Assistant Manager

Shima Ovaysikia

***** ********* **. ******** *****, CA. 91364 818-***-****

*****.*********@*****.***

CAREER SUMMARY

Experienced research assistant/coordinator with 6+ years providing outstanding support to multiple

laboratories in the Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology field. Effective communicator with

managerial and administrative experience in academic settings.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Software/ Languages: PC and Mac, MATLAB, Brain Voyager, Presentation, SPSS, Adobe

Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Graph Pad, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, End Note

• Knowledge of MRI (& fMRI) scanning and data analysis

• HIPAA and CITI training certified

• Knowledge of research protocols and research project management including clinical trials

• Extensive knowledge in preparing publications and presentations for professional meetings

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

2014-2014 Dr. Edythe London (University of California, Los Angeles)

Staff Research Associate II

• Screened potential research participants for a clinical trials study

• Tested eligible research participants by collecting various types of cognitive batteries

• Coordinated participant visits for study and administered questionnaires to assess qualification

2012- 2014 Dr. Michele Basso (University of California, Los Angeles)

Staff Research Associate II / Lab Manager

• Recruited research participants, collected and analyzed data for a Parkinson’s Disease study

• Coordinated patient visits for study and administered questionnaires/ qualitative interviews

• Screen potential participants, obtain informed consents, and collect data for research study

• Provided technical and administrative training and direction to personnel in the laboratory

• Monitored and manage regulatory submissions (e.g. IRB/ grant applications, protocols, etc.)

• Managed the administrative duties in the lab such as creating Standard Operating Procedures

• Handled non-human primates and helped with testing them on behavioral tasks

• Prepared for neurophysiological surgeries and recording sessions

2010-2011 Dr. Joseph DeSouza (York University)

Research Assistant funded by: Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre

• Designed a probability-based choice paradigm using Psych Toolbox in Matlab

• Measured behavior using eye tracking as well as pattern of activity in the prefrontal regions

using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

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2009-2010 Dr. Jonathan Wallis (University of California, Berkeley)

Staff Research Associate / Lab Manager

• Handled non-human primates and aided with testing them on behavioral tasks

• Provided technical and administrative support in the laboratory

• Maintained neurophysiological implants on a daily basis

• Prepared for neurophysiological surgeries (craniotomy, chamber implantation, dura scrape) and

recording sessions and recording sessions

• Performed inventory checks, ordered supplies, and processed reimbursements

2006-2009 Dr. Joseph DeSouza (York University)

M.A. Candidate/ Research Assistant

• Used fMRI to map the function of the prefrontal cortex in suppression of innate urges by using

a modified emotional Stroop task

• Analyzed the data & presented the results at various scholarly meetings

2007-2008 Dr. Kari Hoffman (York University)

Research Assistant

• Analyzed primate electrophysiology data on face and object processing in the superior

temporal sulcus, using Matlab

EDUCATION

2007-2009 York University Toronto, ON

• Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree in Psychology (Brain, Behavior & Cognitive Sciences)

• Thesis Title: The role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in suppression of prepotent behaviors

2001-2005 University of Toronto Toronto, ON

Bachelor of Arts (H.BA) degree in Economics and Sociology (Honors)

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RELATED SKILLS

Great attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills

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Sense of urgency in completion of every task with the greatest results

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Superb communication and interpersonal skills

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Strong organizational skills to manage timelines, resource demands and conflicts

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Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills

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TEACHING EXPERIENCE

2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2010-11 PSYC3250 Neural Basis of Behaviour (York University)

Teaching Assistant

• Graded and invigilated exams

• Attended to questions and clarified the course material for a class of 50+ students

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SELECTED SCHOLARLY AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Published:

A.M. Bartlett, S. Ovaysikia, N.K. Logothetis, K.L. Hoffman (2011). Saccades during object

viewing modulate oscillatory phase in the superior temporal sulcus. Journal of Neuroscience.

31:18423-32.

S. Ovaysikia, K.A. Tahir, J.L. Chan, J.F.X. DeSouza (2011). Word wins over face: emotional

Stroop effect activates the frontal cortical network. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 4:234.

J.F.X. DeSouza, S. Ovaysikia, L.K. Pynn (2012). Correlating behavioural responses to fMRI

signals from the human prefrontal cortex: Examining cognitive process using task analyses.

Journal of Visualized Experiments: JoVE. 64:pii3237.

Book Chapter:

S. Ovaysikia, A.E.N. Hoover, K. Tahir, A. Tharani, J.F.X. DeSouza. (2009). How the prefrontal

cortex is thought to be involved in response suppression. In M. Jenkins and L. Harris (Eds.),

Cortical Mechanisms of Vision. Cambridge University Press.

Refereed Abstract:

S. Ovaysikia, J. Danckert, J.F.X. DeSouza (2008). A common medial frontal cortical network for

the Stroop and Anti-saccade tasks but not for the subcortical area in the putamen. Cognitive

Neuroscience Society, Cognitive Neuroscience Society: San Francisco, CA.

Invited Talks:

S. Ovaysikia (2011). The role of the prefrontal cortex in suppression of prepotent behaviours.

Toronto Western Neuroimaging Rounds (TWRI). Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON.

Slide Presentations:

S. Ovaysikia, J.F.X. DeSouza (2009). A Novel Stroop effect examining emotional words

on facial expression: a behavioural & fMRI study. Brain Behaviour & Cognitive Sciences Day.

York University, Toronto, ON.

S. Ovaysikia, J. Danckert, J.F.X. DeSouza (2008). An analogous medial frontal cortical network

for the Stroop and Anti-saccade tasks but a different one for the subcortical region in the

putamen. TENNET Southern Ontario Neuropsychology Group meeting, University of Waterloo,

Waterloo, ON.

S. Ovaysikia, J. Danckert, J.F.X. DeSouza (2008). A common medial frontal cortical network for

the Stroop and Anti-saccade tasks but not for the subcortical area in the putamen. Brain

Behaviour & Cognitive Sciences Day. York University, Toronto, ON.

S. Ovaysikia, 3

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