I.K. (Isabel) Schuurmans, PhD

I am a postdoctoral researcher at Erasmus MC with a background in epidemiology and a strong focus on brain health across development. My research explores how external experiences – particularly stress and mental health – and molecular mechanisms shape brain health from early life onwards. By integrating large-scale population data with multi-omics and neuroimaging, I aim to develop predictive models that can ultimately improve diagnostics and support personalized medicine for optimizing brain health. Eventually, these insights will foster a more inclusive understanding of brain health, enabling individuals to realize their full potential across the lifespan. 

My research centers on the determinants of brain health, spanning both environmental (e.g., stress, mental health) and molecular factors (e.g., DNA methylation, microRNAs, gut microbiome). I use population-based data and advanced multi-omics techniques to study these influences across the life course, from the prenatal period into late adulthood. 

• Erasmus MC University Medical Center – PhD Epidemiology 
• Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Master Health Sciences - specialization Epidemiology  
• Erasmus University Rotterdam - Master Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology 
• Erasmus University Rotterdam – Bachelor Psychology 

View my publications here. 

Various supervised MSc thesis; teaching in  NIHES: Master of Science in Health Sciences.  
Erasmus Medical Center 

• Fulbright scholarship 
• KNAW Ter Meulen grant 
• Female Talent Class  
• Graduating Summa Cum Laude | Master Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology  
• Best bachelor thesis of 2017-2018 | Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences  
• Honours Programme | Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences