Curriculum Vitae

Maria Kliesch

PhD Candidate Neurolinguistics

MKliesch_klein

Work Experience

2022-today

Data Analytics Consultant
D ONE Solutions AG

2018-2021

PhD Student Neurolinguistics
University of Zurich

  • Research on foreign language learning in older adults, neurosciences and cognitive psychology of healthy ageing
  • Successful application for competitive research grant (272k CHF) to Swiss National Science Foundation
  • Programming and implementation of electroencephalography, psychometric and linguistic measures
  • Data analysis using R, Python and MATLAB
  • Statistical modelling (Linear and Generalized Additive Mixed Models, inferential statistics)

2008-2021

Diverse Teaching Experience
University of Salzburg, Austria (”Introduction to Neurolinguistics”), University of Zurich (”Language Skills and Culture”), St. Annahof Language School and Dr. Raeber School of Commerce, Zurich (English, Spanish, German), Retirement Home Oberstrass, Zurich (German), Primary School San Ramón, Costa Rica (Mathematics, Voluntary Work)

2017-2018

EEG-Assistant and Practice Administration
Neurologische Praxis Schwyz – Zug

  • Overseeing practice administration
  • Optimising IT processes and workflows for fully-computerised patient records
  • Carrying out electroencephalography (EEG) recordings
  • Technical and procedural mentoring of new employees

2015-2017

Research Assistant (Intermittent Employment)
Department of Computer Linguistics and Department of Psychology, University of Zurich

2013

Technical Support Linguistic Specialist
Microstrategy Inc., London

  • Front line technical assistance in German, Spanish and English
  • Conceptualisation and implementation of new training documentation
  • Coaching of new recruits

2008-2012

Diverse Employment in Administrative Fields
School/Website Administrator (CILE Language School, Málaga, Spain), Assistant Legal Department (AMEOS Group Zurich, Zurich), Personal Assistant to CFO (AMEOS Group Zurich, Zurich)

Education

2017-today

Doctoral Studies
University of Zurich

Interdisciplinary doctoral thesis: ”New languages and old brains: A dynamic approach to language learning in third age”

2014-2017

Master of Arts UZH (M.A.)
”English and Spanish Language and Literature”
University of Zurich

Interdisciplinary thesis on neuronal and cognitive aspects of language learning in old age (”Learning a New Language in Old Adulthood: A Longitudinal Study”)

 

2008-2012

Bachelor of Arts UZH (B.A.)
”English and Spanish Language and Literature”
University of Zurich

Competences

Personal

Entrepreneurial thinking and acting in a competitive environment

Presentation and teaching skills in the context of conferences, workshops and courses

Self-initiated, independent and decision-oriented way of acting

Resilience, critical thinking skills, and high tolerance for frustration

Social

Ability to work in a team and collaborate productively in an interdisciplinary and international environment

Social support and methodological support in the context of peer mentoring

People management in supervising a total of 14 interns and master students

Methodology

Good programming skills in R, Python, and MATLAB and experience using Power BI Desktop

Statistical expertise working with quantitative data with a focus on mixed linear and generalized additive models to study repeated variables

Development and analysis of behavioral tests, electrophysiological experiments, and tests to assess foreign language proficiency

Expert Knowledge

Interdisciplinarity through theoretical and practical experience in linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and gerontology

Application of scientific models regarding neurophysiology, cognitive processes, and language processing of healthy aging humans

Project planning, risk management, and implementation of a four-year research project