Technology development and data sharing

Throughout my PhD and postdoc I developed new experimental hardware and software. I documented and shared hardware components and additional information for software tools on our lab’s tool-related website and released code as well as raw data here.

The unity-based virtual reality software tools that I’m developing at the moment in collaboration with Janelia's Scientific Computing department are freely available on github. Further, I wrote two packages in python to aid analysis of (two-photon) imaging data (fly2p) and behavior data from the virtual reality system (unityvr).

Finally, I'm on a quest to design physiology fly holders that allow for bigger visual field of view. This is an ongoing struggle...

If you are interestested in using any of these technologies and/or in collaborating, please reach out!

Scientists should thrive to build a collaborative, inclusive work environment

Increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in neuroscience requires attracting diverse scientists, and retaining these scientists in an environment where they can thrive.

As a female scientist in a male-dominated field, I experience gender-based bias firsthand, and as a scientist with a chronic illness, I’m sensitized to ableist practices in academia. I found support in a women’s mentoring group at my institute. The exchange of experiences and support through a peer group is invaluable in reinforcing a sense of belonging in a workplace where oneself is in a minority. If not already in place, I would establish a similar system in future workspaces.