Lisa Berden Email & Phone Number

Belgium

PhD student at SCK CEN (Radiobiology Unit) and UHasselt (Neurosciences Research Group)Ionizing radiation poses a particular risk to the developing brain, as it can lead to excessive fetal DNA damage and subsequent microcephaly. Although research on radiation-induced microcephaly has mainly focused on glutamatergic excitatory neurons, the impact on GABAergic interneurons is equally crucial. Understanding potential disruptions during their development is essential for comprehensive insights into the excitation/inhibition balance and implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effect of radiation-induced DNA damage during early neurogenesis on both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, and its impact on the excitation/inhibition balance.

During this student job at the pastry department of La Lorraine Bakery Group (LLBG), I actively contributed to the production of a diverse range of pies and pastries. Collaborating within various teams, I gained valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, attention to detail and multitasking.

During my master thesis internship in the neurosciences research group of Prof. dr. Bert Brône, I worked under the supervision of Sofie Kessels. We investigated the role of a deficient protein coding gene on microglial migration in the murine brain using live cell imaging and immunostainings on tissue slices and primary microglia.

As a student assistant at the Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK) of UHasselt, I played a role in digitizing and organizing patient surveys, as well as managing the organization of patient samples. This experience provided an opportunity to develop organizational and data management skills in a professional environment.

In my first master year, I performed an internship at UHasselt in the environmental biology research group of Prof. dr. Tim Nawrot under supervision of dr. Hannelore Bové. We investigated the effects of airborne black carbon particles on the murine brain and microglia using a label-free detection by femtosecond pulsed laser illumination.

All Kids Events is a company providing professional animation and entertainment for children. Here, I had the unique opportunity to supervise various crafting workshops during private and public events. This experience not only allowed me to express my creative talents but also provided a platform to develop essential skills in teamwork, communication, and coordination.

During my internship as a bachelor student at UHasselt in the laboratory for research in ischemic stroke, stem cells & angiogenesis (LISSA), I worked under the supervision of Prof. dr. Annelies Bronckaers and Hannelore Kemps. We investigated the (sub)cellular mechanisms of low frequency electromagnetic stimulation in angiogenesis.

Master'S Degree, Molecular Mechanisms In Health And Disease

Master Thesis: "Microglial behavior in health and disease" under the supervision of dr. Sofie Kessels in the neurosciences research group

Bachelor'S Degree, Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor Thesis: "The effects of airborne black carbon particles on the brain" under the supervision of dr. Hannelore Bové.