Connectomics in Pediatric Epilepsy: A Clinical Research Scientist’s Career with Puck Reeders, PhD

How do you turn massive clinical imaging data into insights that change lives? What does it take to move from a psychology undergrad to a pioneering role in pediatric brain research? And how can coding, connectomics, and curiosity shape a meaningful clinical career in neuroscience?

In this inspiring episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we sit down with Dr. Puck Reeders, Senior Neuroscience Research Scientist at the Brain Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. From her early days in Curacao to building novel neuroimaging pipelines in one of the nation’s oldest pediatric epilepsy programs, Dr. Reeders shares her unique career path—and how she helps decode complex brain networks to improve surgical outcomes for children with intractable epilepsy.

We explore:

• How connectomics and diffusion imaging guide surgical planning

• Her innovative research on white matter networks and neuromodulation responses

• The steep but rewarding path from zero coding skills to advanced tractography

• Tips for transitioning from psychology to clinical neuroscience

• Career advice for anyone eager to enter research-focused medical settings

Whether you’re a student exploring future careers, a neuroscientist curious about clinical impact, or just fascinated by how science meets medicine—you’ll walk away informed and inspired.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Insights from a Neuroscience Research Scientist 00:03:00 - Functional Mapping Techniques for Epilepsy 00:08:43 - Transitioning from Medical School to Psychology 00:13:10 - Research Gaps in Epilepsy 00:17:10 - Understanding Connectomics in Epilepsy Treatment 00:21:53 - Combining Imaging Techniques in Research 00:24:50 - Coding Challenges in Research 00:27:12 - Coding Journey in Neuroscience 00:28:51 - Learning to Code: A Personal Journey 00:32:39 - The Importance of Networking 00:34:30 - Art's Role in Science Communication 00:37:38 - Landing a Job Through Networking 00:41:22 - Research Opportunities in Connectomics 00:46:49 - Exploring Diverse Career Opportunities 00:51:38 - Job Search Tips and Strategies 00:54:39 - Tips for Job Applications and Interviews 00:59:46 - From Medicine to Neuroscience Research 01:02:06 - Clinical Research and Pediatric Epilepsy

About the Podcast Guest:

Dr. Puck Reeders is a Senior Neuroscience Research Scientist at the Brain Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/home

Her work focuses on investigating aberrant brain networks in children with intractable epilepsy, applying advanced neuroimaging techniques to improve clinical outcomes in pediatric neurology.

Originally from the Netherlands and raised on the island of Curaçao, Dr. Reeders brings a global perspective to her research. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Chemistry from the University of Miami, and a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from Florida International University, where she also completed her postdoctoral training in the Allen Neurocircuitry and Cognition Lab.

Dr. Reeders has over nine years of experience working with functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in both adults and children. Her current research explores the structural connectomics of pediatric epilepsy, the development of clinical imaging pipelines to detect white matter abnormalities, cortical dysplasias, and automated SPECT subtractions—bringing together cutting-edge science with translational clinical impact.

Her expertise spans:

• Neuroimaging and clinical pipeline development

• Data analysis and scientific coding

• Translational neuroscience and surgical planning support

• Research project design and academic mentoring

Outside of the lab, Dr. Reeders shares insights into neuroscience careers and research life on her educational Instagram: @Drpucky You can also connect with her professionally on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/puckreeders/ 

About the Podcast Host:

The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in neurotech and Brain-Computer Interfaces, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.

Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:

• Identification and pursuit of career goals
• Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development
• Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice
• Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies
• Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals

You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation

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