Samuel Afolayan

As a dedicated neuroscientist, I am deeply engaged in unraveling the complexities of the human brain. My research focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying cognition, memory, and behavioral processing. My work aims to bridge the gap between basic neuroscience and clinical applications, contributing to advancements in neurodegenerative disease treatment and cognitive enhancement.

Through my academic and research journey, I have developed a robust skill set in data analysis, neural network modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration, driving forward the frontiers of brain science.

Research Assistant at the Language and Memory Control (LMC) research group - Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL) - Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain

(2025-03 - 2025-09)

Working with functional and structural MRI data, conducting neuroimaging and behavioral analyses, and developing new analysis pipelines.

• Acquiring new MRI data, utilize already acquired data and conducting analyses on functional and structural MRI data
• Collaborating on finalizing experimental designs and implementing them
• Analyzing neuroimaging and behavioral data
• Identifying improvements or proposing new analysis pipelines
• Main tool utilized: Python

Research Scientific Intern, Computational Neuroscience and Neurotheory Group - Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) - Klosterneuburg, Austria

(2024-09 - 2025-01)

Developing computational models of orientation tuning in the visual cortex and simulating neural circuit interactions.

• Developing computational models of orientation tuning in the visual cortex, enhancing the model's applicability, and increasing its biological plausibility. This includes mapping the interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neural circuits that transform weakly tuned input from the lateral geniculate nucleus into selective and refined responses.
• Modeling and simulating the interaction between gap junctions and chemical synapses (excitatory and inhibitory) in neurons using the leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) model
• Main tool utilized: Python

Computational Neuroscience Mentor - Neuromatch Academy - Beaverton, Oregon, United States

(2022-07 - 2022-07)

Assisting students with project ideas, databases, hypotheses development, and research question formulation.

• Assisting students with project ideas, exploring databases, developing testable hypotheses and research questions, and refining project abstracts

Freelance Data Analyst - Fiverr - Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

(2020-02 - 2024-03)

Providing statistical data analysis and quantitative/qualitative data analysis services to corporate organizations.

• Analyzing and managing statistical data
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis using Python and SPSS
• Utilize primary data sources (e.g., Google Forms, Type-forms, Survey Monkey) and secondary data (e.g., experiments) to gain valuable insights
• Effectively interpret analysis results to identify relevant metrics and draw conclusions
• Recommend ways to increase system efficiencies and save operating costs in local and multinational corporate organizations

Graduate Research Assistant - College of Medicine, University of Lagos - Lagos, Nigeria

(2018-07 - 2020-01)

Teaching, supervising undergraduate medical students, and managing research publications.

• Teaching and supervising undergraduate medical students, setting examination questions, grading scripts, and drafting and editing manuscripts for publishing
• Use of the SPSS package for data analysis and Image J software for stereological analysis

Graduate Research Assistant - Lagos University Teaching Hospital - Lagos, Nigeria

(2019-08 - 2019-12)

Conducting tissue biopsy and data analysis work.

• Performing tissue biopsy and analyzing gathered data

Graduate Research Assistant - College of Health Sciences, Osun State University - Osogbo, Nigeria

(2014-11 - 2015-11)

Teaching, supervising undergraduate medical students, and managing research publications.

• Teaching and supervising undergraduate medical students, setting examination questions, grading scripts, and drafting and editing manuscripts for publishing

Master's Candidate - Modeling cerebellar limb dysmetria and impaired spatial memory in rats using lamivudine - University of Lagos - Lagos, Nigeria

(2018-06 - 2019-05)

Investigating the effects of lamivudine on spatial memory and cerebellar function in rat models. Successfully designed experimental methodology, collected data, performed analysis, and published findings.

• Designed the experimental methodology, collected the data, performed data analysis and wrote-up the findings for publication
• Investigated whether any constituent of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) might induce spatial memory impairments and cerebellar limb dysmetria
• First to report that lamivudine induces unchecked lipid peroxidation and neuroinflammation resulting in death of many pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus and Purkinje motor fibers in the cerebellum thereby causing limb dysmetria and cognitive disorders
• Main tools utilized: Image J software, Fluorescence microscopy, histology, SPSS, immunohistochemistry, Biochemical Analyses of Oxidative Stress Markers and neurobehavioral assessments

Master of Science - Human Anatomy (Neuroscience) - University of Lagos (2017-05 - 2019-05)

Bachelor of Science - Human Anatomy - University of Ilorin (2010-10 - 2014-07)