Wrapping Up 2024: A Year of Growth, Milestones, and New Beginnings

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on an extraordinary year marked by both personal and professional milestones. From celebratory achievements to valuable learning experiences, this year has been a journey of growth and discovery. Here’s a glimpse into my 2024:

A PhD Journey Concluded

The highlight of my year—and perhaps my academic career thus far—was defending my PhD on October 2nd. This day will forever hold a special place in my heart as a culmination of years of hard work, exploration, and dedication to understanding the neurobiology of electroconvulsive therapy. It was an unforgettable celebration shared with friends, family, and colleagues who supported me throughout the journey.

From left to right: Gitte Moos Knudsen (External Jury), Chris Bervoets (Internal Jury), Filip Bouckaert (Promotor), Me, Louise Emsell (Co-promotor), Koen Poesen (Chair public defense), Jan Van den Stock (Co-promotor), Mathieu Vandenbulcke (Co-promotor), Rudi D'Hooge (Internal Jury), Indira Tendolkar (External Jury - Not in picture)

International Adventures

2024 also took me across the globe for incredible opportunities to connect with the scientific community.

• In April, I attended the European Brain Stimulation Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, a vibrant hub of innovative discussions and networking.

• The summer brought an enriching research stay at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Immersing myself in a new academic environment was both challenging and rewarding.

• September saw me in Milan, Italy, for the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology conference, where I gained fresh insights into cutting-edge research.

Each of these experiences expanded my perspectives and deepened my passion for neuroscience.

An amazing scenery from the auditorium in Lisbon, a delicious Montreal poutine, and a happy poster presenter in Milan.

Academic Achievements

This year, I was fortunate to publish three first-author papers, each contributing to our understanding of electroconvulsive therapy. These publications represent countless hours of collaboration, experimentation, and persistence—and they’re milestones I’m incredibly proud of. Along that, I was involved as a co-author in many other publications and projects.

Lessons from Rejections

While 2024 was filled with achievements, it also came with its share of challenges, including several article and grant rejections. Though disappointing, these experiences reminded me of the resilience required in academic research and the importance of learning from setbacks. They have fueled my determination to push forward in the coming year.

A New Role at the UPC KU Leuven

December marked an exciting new chapter as I began my role as the neuromodulation coordinator at the University Psychiatric Campus (UPC) KU Leuven. This position aligns perfectly with my passion for translational neuroscience and clinical applications of neuromodulation. I am eager to contribute to this field and help shape the future of mental health care.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on 2024, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities, challenges, and growth it brought. The year has been a testament to the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and passion in the face of both triumphs and obstacles.

One of the greatest privileges of this year has been meeting so many fantastic and motivated people. Whether through conferences, research stays, or new professional environments, I’ve had the chance to build meaningful connections and collaborations. These interactions have not only inspired me but also strengthened my belief in the power of teamwork and shared vision in advancing science.

Here’s to a 2025 filled with new adventures, continued learning, and making an impact in the world of neuroscience!