Agastya Mahalingam
San Diego,CA
Summary
Cognitive Science major specializing in Design and Interaction, focused on a career in medicine. Experienced in cognitive science labs with a strong interest in applying research skills to clinical and healthcare environments. Seeking opportunities to gain medical research and clinical experience in preparation for medical school.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Cognovate Labs
UC San Diego
09.2025 - Current
- Conduct research on integrating real-time EEG systems into prehospital stroke triage, developing wearable and field-ready neurotechnology to improve early detection of ischemic strokes.
- Analyze multiband EEG signals (theta, delta, alpha, beta) to identify biomarkers of stroke severity, designing algorithms and interfaces that support faster, data-driven clinical decisions for EMS personnel.
- Collaborate on end-to-end workflow development-from electrode configuration and hardware testing to UI design and outcome evaluation-to optimize patient routing and improve functional recovery rates.
Research Assistant
Comparative Cognition Lab
UC San Diego, CA
09.2024 - Current
- Coordinating participant communications, including responding to emails and scheduling sessions, to ensure smooth study operations.
- Supporting data collection and management under the supervision of graduate researchers and faculty.
- Participating in lab meetings to discuss research design, findings, and future directions in comparative cognition.
Co-Founder
WalkingBooks.org
01.2015 - Current
- Organized and fundraised to stock mobile libraries in disadvantaged countries.
Behavior Technician
ACES
San Diego, California
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Delivered 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions, teaching communication, social, and daily living skills while supporting children with autism and coordinating with caregivers and supervisors.
- Implemented individualized plans designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), using evidence-based strategies, positive reinforcement, and clinical supervision feedback to reduce challenging behaviors and build adaptive skills.
- Collected accurate session data and documented progress in real time, collaborating with supervisors to guide treatment adjustments and ensure measurable, data-driven outcomes.
Research Assistant
Samaha Lab
UC Santa Cruz, CA
02.2024 - 09.2024
- Conducting experiments, in teams and independently, to support ongoing research projects in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience field
- Collecting data through electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure and quantify brain activity
- Discussing related studies, reviewing literature and future projects with peer, faculty and senior researchers
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cognitive Science, Design And Interaction
University of California San Diego
San Diego, CA06-2026
High School Diploma -
Del Norte High School
San Diego, CA06-2022
Skills
- Lab and field testing
- Data analysis
- Behavioral interventions
- User interface design
- UX design
- Strength in research
- Client engagement
- Hardware modeling
Timeline
Research Assistant
Cognovate Labs
09.2025 - Current
Research Assistant
Comparative Cognition Lab
09.2024 - Current
Behavior Technician
ACES
08.2024 - 04.2025
Research Assistant
Samaha Lab
02.2024 - 09.2024
Co-Founder
WalkingBooks.org
01.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Cognitive Science, Design And Interaction
University of California San Diego
High School Diploma -
Del Norte High School