clinic for Paediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Maja Steinlin
Research project: «Childhood arterial ischemic Stroke: clinical and radiological investigation of Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy of the inflammatory type (FCA-i)»

Nitsche Catharina
Kinderklinik, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Philipp Latzin
Research project: «The natural course of allergic diseases in children»

Patt Nadine

Kliniken Valens, Rehabilitationszentrum Valens
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Claudio R. Nigg and Dr. Jens Bansi
Research project: «High intensity interval training and energy management education, compared with standard training and progressive muscle relaxation, for improving health-related quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis: a two-armed randomized controlled superiority trial with six months’ follow-up.»

Parduzi Qendresa
Department of Neurosurgery, Luzern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Kathleen Seidel
Research project: "Guiding neurosurgical decisions in a complex clinical context using machine learning in global and focal brain injuries"

de Preux Mathieu
Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME), Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. vet. Christoph Koch
Research project: «Percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy facilitated by neuronavigation for the treatment of trigeminal-mediated headshaking in horses»

Rauch Janis Patricia
Department of Neurology
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. David Seiffge
Research project: "Recovery trajectories after intracerebral hemorrhage - importance of small vessel disease, neuroimaging and anticoagulation"

Rohner Roman
University Institute for Diagnostic and lnterventional Neuroradiology
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Johannes Kaesmacher
Research project: «IRIS (lmproving Reperfusion Strategies for lschemic Stroke) lmaging Project - lmaging-based Evaluation of Treatment Effect Heterogeneity of IVT prior to EVT for lschemic Stroke Patients Directly Presenting to EVT-Capable Centres»

Romer Alessia
Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. phil. Alice Panchaud
Research project: «HYPO - HYpertensive Patients dedicated InterprOfessional model»

Rosner Jan
Department of Neurology, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern & Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Claudio Bassetti
Research project: «Clinical and Pharmacological Determinants of Central Neuropathic Pain»

Ryser Fabio
Department of Rheumatology and lmmunology, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. med. Urs Steiner
Research project: «Molecular endotyping and clinical translation of biomarker signatures in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders »

Schanne Daniel
Klinik für Radio-Onkologie, Inselspital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Daniel Matthias Aebersold
Research project: «Genetic Signatures of Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.a»

Scharf Tamara
Berner Institut für Hausarztmedizin (BIHAM)
Thesis Advisors: Prof. Dr. Reto Auer
Research project: «Reducing Zolpidem and Benzodiazepine prescriptions for chronic insomnia treatment through data driven Quality Circles of primary care physicians)»

Scoglio Martin
Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Daniel Guido Fuster
Research project: «Indapamide and Chlorthalidone to Reduce Urine Supersaturation for Secondary Prevention of Kidney Stones: a Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover Trial (INDAPACHLOR Trial)»

Siepen Bernhard Matthias
Department of Neurology - lnselspital Bern
Thesis Advisors: Prof. Dr. David Seiffge
Research project: «Deciphering outcomes in intracerebral haemorrhage associated with different types of oral anticoagulants)»

Starvaggi Carl
Notfallzentrum für Kinder und Jugendliche, Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern
Thesis Advisor: PD Dr. med. et phil. Kristina Keitel
Research project: «Accelerating the Learning Curve of Orthopedic Surgery Postgraduate Trainees for Pediatric Musculoskeletal Radiograph Interpretation»

Tuleja Aleksandra
University Hospital Bern, Department of Angiology
Thesis Advisors: Prof. Dr. Yvonne Döring
Research project: «Classification and management of extracranial congenital vascular malformations»

Wenz Elena
Department of Neurology, Inselspital
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. med. Claudio Bassetti
Research project: «Central disorders of hypersomnolence - prevalence, multimodal phenotyping and evolution»

Wernli Ursina
Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), Primary Care Pharmacy
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Alice Elke Martine Panchaud Monnat
Research project: «Palliative Care Pharmacist at the Interfaces of Interprofessional Palliative Care - a New Role for Pharmacists in Switzerland»

Zangger Martina
Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM)
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Sven Streit
Research project: «Medication Optimization in Primary Health Care: From Evaluation of Optimization Potential to Intervention Design and Spillover Effects»