About
Hey there, I'm Lénia Amaral!
Scientist by Day, Plant Enthusiast by Heart, Foodie by Passion, and Traveler by Soul
Cognitive Neuroscientist.
My research focuses on brain organization and neuroplasticity. I have been studying the neural organization of conceptual knowledge and how network activity influences this neural processing. I am also interested in exploring how neuroplasticity shapes cognitive systems (e.g., through deafness, blindness, or aging). To address these issues, I employ a multimodal strategy that includes fMRI, EEG, neuromodulation, neuropsychological and behavioral data.
- Degree: PhD
- City: Coimbra, Portugal
- Position: Invited Professor and Researcher
- Location: University of Coimbra
Facts
My academic journey is underscored by a series of accomplishments that highlight my dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering scientific engagement.
Publications
Citations
H-Index
Awards
Skills
In addition to my research accomplishments, I have developed a varied set of skills that have enhanced my ability to contribute effectively in a variety of scientific disciplines.
Resume
I started my academic journey at the University of Minho in Portugal, earning both my bachelor's and master's degrees. Later, I became a research assistant at the University of Coimbra, where I decided to pursue my PhD. In 2022, I moved to the USA to be a postdoc at Georgetown University in the USA. In the end of 2024, I returned to Portugal as an Invited Professor and Researcher at the University of Coimbra.
Education
PhD in Neuropsychology
2017 - 2022
"Uncovering the interaction between hands and tools: are these categories dissociable"
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Faculty advisor: Dr. Jorge Almeida. Co-advisor: Dr. Fredrik Bergström.
Master's in Psychology
2012 - 2014
"Volumetric analysis of cortical and subcortical regions in congenital deafness"
School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
Faculty advisor: Dr. Óscar Gonçalves. Co-advisor: Dr. Jorge Almeida.
BsC in Psychological Sciences
2009 - 2012
School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
Professional Experience
Invited Professor and Researcher
2024 - Present
Invited Professor and Researcher at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra. Portugal
Postdoctoral researcher
2022 - 2024
Postdoctoral researcher at the SAMP Lab under supervision of Dr. Ella Striem-Amit. Georgetown University Medical Center. Washington DC, USA
PhD fellow
2017 - 2022
PhD fellow under supervision of Dr. Jorge Almeida and Dr. Fredrik Bergström. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra. Portugal
Research assistant
2015 - 20217
Research assistant at the Cognitive and Behavioral Center for Research and Intervention (CINEICC), under supervision of Dr. Jorge Almeida and Dr. Mário Simões. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra. Portugal
Portfolio
- All
- Publications
- Scientific Meetings
- Science Outreach
Contact
Location:
Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação da Universidade de Coimbra, Edifício 2
Coimbra, Portugal