The Fit Brain Lab Team
Meet our interdisciplinary team of researchers dedicated to understanding the connections between exercise, brain function, and mental health.
Our Mission
The Fit Brain Lab, embedded in the Brain Plasticity group of Prof. fr. Paul Lucassen, investigates how physical activity affects brain function and mental health. Our research spans from molecular mechanisms to behavioral interventions, with the goal of developing evidence-based strategies to enhance stress resilience and mental wellbeing through exercise.
We employ a translational approach, combining animal models to understand neurobiological mechanisms with human studies to develop and test interventions. Our interdisciplinary team brings together expertise in neuroscience, psychology, exercise physiology, and data science.
Current Researchers
Lab members and research team
Brain Plasticity group (Prof. Dr. Paul Lucassen)
Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science
University of Amsterdam
Education & Career
- • 2005 Diploma in Biology, Utrecht University
- • 2010 Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Utrecht University
- • 2011 Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cincinnati with Prof. Dr. Randy Seeley
- • 2013 Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University with Prof. Dr. Laurie Goodyear
- • 2016 Postdoctoral Fellow, Amsterdam UMC with Prof. Dr. Susanne la Fleur
- • 2019 Assistant Professor, University of Amsterdam
Education
- • B.Sc. University of Amsterdam
- • M.Sc. University of Amsterdam
Supervision
Direct: Dr. Joram Mul (FNWI-UvA)
Co-supervisors:
- • Dr. Anouk Schrantee (Amsterdam UMC)
- • Prof. dr. Paul Lucassen (SILS-UvA)
- • Prof. dr. Claudi Bockting (Amsterdam UMC)
Alumni
Alumni of Fit Brain Lab and from other institutes
Amber Koert
Ph.D. student
2020 – 2021
University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute
Supervision
Direct: Dr. Joram Mul (FNWI-UvA)
Co-supervisors:
- • Dr. Anouk Schrantee (Amsterdam UMC)
- • Prof. dr. Paul Lucassen (SILS-UvA)
- • Prof. dr. Claudi Bockting (Amsterdam UMC)
Margo Slomp
Ph.D. student
2021 – 2024
Amsterdam UMC
Supervision
Direct: Prof. Dr. Susanne la Fleur (Amsterdam UMC)
Co-supervisors:
- • Dr. Joram Mul (FNWI-UvA)
- • Dr. Anouk Schrantee (Amsterdam UMC)
Muzeyyen Ugur
Ph.D. student
2021 – 2024
Amsterdam UMC
Supervision
Direct: Prof. Dr. Susanne la Fleur (Amsterdam UMC)
Co-supervisor:
- • Dr. Joram Mul (FNWI-UvA)
Dr. Wouter Cox
Postdoctoral Fellow
2021 – 2024
University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute
Supervision
Direct supervisors:
- • Dr. Vanessa van Ast (FMG-UvA)
- • Dr. Harm Krugers (FNWI-UvA)
- • Dr. Joram Mul (FNWI-UvA)
Student Supervision
Mentoring the next generation of researchers
Join Our Team
We are a diverse and multi-national group. We believe that this diversity is critical to a lively exchange of ideas originating from a myriad of perspectives, and importantly, fosters a workplace culture of openness that translates into innovative research results. We are always interested in getting to know people that have big ideas, enjoy fast-paced environments, express positivity, and have an undying faith in teamwork.
What We Offer
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Hands-on experience with modern neuroscience research methods
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Mentorship from experienced researchers in a collaborative environment
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Opportunities to contribute to publications and present at conferences
Contact
Interested in joining our lab as a student, researcher, or collaborator? We'd love to hear from you.
Email us at:
When you contact us, please include:
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Your current position: BSc/MSc student, PhD candidate, postdoc, etc.
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Area of interest: Exercise neuroscience, mental health, cognitive function, etc.
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Background & motivation: Tell us about yourself and why you want to work with our lab
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CV/Resume: Please attach your current CV or resume
Our Supporters
We are grateful for the generous support of our research through the following organizations, whose contributions are essential to our mission of advancing neuroscience.