Multidisciplinary neuroscientist specializing in the non-visual effects of light on cognition and physiology. Experienced in designing and leading multimodal protocols integrating chromatic and cognitive pupillometry, eye tracking, actigraphy, and wearable sensing across lab, clinical, and real-world settings. My work bridges light-based interventions, psychophysiology, and translational neuroscience to develop clinically relevant, data-driven approaches to cognitive and behavioral health.
Daniella Mahfoud
PhD Candidate | National University of Singapore
Summary
Education
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Neurosciences Jan 2023 - Present
- Lebanese University Master of Science (M2), Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Grade : Ranked 1st Jan 2021 - Jan 2022
Experience
- PhD Candidate National University of Singapore Aug 2023 - Present • 2 yrs 9 mos
Leading projects examining how light exposure modulates cognitive performance and physiological outcomes in healthy adults and clinical populations (e.g. glaucoma). Designing and implementing multimodal experimental protocols, integrating chromatic and cognitive pupillometry, eye tracking, actigraphy, wearable light sensors, and mobile/computer-based cognitive tasks. Conducting studies involving over100 participants across controlled lab and real-world settings. Developing and testing innovative light-based behavioral interventions, including mobile-based strategies for improving real-world light exposure. Leading the development of InNOut, an in-lab machine learning model integrating spectral features and human perception for indoor-outdoor classification. Driving complete research cycles: protocol development, IRB submissions, recruitment, data collection, preprocessing pipelines, statistical analysis, coding tasks, and manuscript preparation.
- Research intern Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross Jun 2022 - Jul 2023 • 1 yr 2 mos
Completed Master's thesis on inner speech, cognitive function, and auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. Conducted structured clinical interviews and psychometric assessments with over 200 psychiatric inpatients. Led and contributed to multiple mental health research projects examining cognitive and psychopathological processes in psychiatric populations. Achieved five first-author publications within one year.
Skills
- Human and clinical research methodologiesExpert
- Digital Health and interventionsExpert
Languages
- ArabicNative speaker
- FrenchVery good command
Certifications
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Certification MoCA CognitionIssued Aug 2023 • Expired Aug 2023
- Digital Health Specialization Imperial College London, CourseraIssued Oct 2025 • Expired Dec 2025