Celia Kjaerby
Associate Professor & Group leader
I am interested in how the arousal system governs sleep phases and memory consolidation. Since this system is delicate and influenced by factors like stress and aging, my research explores how these changes impact sleep and memory. I aim to identify arousal-based biomarkers and therapeutic targets for healthier sleep and cognitive function.
Mie Andersen
Postdoc
I’m interested in understanding the regulation of restorative sleep processes, particularly off-line memory consolidation. I have studied how norepinephrine modulates sleep spindles and am currently exploring the role of astrocytes in these processes. I aim to understand how these mechanisms are affected in various physiological and pathological conditions, contributing to better insights into sleep and memory function. When I’m not in lab, you might find me kayaking at sea or knitting in front of the TV.
Katia Soud
Postdoc
I am interested in how the dysfunction of the locus coeruleus in Parkinson’s disease affects sleep and memory consolidation. This arousal center is impacted in the early stages of the disease, positioning it as a promising marker for prodromal Parkinson’s. My research aims to model early Parkinson’s disease in mice, with a specific focus on the locus coeruleus, to explore its influence on sleep and cognitive function. Additionally, I am testing rescue methods like optogenetics as potential interventions to slow disease progression. Beyond science, I am passionate about cooking, engaged in politics, and love to dance.
Anastasia Tsopanidou
PhD student, Neuroscience Academy Denmark
My PhD thesis project investigates the role of temperature in memory consolidation during sleep, with a specific focus on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). I am particularly interested in the oscillatory dynamics of neuromodulators and brain temperature across different brain states, their dysregulation in AD, and exploring ways to manipulate these factors to mitigate AD-related symptoms. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading classics, watching movies and practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Klaudia Tokarska
PhD student
My research focus so far has been on how our sleep changes as we age and what causes these changes. If we understand the mechanism of age-driven sleep changes, perhaps we can develop tools to mitigate them, or possibly even reverse them. I also have a big interest in REM sleep and recently I have been trying to develop a way for us to understand this substage of sleep using optogenetic tools. When I am not REM-depriving my mice, one can find me in my studio practicing aerial acrobatics, trying to get better at Spanish, or biking and running around Copenhagen.
Julia Berger
PhD Student
I am interested in psychiatric disorders and how we can utilize mouse models to better understand the brain’s circuitry. Specifically, I am characterizing the thalamocortical circuit. Besides its important functions during sleep and aiding in memory consolidation, I am also intrigued by how the circuit functions during active wake behavior. Outside the lab, I am all about pastries, cappuccinos, running clubs, knitting and thrifting.
Sofie Smith Jacobsen
Research Assistant
My focus is mainly on data analysis. My current project relates to how norepinephrine changes in the brain impact heart rate both in the time- and frequency-domain. Additionally, I’m interested in how these shifts impact memory consolidation in NREM sleep. In my free time I like to go for long walks, play video games, and read.
Yi Qian
Master student
I am interested in how sleep changes during dark-light transitions and with ageing in mice. Understanding the mechanisms or patterns in mice maybe could help us predict how it works in humans. Additionally, I want to deepen my skills in data analysis, particularly in the mathematical and computational aspects. Outside the lab, I love travelling, science fiction, and am a fan of some girls’ groups.
Konstantinos Mine
Master student
I am interested in how neuromodulator activity affects sleep architecture, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Acetylcholine in particular plays a dynamic role in brain state transitions, memory and attention and its deficits have been linked to the etiology of AD. Additionally, I am investigating how sleep deprivation could further impair Ach dynamics. Therefore, studying sleep in the early stages of the disease may lead to novel ways of prevention or delay of symptoms. In my spare time I enjoy reading about history, learning new languages, going on road trips and playing tennis.
Juan Luis Gallego Maestre
Master student
I am particularly interested in the wide range of possibilities that techniques like optogenetics offer in the field of neuroscience. While my experience has primarily focused on its application in pain research, I am eager to expand my knowledge and explore mouse models for various neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time, I enjoy reading, and I have recently discovered the world of bouldering, which has quickly become one of my hobbies.
Alumni
- Kirstine Livbjerg, Bachelor student
- Caterina Grassi, Master student
- Julia Czurylo, NAD internship
- Amalie Li Juan Høgh Dufva, Medical student
- Viviane Compere, Master student
- Clara Madsen, NAD internship
- Simran Kaur Sidhu, NAD internship