Hello, we are the new Gopher board for
2023/2024!
Our board members are (left to right):
Micaela Fernandes - PR and Research Communication Manager
Magnolia Martinez - Chair
Nohora Juliana Rueda Forero - Manager of Educational Events
Zaloa Aguirre Sourrouille - Manager of Recreational Events
Josephine Bokermann - Treasurer
Yuchen Yang - Secretary
Johanna Wörtl - Website & Social Media Manager
We are all motivated volunteers working together to help you to make the most of your time as a PhD. Looking forward to many fun activities, learning experiences and good times!
Meet our board members
Micaela Fernandes
PR and Research Communication Manager
Hi everyone,
I am Mica(ela) from Portugal, a first-year Ph.D. student at the Polymer Science department of the FSE, located at the Zernike Campus.
Besides the Ph.D., I like to travel and get in touch with new cultural and social environments. Therefore, before coming to Groningen, I had the opportunity to live in different countries like Helsinki, and Paris. Despite traveling, I also love food, so in my free time, I like cooking for my friends, baking, and trying new restaurants in town.
I joined Gopher, as the PR and Research Communication Manager, to better build a network with the PhD community and encourage you to do so! I am very much looking forward to meeting you through one of our educational or recreational events!
Magnolia Martinez Chair
Hey there! I'm Magnolia Martínez, a medical doctor currently diving into my third year of PhD studies at the MDL department in UMCG. I'm all about science, movies, and anime – but that's not all! I also have a serious love for exploring every corner of this country, from the North to the South, discovering new cities and trying out all kinds of delicious food.
Back in my student days, I wasn't just hitting the books. I was the head of my group in medical school and participated in all sorts of multicultural events and contests, especially related to science innovation. After my bachelor's, I took a shift in clinical path, so instead of going directly to a clinical specialisation I went straight into the wet lab.
Besides my big passion for science, as a foreign student from Mexico city, I was motivated to navigate through my PhD journey creating an academic community, to help us all to balance our life, and fomenting a healthy social environment.
Join me on this exciting journey through the world of academia, as we explore, learn, and grow together. Let's make our PhD experience unforgettable!
.
Nohora Juliana Rueda Forero Manager of Educational Events
Hello everyone,
I'm Nohora Juliana, currently in my third year of Ph.D. studies, focusing on Pathology and Molecular Biology at UMCG and in Colombia. My research is trying to understand the intricate relationship between Epstein Barr Virus microRNAs and their impact on Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Beyond my academic pursuits, I'm passionate about movies, music, crafting, and exploring nature through hiking.
In my role as the academic events coordinator, I strive to organise informative sessions with keynote speakers that address diverse academic interests. My aim is to foster an engaging and inclusive environment for all PhD students.
Looking forward to collaborating and organising enriching academic events that resonate with all of our interests.
Zaloa Aguirre Sourrouille Manager of Recreational Events
Hi, I am Zaloa, a third year PhD student at the department of Molecular Microbiology. My research focuses on understanding how archaea and their viruses interact with each other.
I am the manager of recreational events of GOPHER this year and I hope you will like our events :)
Josephine Bokermann
Treasurer
Hello everybody, my name is Josephine and I am a first-year PhD student of the Health Sciences department at the UMCG. My research revolves around an innovative approach for a tailored reintegration of sick-listed employees here in the Netherlands.
Before moving to Groningen in September 2021 for my master’s, I lived in Hamburg, Germany where you can still find me during weekends. Besides that I enjoy spending time with my friends here in Groningen doing sports, cooking together or going out for dancing. To relax after a long day at the office, I like to read or do some hand lettering/calligraphy and design a nice card for the next upcoming birthday of one of my friends.
I am the treasurer of GOPHER making sure that we can provide you with affordable events to connect with other PhDs outside your office and to enjoy your free time even more. I am looking forward to meeting a lot of you during our events!
Yuchen Yang
Treasurer
Hello everyone! My name is Yuchen and I come from China. Currently, I am a third-year PhD student at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. My research topic is related to host and microbiota interactions in inflammatory bowel diseases and intestinal fibrosis. Beyond the realm of academia, I am enthusiastic about various aspects including sports, music, movies, arts and travel.
I am the new Gopher secretary this year and I am dedicated to contributing to the enhancement of the quality of both in- and extra-curricular aspects of the PhD life. In my capacity, I am tasked with orchestrating board meetings, aiding the Chair in scheduling and overseeing tasks to ensure the seamless execution of activities. Our monthly newsletter aims to acquaint you with both past and upcoming Gopher events, and we encourage active subscription. Anticipating your enthusiastic participation, I look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful events.
Johanna Wörtl Website & Social Media Manager
Hello everyone! I’m Joy, a first year PhD student in Biotechnology working at the UMCG. My thesis is focussed at combining high throughput screening approaches with machine learning to improve protein secretion in bacteria.
Besides my job, I like to enjoy the good things in life (food, wine, good books, art, beautiful places), yoga and biking. I also love to make new experiences and meet new people which is why I have been attending a lot of Gopher events.
Now, I’m super happy to get the chance to now contribute to making everyone’s PhD more enjoyable :)