Laura Wehmeyer is a visiting researcher from the University Hospital Cologne, Germany currently navigating the final stages of her PhD in Health Sciences under the guidance of Veerle Visser-Vandewalle and Pablo Andrade. She is excited to spend the concluding three months of her PhD at MIB working together with postdoc Victor Pando-Naude. Specifically, she is involved in a project investigating the impact of rhythmic musical sequences on the urge to move in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and its underlying neural mechanisms using advanced imaging methods.

After completing her psychology degree at Maastricht University, Laura's academic path has been shaped by a profound focus on Neuromodulation, with a specific emphasis on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Her PhD research has been dedicated to advancing DBS for Tourette syndrome by identifying potential electrophysiological markers in patients, aiming to optimize the efficacy of DBS for Tourette syndrome.

Driven by a strong interest in neuromodulation and a personal passion for music, including playing the violin, she is honored to explore an alternative, non-invasive form of neuromodulation during her visit to MIB: music. The potential implications of musical interventions for individuals with PD, particularly those with gait impairments, present a unique avenue of study. Her ultimate goal is to leverage insights gained from musical interventions to contribute to the optimization of DBS treatments for gait-related symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.