Hello, we are the new Gopher board for
2024/2025!
Our board members are:
Chair - Zaloa Aguirre Sourrouille
PR and Research Communication Manager - Micaela Fernandes
Manager of Educational Events - Rodrigo Martinez Alcala
Treasurer - Melissa González
Secretary - Juliana Lima Constantino
Website & Social Media Manager - Fanny Sikström
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 Micaela, a second-year Ph.D. student at the Polymer Science department of the FSE, located at the Zernike Campus. My work focuses on 3D Bioprinting to recreate native tissues.
Besides the Ph.D., I like to travel and get in touch with new cultural and social environments. 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 and Manager of Recreational Events, 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 events!
Zaloa Aguirre Sourrouille
Chair
Hi,
I am Zaloa, a fourth year PhD student at the department of Molecular Microbiology. My research focuses on understanding how archaea and their viruses interact with each other.
If I am not in the lab you can find me misusing my credit card, tearing up the dance floor like I’m auditioning for Dancing with the Stars or just sleeping. This year I am the Chair of GOPHER and I keep every member of the board on track and maintain the harmony within the board.
Melissa González
Treasurer
Hi everyone,
I’m Melissa, a second-year PhD student from Chile, studying the relationship between substance use and high school social networks at the Sociology department.
My research covers a lot of interesting topics, such as the variables related to having a crush on someone, dating and being influenced by friends and crushes towards substance use.
Some of my hobbies include traveling, dancing and watching series. As GOPHER’s treasurer I manage the funds, and make sure you can enjoy affordable events throughout the year. I will be very happy to meet all of you at our events!
Rodrigo Martinez Alcala
Manager of Educational Events
Hello!
I am Rodrigo and I am in the final year of my PhD in the Department of Pathology and Medical Biology in the UMCG. My research focuses on understanding the spatial arrangement of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment in Hodgkin Lymphoma and how we can translate this knowledge into better immunotherapies for these patients.
Outside of the lab, I like to go to the gym, learn more about languages, and look for hidden coffee gems in the city. This year, I am the Manager of Educational Events. You can always reach out to me for questions, feedback and suggestions on new events!
Juliana Lima Constantino Secretary
Hi everyone!
I am Juliana, a second year PhD student from the Department of Psychiatry at the UMCG. I moved from Brazil to the Netherlands in 2021 to follow a Research Masters in Epidemiology also at the UMCG, and started my PhD in 2023.
My research focuses on novel antidepressant treatments for depression (e.g., ketamine, psilocybin), which I find very exciting.
Outside of work, I love cooking, painting, and travelling. This year, I am the secretary of GOPHER, which suits me well, as I love making lists, agendas, minutes, and so on. I hope to meet you soon at one of our events!
Fanny Sikström Website & Social Media Manager
Hello everyone,
I am Fanny, a second-year PhD student at the Centre for Isotope Research. I moved to the Netherlands from Norway in 2024, where I studied Archaeology for five years. My research focuses on radiocarbon dating, and I am working to refine the chronology of the Norse arrival, occupation, and abandonment of Greenland, to enhance our understanding of various aspects related to this settlement.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, reading, and playing music. This year, I will manage our social media and website, and I look forward to having fun with all of you!