Neuroimaging-DID

Objective:
Although research interest in dissociative identity disorder (DID) is rapidly growing, there is still a need for more objective (neuroimaging) research in order to unravel the biological mechanisms that underly DID. Previous research has shown that task-related brain activation patterns are dependent on the identity state in charge. However, this previous research only investigated DID patients and critics might argue that these effects can be suggested and/or simulated as well. Mechteld Giesen her PhD research will compare neuropsychological measures and task-related brain activation patterns, as assessed by fMRI, in DID patients to several control groups.

Curriculum vitae:
In the previous year Mechteld developed her research skills during a masters program in neuro-psychology. Her interest and curiosity in brain processes and structures in combination with clinical disorders makes her a motivated researcher. With a MSc in psychology and the brain as her main interest, Mechteld Giesen has all the ingredients to make her a promising researcher to contribute to the scientific knowledge regarding DID from a clinical perspective.

Mechteld and Eline have been studying and working together for the past couple of years and have shown to work as an efficient team, which makes them a perfect pair for this twin project. Mechteld is based in Amsterdam to work with participants who are travelling in from the south of The Netherlands and Belgium.

Education:
2008-2009: MSc in Psychology (Brain and Behaviour), at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RuG).
Thesis: `The insular cortex; the processing and integration of multiple sensory modalities.' Accomplished at the BCN-NIC, Groningen, Netherlands, supervised by Dr. M. van Beilen and Dr. A.Bouma.
2002-2006: BSc in Psychology, at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RuG).

Positions:
2009-present: PhD student, BCN Neuroimaging Center, Universal Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).
2008-2009 research assistant BCN-NIC / TIFN Wageningen

Mechteld Giesen, MSc