People

All lab members are presented in alphabetical order.

Sicheng Dai, PostDoc

My research explores brain network modeling in health and disease by integrating Network Science and Machine Learning. I earned my PhD in Computer Science from ENS Lyon, focusing on dynamic patterns in large-scale temporal social networks. Outside of academia, I’m an avid nature enthusiast and animal lover.

Alexander Frotscher, PhD Candidate

My research centers on machine learning and unsupervised anomaly detection in neuroimaging data. I strive to enhance methodological rigor in clinical applications by developing robust models that illuminate biological variations and disease mechanisms. In my spare time, I enjoy various sports.

Mebin Muhammed Hamzakoya Sulaikha, PhD Candidate

My research focuses on estimating longitudinal normative models in neuroimaging and other modalities, combined with perspectives from dynamic modeling. Previously, during my M.Tech at IIT Ropar, I worked on embryo image analysis to predict IVF outcomes. Beyond research, I enjoy traveling, engaging in social work, and public speaking.

Atharva (Athu) Kand, PhD Candidate

As a PhD candidate, I explore how individual brain structure and function diverge over time, aiming to model these trajectories to identify dysfunction and underlying mechanisms. I hold a degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from the Donders Institute. My research now focuses on stochastic, biologically informed models to capture the uncertainty inherent in psychiatric conditions. Outside the lab, I enjoy long walks, racquet sports, and contemplative art. I believe the best science is like the best art. It is porous, subversive and elegant. I try to meet both with alacrity.

Milin Kim, PhD Candidate

My research focuses on the development of the cerebellum across the lifespan and its role in neurological and psychiatric disorders. I use machine learning and neuroimaging from large populations to map cerebellar trajectories. Prior to my PhD at Oslo University Hospital, I studied psychology at Seoul National University and cognitive neuroscience at the University of Oslo. I enjoy exploring Norwegian nature, baking macarons, and reading.

Marc Lemnitzer, HiWi

I am a BSc student in Bioinformatics contributing to the development and validation of a machine learning package for mapping complex biomarker configurations. My main interests lie at the intersection of machine learning and biology. Despite a demanding schedule, I value time spent with friends.

Alia Mahama-Rodriguez, PhD Candidate

My research investigates psychiatric disorder and their heterogeneity through the integration of neuroimaging and behavioral data. I apply machine learning to identify individual-level deviations in disorders like schizophrenia. Previously, I developed scalable pipelines in computational psychiatry and bioinformatics. Outside research, I enjoy yoga, hiking with my Borzoi Donatella, and experimental music through violin and theremin.

Francesco Mallus, PhD Candidate

My research focuses on understanding brain function across conscious and pathological states to identify reliable biomarkers of functional connectivity. Trained as a biomedical engineer at the Polytechnic University of Turin, I specialized in device design and bio-signal/image processing. I’m passionate about merging technology with neuropsychology. In my free time, I enjoy photography, tinkering, and sailing.

Minh-Hieu Nguyen, PhD Candidate

I develop computational models to study learning and decision-making processes, especially in individuals with mental health disorders. My academic journey began in Chemistry at the National University of Singapore, followed by a master’s in Neural Information Processing at the University of Tübingen. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking, music, and reading.

Nikolaos Pahakis, HiWi & IT Infrastructure

As a master’s student in Cognitive Science, I’m currently optimizing the use of brain scans for normative modeling, trying to make norms more robust to preprocessing strategies. I’m passionate about brain science, hardware and technology. I spend my free time hiking, gaming, and discovering new foods.

Elias Schreiner, Data Scientist & IT Infrastructure

I am a bioinformatics enthusiast working at the intersection of IT infrastructure and science. I apply deep learning to complex biological data to better understand neurodegenerative conditions and comorbid mental disorders.

Nitin Sharma, Research Scientist

I am pursuing a master’s in Neural Information Processing with a focus on machine learning for understanding mental disorders. My work involves analyzing multimodal data, including domain adaptation for multi-site depression datasets. I also explore normative modeling and individual differences as well as mechanistic interpretability in large language models. Outside the lab, I enjoy music, hiking, and time with friends.

Thomas Wolfers, PI

My research develops machine learning approaches to identify individual-level factors in mental health and other complex medical conditions. I earned my PhD from Radboud University and held research roles in the Netherlands, Norway, and the UK before founding the MHM Lab. My long-term goal is to translate technological advances into clinical practice. Outside of work, I enjoy yoga, meditation, socializing, and music. Thomas’s email & Homepage

Jijia Xing, PhD Candidate

I studied Mathematics at Imperial College London, focusing on adversarial robustness and explainability in machine learning. Now, I’m applying mathematical tools to psychiatry, with a particular interest in improving understaning of complex brain disorders. In my free time, I enjoy brewing coffee, bouldering, and photography.

Yanwu Yang, PostDoc

My research interests include neuroimaging analysis and computational neuroscience. I focus on large-scale analysis of brain development and aging, integrating deep learning for clinical applications and examining foundational model behavior. I earned my MSc and PhD from Harbin Institute of Technology. I enjoy gaming, travel, and coffee culture.

Mariam Zabihi, PostDoc

I hold a PhD in Statistical Neuroimaging from Radboud University Medical Center and specialize in normative modeling to address heterogeneity in psychiatric disorders. As a BI research fellow and postdoc, I advance generative modeling methods for neuroimaging analysis. My role contributes to both methodological innovation and the broader understanding of psychiatric diversity.

Join Us

We’re always looking for motivated individuals to join our team! Check current opportunities here. If no positions are listed, feel free to reach out to inquire about future openings.

Alumni

Our alumni have taken a wide range of paths after leaving the lab. Many continue in academia, often through postdoctoral positions at universities and research institutes in the EU and beyond. Others have moved into industry, working in areas such as data science, machine learning, and healthcare. Some have chosen entrepreneurial routes, contributing to or starting start-ups. A list of all alumni and their subsequent positions can be found here.