Dr. Dirk Moser (temporary group leader)

Research interest

The Department of Genetic Psychology was established in October 2013. We are interested in how genetic and environmental factors work together to shape the course of human development. Particular focus of our research concerns the long-term consequences of exposures to adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse and neglect or growing up in institutions.

Using a range of methods, including the study of genetic variation, gene expression patterns and epigenetics, as well as the characterization of stress physiology, we are trying to understand how psychosocial experiences become biologically embedded and influence developmental trajectories and outcomes across the life-span.

You can find more detailed project descriptions here: Current projects

Methods

• study of genetic variation
• gene expression patterns
• epigenetics
• characterization of stress physiology

Master theses

*** Please note that currently, there is no option to conduct a Master thesis in the department of Genetic Psychology ***

Requirements for conducting a Master thesis in the department of Genetic Psychology:

• successful completion of the course “Molekulargenetisches Grundpraktikum”

Examples of previously supervised Master theses

• Methodological advancements in epigenetic stress research
• Confounding factors in psychological epigenetics and stress research
• Mitochondrial DNA as a marker for treatment-response in post-traumatic stress disorder
• Association between psychosocial stress exposure and mitochondrial DNA copy number and mutational load in two African cohorts

Website

click here to find out more about the department of Genetic Psychology