Our lab in pictures
Who we are
At the Neuromodulation Laboratory, we conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of neuroscience, psychiatry, neurology, psychology, and medical technology. Our work is driven by a strong commitment to improve the understanding and treatment of affective disorders, with a particular focus on depression and sleep disorders.
We are especially interested in exploring non-invasive neurostimulation approaches through their neuromodulatory effects on neuronal networks: such as transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Additionally, we are aiming to better understand invasive vagal nerve stimulation. These methods are investigated in experimental settings to analyze their mechanisms and optimize their therapeutic potential.
Our team collaborates across disciplines, combining insights from basic science and clinical research. By doing so, we aim to develop innovative, evidence-based alternatives to conventional medication-based treatments—offering new hope for patients with affective and sleep disorders, using approaches of neurostimulation.
Felix P. Bernhard, MD (PI)
I am a specialist in neurology and in my final year of training in psychiatry. As the Principal Investigator of the Neuromodulation Laboratory, I conduct research into brain stimulation techniques in psychiatry and neurology.
My clinical focus is - additionally - on rare diseases, genetic diagnostics and the development of innovative translational therapies.
Scientifically, I am interested in the underlying neuroelectrophysiological mechanisms and their neuromodulatory effects on neuronal networks, due to neurostimulation in neuro-psychiatric diseases: especially transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). I aim to better understand neurophysiological mechanisms of neuronal networks and their dynamical changes due to stimulation-treatment, further clinical and biological effects on behaviour, immune system and sleep and therefore therapeutic potential for treatment of depression, sleep disorders and multiple sclerosis.
Sarah Alizadeh, PhD
(postdoc)
I am a postdoctoral researcher with an engineering background and specialize in neuroscience and data science.
In the Neuromodulation Laboratory, I develop algorithms and analysis tools and apply modern machine learning and statistical methods to understand complex neuroimaging data.
My research focus is on exploring, modeling and optimizing transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) as a therapeutic strategy for major depression.
Furthermore, my goal is to translate complex brain data into meaningful insights to drive both basic research and clinical innovation.
José Carlos García Alanis, PhD (postdoc)
I'm a postdoctoral researcher with a background in neuromodulation, neuroimaging, and clinical psychology. Before returning to research, I worked at Google and contributed to several neuroscience projects. As a licensed child and adolescent psychotherapist, I focus on bridging brain-based research with real-world therapeutic approaches—especially for younger populations.
Svenja Jule Francke, M. Sc. (PhD student)
I’m a PhD candidate with a background in psychology, medicine, and IT, working in the Lab since 2023.
My research focuses on reproductive health and mind-body interactions, with a special focus on post-partal depression.
Alongside my research at the Neuromodulation Lab, I’m currently training to become a licensed psychotherapist. This clinical perspective is essential to my work—it allows me to link scientific findings to the lived experiences of patients and better understand how to translate research into practice.
Dorian Kock, MD candidate
I’m a medical doctoral student researching the relationship between sleep and mental health in multiple sclerosis (MS).
I’m particularly interested in how sleep disturbances affect emotional well-being—and how we can use non-drug approaches to improve quality of life for people with MS.
Jannick Herrmann, MD candidate
Through my medical studies and my simultaneous work in a sleep laboratory, I developed a special interest in the connections between sleep disorders, affective disorders such as depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
As part of my MD-thesis at the Neuromodulation Laboratory, I am focusing on the neuronal and laboratory chemical changes that we observe under transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in patients with depression - especially with regard to their influence on sleep.
Maximilian Kastl, MD candidate
Before studying medicine, I worked as an emergency paramedic.
In my research at the Neuromodulation Laboratory, I investigate the links between sleep and psychiatric symptoms.
I am particularly interested in non-drug approaches to improve sleep quality and mental health.
Maximilian Epe, MD candidate
In my dissertation, I investigate functional connectivity alterations in brain networks as potential biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder. I focus on both static and dynamic connectivity patterns to contribute to more precise diagnostics and to support the development of personalized treatment approaches.
Sumaya Metz, B. Sc.
I am a Master’s student in clinical psychology currently conducting my thesis research at the Neuromodulation Lab. Combining my academic background with practical experience, I am investigating how brain-based interventions can support psychological well-being and contribute to innovative mental health treatments.
Luisa Thrun,
B. Sc.
I have a background in neuroscience and support the Neuromodulation Lab with organizational and coordination tasks.
With a strong interest in research and great attention to detail, I help ensure that everything runs smoothly — combining scientific understanding with behind-the-scenes support.
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Prof. Dr. Hamidreza Jamalabadi
Philipps-Universität Marburg
Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Rudolf-Bultmann-Straße 8
35039 Marburg
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