Team

Prof. Dr. Dr. Anna-Sophia Wahl

I studied Medicine and Biology (as a minor as part of the MD/PhD Program) at Heidelberg University, Columbia University (New York) and the University of Bern. After finishing my MD thesis (Dr. med.) at the Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Heidelberg University, I obtained a PhD in neuroscience with Prof. Martin Schwab at the Brain Research Institute, ETH and University of Zurich. After a postdoc phase and residential training in neurology (University Hospital Zurich) and psychiatry (Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Heidelberg University), I started a junior group as a Branco Weiss Fellow and recipient of a Wrangell Fellowship in the Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics (head: Prof. Fritjof Helmchen) in 2019. Since 2021 I am a board certified psychiatrist and since 2022 I am a professor of neuroanatomy at LMU Munich with a dual affiliation as PI at the Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), LMU University Hospital, building my own lab at the ISD.

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Dr. Kareen Halablab, Postdoc

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Neuroscience from the Lebanese University, I moved to Germany to pursue a PhD in Molecular Medicine at Ulm University. My academic and research interests have consistently centered on understanding the nervous system in pathological conditions, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the development of effective therapies. During my Master’s thesis, I explored the link between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease, evaluating potential pharmacological interventions. My doctoral research focused on alterations in inhibitory synapses in an ALS mouse model, using gene therapy approaches to modulate synaptic function. I recently joined the Wahl lab at LMU as a postdoctoral researcher, where I will investigate measurements to prevent cognitive decline post-stroke.

Deniz Ergene, PhD student

Born and raised in Munich. I obtained my B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and M.Sc. in Mechatronics and Robotics and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). My master’s thesis was about the application of brain-inspired algorithms for object classification and tracking in event-camera data. I then worked as a research assistant in neurorobotics at TUM for two years. Since October 2023, I am pursuing a PhD at the Wahl Lab, where I am investigating the role of the pre-motor cortex and thalamocortical pathways during the restoration of motor function after large strokes in the primary motor cortex.

Matteo Panzeri, PhD student

B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics; Imperial College London, UK;

Still located as part of the old junior group in the Lab of Neural Circuit Dynamics (head: F. Helmchen) at the Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich:

Shahrzad Ilbeigi, Research Assistant

Originally from Iran, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and pursued a Master’s degree in Human Genetics, focusing on cancer genetics, particularly in breast cancer research. My master’s thesis delved into the clinical significance of two estrogen receptor signaling targeted long non-coding RNAs in invasive ductal breast carcinoma, utilizing quantitative analysis methods. Graduating from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, I immediately started a position as a research assistant for two years. Subsequently, my journey led me to Munich, where my current research goal is to unravel molecular mechanisms of neuronal repair and rewiring post stroke.

Jacob Töpfner, MD student

As a paramedic, I often witnessed acute strokes and worked with many patients suffering from long-term disability after it. For my medical degree I am now working on novel transplantation methods for stroke repair. 

Nina Thiem, MD student:

Ever since I was a child, I wanted to become a doctor – the desire to help people in acute medical emergencies has shaped me from an early age. After finishing school, I completed a three-year vocationaltraining as a paramedic and gained significant experience in pre-hospital emergency care, particularly with stroke patients. Strokes are among the most common neurological emergencies. What fascinates me is the wide range of symptoms – from complete motor impairment to seemingly mild complaints like dizziness. Even more remarkable is the variability in outcomes: while some patients remain severely affected, others make such a full recovery that it’s hard to tell they ever had a stroke. This phenomenon sparked my interest in stroke recovery, which is why I decided to deepen my knowledge through research.

Deniz Sönmez, MD student

Born and raised near Stuttgart, I discovered my interest in medicine at an early age. After completing my Abitur, I was able to gain some practical experience through a social year and training as an paramedic before starting my medical studies at the LMU Munich. During this time, I developed a fascination for neurology and the understanding of the nervous system. After collecting my first state examination I am now very pleased to be able to conduct research within the framework of the FöFoLe program in the Wahl lab.

Miriam Schnitzler, MD student