Femke is a Behavioural Neuroscientist with a long track record in the neurobiological basis of individual differences in behaviour and mental health. She enjoys working on the intersection between psychology, physiology and behaviour using a translational approach. She has launched a new theory about the effects of early life experiences on the developing oxytocin system and the impact this has on later drug use and supporting several projects investigating this link.
Femke is also a leader in online education and curriculum development and manages a large portfolio of postgraduate and short health courses as Academic Program Director (Health) at the University of Melbourne. In her role at the Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education, she leads the idea development and market insight to connect areas of academic excellence and market demand advising on optimal modes of study.
Femke engages extensively with the community. She has for example developed a free online course on Managing addiction for Health professionals (EdX). She likes to actively engage school kids in neuroscience and support women and girls pursue a passion in STEM.
Experience
2019–present
Associate professor, University of Melbourne
2008–2019
Affiliate Graduate Faculty , Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
2012–2019
Senior Lecturer Addiction Studies , University of Adelaide
2007–2012
Lecturer, University of Adelaide
2007–2008
Senior lecturer, Flinders University
2005–2007
Postdoctoral research associate Family Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
2002–2005
Program Officer, Addiction Program, Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw)
2004–2005
Research associate, Unit International Affairs, Trimbos Institute, The Netherlands
2002–2004
Research associate, Party Drug Monitor, Trimbos Institute, The Netherlands