by Larissa Fischer – Boston, Massachusetts
In July 2024, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States, working with Prof Jonathan Peelle in his Speech, Hearing, and Communication (SHAC) Lab. Their work on aging and changes in cognitive functions with higher task demands is highly relevant for our SynAGE project D1. They investigate how hearing difficulties with age cause higher demands on the aging brain, necessitating more effort to succeed at tasks. We aim to better understand how Alzheimer’s pathology in cognitively unimpaired older adults poses higher demands and whether there are potential compensatory brain mechanisms during ageing. The SHAC lab is, fittingly with the interdisciplinary focus of SynAGE, located at the ISEC (Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex).
I was welcomed very warmly and had plenty of time to interact with the lab members and other PhD students, gaining insights into the American academic system and the research environment at Northeastern. The experience was enriched by the extensive knowledge and expertise in the lab, engaging in discussions that enhanced my understanding of various aspects of investigating task demands. During my stay, I worked on a related behavioral experiment that we plan to conduct at DZNE Magdeburg. Through valuable discussions, I learned what to consider from a language and speech comprehension perspective, which is crucial for our studies. I was also introduced to research techniques involving functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and studies on hearing and aging, broadening my methodological toolkit. During the stay, we solidified plans to collaborate and generated further ideas for joint research projects. Additionally, I delivered a guest lecture titled “Multimodal Phenotyping of Successful Neurocognitive Aging,” sharing my research and engaging with the academic community at Northeastern. I also visited research labs at Brandeis University and Boston College, expanding my professional network and providing further opportunities for collaboration and learning.
My time in Boston will surely be one of the highlights of my PhD journey within the RTG2413 SynAGE, providing me with new skills, insights, and connections that will undoubtedly benefit my future research and career. I’m very grateful that I was able to make those unforgettable experiences!
Snapshots of Boston, Massachusetts by Larissa Fischer.