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Bigna Lenggenhager

Researcher in Cognitive Neuroscience

Professional Background

Bigna Lenggenhager is a highly esteemed professional in the field of psychology and neuroscience, currently serving as an SNSF Professor at the Psychology Department of the esteemed University of Zurich. Dr. Lenggenhager leads a dynamic research group known as 'Cognitive Neuropsychology with a focus on Body, Self and Plasticity.' This innovative group dedicates itself to investigating the psychological, physiological, and neural mechanisms associated with the bodily self, exploring its plasticity and how it evolves throughout the human lifespan.

In her capacity as a professor, Dr. Lenggenhager emphasizes the importance of both foundational and applied research. Her work significantly impacts areas such as human-machine interaction and virtual reality, addressing pressing questions that lie at the intersection of psychology, technology, and human behavior. Through her research, Bigna aims to deepen our understanding of how individuals perceive their own bodies and selves, considering the implications of such insights for various applications in modern technology and therapy.

Before her current role, Dr. Lenggenhager held multiple key positions in renowned institutions, contributing significantly to advancing research in cognitive neuropsychology. She was a researcher and Ambizione fellow at the University Hospital Zürich, where she fostered collaborative and groundbreaking studies. Additionally, her postdoctoral experiences at Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste Bern and Sapienza Università di Roma further sharpened her expertise and broadened her research scope, establishing her as a leading figure in her field.

Education and Achievements

Dr. Bigna Lenggenhager's academic journey is marked by her rigorous educational background. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience from the prestigious École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a prominent research institute known for its high standards and contributions to the advancement of science and technology. This rigorous training laid a strong foundation for her research endeavors in understanding neural processes related to cognition and behavior.

Prior to her PhD, she obtained a Licentiate degree in Psychology, Neurophysiology, and Psychopathology from the University of Zurich. This comprehensive educational experience equipped her with a multifaceted perspective on cognitive processes and behavioral health, which she now applies in her research on bodily self-perception and plasticity. Dr. Lenggenhager completed her Matura at Kantonsschule Trogen, providing her with a solid educational foundation that has propelled her throughout her academic and professional career.

Bigna’s research has resulted in notable achievements, including publications in esteemed journals, presentations at leading conferences, and collaborations with interdisciplinary teams. Her work not only informs theoretical frameworks in psychology and neuroscience but also translates into practical applications aimed at improving human-computer interaction and enhancing the efficacy of virtual reality technologies. Through her prolific contributions, she continues to inspire peers, students, and aspiring psychologists around the world.

Achievements

Dr. Bigna Lenggenhager is recognized not just for her role as an educator and researcher, but also for her commitment to advancing knowledge in human cognition and behavior. Her research endeavors encompass a wide range of topics related to body and self-perception, with a strong emphasis on the plasticity of these experiences across the human lifespan.

As a distinguished SNSF professor at the University of Zurich, Bigna leads a team dedicated to exploring complex psychological phenomena and their neural underpinnings. Her areas of focus include:

  • The intersection of cognitive neuropsychology and its implications for understanding human-machine interaction.
  • The developmental aspects of bodily self-perception and its plasticity, shedding light on how individual experiences shape our understanding of who we are.
  • The applied research approaches in virtual reality, aiming to leverage immersive technology for therapeutic and educational purposes.

Dr. Lenggenhager’s research findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that shape human identity and experience, with potential applications in areas such as psychotherapy, rehabilitation, and user experience design. Throughout her career, she has cultivated a reputation as a passionate advocate for integrating scientific research with real-world applications, emphasizing the significance of a holistic approach to understanding the mind-body connection.

In summary, Bigna Lenggenhager exemplifies a commitment to excellence in research and teaching in the fields of psychology and neuroscience. Her pioneering work at the University of Zurich not only enhances scientific knowledge but also has meaningful implications for society, particularly as technology increasingly becomes intertwined with our daily lives.

Related Questions

How did Bigna Lenggenhager develop her focus on the relationship between body, self, and plasticity in cognitive neuropsychology?
What are some of the key findings from Bigna Lenggenhager's research on human-machine interaction and virtual reality?
In what ways does Bigna Lenggenhager integrate her educational experiences from EPFL and the University of Zurich into her current research?
What motivated Bigna Lenggenhager to explore the psychological and neural mechanisms behind bodily self-perception?
How does Bigna Lenggenhager envision the future applications of her research in virtual reality and therapeutic settings?
Bigna Lenggenhager
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Location

Zürich Area, Switzerland