Tomás Peixoto Alves, a Master's student in Neuropsychology, recently took part in a research internship at Aarhus University, in Denmark, under the Erasmus+ Mobility Internship program. The experience took place at the prestigious Center for Music in the Brain (MIB), an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to understanding the relationship between music, the brain and the mind.
Hosted by Prof. Dr. Kira Vibe Jespersen, an associate researcher in the Department of Clinical Medicine, Tomás had the opportunity to collaborate with a team involved in a project investigating the impact of music on sleep, using behavioral methods and neuroimaging techniques to explore the therapeutic effects of music and the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms.
“This opportunity came about as part of my master's thesis, where I'm trying to understand how certain individual differences - such as level of education or musical experience - can moderate the effectiveness of a music-based intervention in the treatment of insomnia,” explained Tomás.
Direct contact with cutting-edge scientific research was one of the most striking experiences of the internship. Participating in data collection with advanced technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, gave Tomás a new perspective on the accessibility of science and the role of students in the production of knowledge.
"It was surprising to see how easy access to neuroimaging equipment was, even for students. Accompanying fellow doctoral students in their research gave me a very concrete idea of how science is valued and encouraged," she shared.
The experience at the MIB also allowed her to broaden her horizons about the future of neuropsychology. The intersection with other areas of knowledge - from music to virtual reality - revealed the potential of neuropsychology beyond traditional clinical contexts.
"It opened my eyes to the almost limitless potential of the field. I saw projects that explore the links between music, cognition, emotion and mental health, using different methodologies such as EEG and immersive environments," she said.
As well as the academic and scientific enrichment, the cultural immersion in Danish society also left its mark.
"I was very impressed by the balance between personal and professional life. The way the Danes organize their work without sacrificing their personal well-being had a direct impact on the way I work," he reflected.
For Tomás, international experiences like this are fundamental to the growth of master's and doctoral students.
