Shandanehnur Penker

Shandanehnur Penker is an intern at the Mind Foundation. She is currently supporting the UniMIND team and assisting in planning the update of the Molecules program during her internship.Shandanehnur is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Berlin and is expected to graduate in 2026.She is immensely passionate about working with children and adolescents in addressing mental illness, as many conditions begin in childhood. She hopes to intervene early, investigating the underlying etiologies and guiding them onto a healthier path. She compares it to psychedelic science, which emphasizes the importance of imagination, curiosity, and resilience in promoting long-term well-being.She hopes to further her understanding of psychedelic science and its evidence-based application to mental health, especially as it relates to developing new preventative and early intervention strategies.She is motivated to contribute to a broad and rapidly developing scientific field that challenges stigma, broadens our understanding of consciousness, and encourages innovative approaches to mental health care.