Who We Are

Our Team

Director

Associate Prof. Nagaendran Kandiah

MBBS, FRCP (Edinburgh), FAMS (Neurology)
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Prof Nagaendran Kandiah is a Senior consultant neurologist. He holds a clinician scientist position with the National Medical Research Council of Singapore, He holds several national grants investigating these research areas with a focus on neuropsychology, MRI, functional MRI and cerebrospinal fluid studies. He is also the chairman of the Neurocognitive and Research Training Consortium of Southeast Asia (NRTC-SEA). He was the chair of the Singapore Ministry of Health, Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia (2013-2018). In his free time, he enjoys doing carpentry work and his most gratifying work was a plant house he built together with his 11-year-old son, which now stands proudly in his home.

Centre Manager

Dr Gurveen Kaur Sandhu

PhD in Biochemistry and
Molecular Cell Biology
(Australia)
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As Centre Manager for DRCS, I oversee collaborative research and drive administrative and operational initiatives that serve to advance our collective mission to improve understanding, treatment, care and management for individuals affected by cognitive impairment and/or dementia. With a professional background in molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry, my research experience spans the fields of oncology and neurodegenerative disease, with a particular focus on uncovering early biomolecular underpinnings of cognitive impairment — to inform early detection and intervention strategies.
I am passionate about translating scientific discoveries into meaningful, real-world outcomes through strategic research coordination and collaboration, so as to strengthen support systems for fellow researchers and jointly drive efforts towards enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by cognitive impairment and dementia and their families.
Beyond work, I love relaxing with a good book or some soothing music, flowing through Yoga or Pilates, and reconnecting with nature on scenic trails while observing the flora and fauna. I am also fond of sitcoms, thought-provoking documentaries, and discovering new places through my travels.

Cognitive and Behavioural

We perform cognitive assessments and associated analyses

Pricilia Tanoto

Master of Psychological Science, James Cook University
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I am a research associate who has a master’s degree in psychology and an overseas bachelor degree as medical doctor. From the start, I am deeply interested in understanding the connection between diseases and patients’ psychology. In that sense, my research interests reside in developing cognitive and behavioral assessment tools for neurodegenerative disorders like dementia, facilitating early detection & prevention purposes.

Furthermore, I have a fervent desire in optimizing study designs and statistical analyses to provide research with good validity and reliability. Lastly, you can find me watching K-drama & solo karaoke-ing during my leisure time.

Dr Kiirtaara Aravindhan

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), University of Malaya
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I am a Research Fellow on a mission to explore the connections between our brain, mind and behaviour. My educational background includes a doctorate focused on cognitive frailty and mental health, a Master of Neuroscience and a Bachelor in Psychology. When I’m not buried in research, you might find me watching cute dog videos or a horror/crime show, while indulging in my very much healthy obsession with dark chocolate.

Faith Phemie Lee Hui En

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) University at Buffalo
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I am a research assistant with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Having an interest in human behaviour, I aspire to be a clinical neuropsychologist through building upon opportunities in the coming years. I take an interest in the structure and function of the brain behind psychological disorders observed on the surface. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, eating, playing hockey, and sometimes playing the piano.

Liew Shan Yao

Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Psychology (SMU)
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I am a Research Assistant that believes strongly in looking out for the ones who need it most: From the children struggling to express themselves, to the elderly that cannot reach out to get help, and everyone in between. Being able to participate and contribute to a meaningful study such as this is its own reward. In my free time I love to sing my favourite songs, read fantasy novels, and cook some of my favourite foods.

Angelica Krestianto

Bachelor of Psychological Science, James Cook University
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I am a research assistant with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I am part of the neuropsychological team and have an interest in cognitive psychology and the complexities of brain function and behaviour. Beyond psychology, I enjoy cooking, playing the piano, strolling in nature, or curling up with a good book and some chocolate mint ice cream.  

Cui Chen, Bella

Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Psychology (NTU)
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I am a Research Assistant with a strong interest in the interplay between behaviour, psychophysiology, neuropsychological disorders, and cognitive development. I’m passionate about contributing to research that supports and empowers individuals across different stages of life. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, discovering hidden gem stores and coffee shops, and reading good novels.

Imaging and Fluid Biomarker

We perform MRI, evaluate the expression of fluid biomarkers and conduct associated analyses

Dr Ashwati Vipin

PhD in Neuroimaging in
Dementia (Duke-NUS)
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I am a Research Fellow and my key research interests lie in delineating early brain changes that predict the onset and progression of young and late-onset dementia using multimodal neuroimaging techniques and how they relate to neurocognition and fluid biomarker profiles. When I am not exploring the human brain, I enjoy diving into fiction with some coffee and my dog. I also immensely enjoy travel, nature, photography and music, preferably all at the same time!

Dr Jessie Siew-Pin, Leuk

PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience (NIE, NTU)
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I am a Research Fellow using multimodal neuroimaging and neurostimulation to study how the ageing brain adapts, focusing on cognition, motor function, and neuroplasticity. My key interest is advancing targeted interventions and understanding neural resilience. Beyond research, singing and playing instruments bring me the greatest joy and stress relief, often enjoyed with a good cup of coffee and delicate desserts.

Qiu Bocheng

Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering (NUS)
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I am a Research Associate with a background in Biomedical Engineering. My primary area of interest lies in cognitive neuroscience, where I actively contribute to the neuroimaging team by processing and analyzing brain images. My work is driven by a deep curiosity about the human brain and a desire to leverage my research for societal benefit. In my free time, I enjoy crafting, baking, photographing and playing board games with my friends.

Jacklyn Leonardo

Master of Science, Brain Sciences, University of Glasgow
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I’m a Research Associate, holding a master’s degree in Neuroscience. I’ve consistently had a passion for delving into the intricate aspects of the brain, particularly in the realm of neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond my working hours, I find thoroughly enjoy reading and engaging in fierce sparring in the ring.

Fatin Zahra Zailan

Honours in Biomedical Science
(UK), Diploma in Nursing
(NYP)
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I am a research assistant and principal phlebotomist. Previously, I was a registered staff nurse for over 7 years with specialization in Eye and Trauma. I am interested in studying markers that will enable us to identify pathological trajectories unique to Alzheimer’s Disease within the Asian population. On top of clinical trials, it is exciting to operate state of the art technology and developing novel biomarkers that can make an impact to lives. I hope that one day, we can develop a tool that can enable healthcare facilities to diagnose dementia with precision and evolve treatment strategies in the Alzheimer’s continuum. In my free time, I love spending moments with my little one, drumming and making music videos on youtube. I am also a car enthusiast and enjoy a good race!

Smriti Ghildiyal

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology (Yale-NUS College)
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I am a research assistant with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and literature. I have a keen interest in understanding the interplay between behaviour and psychophysiology, neuropsychological disorders and cognitive development. In my free time, I enjoy delving into medieval literature, practicing yoga and crocheting!

Gursimar Bhalla

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow
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I am a Research Assistant with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Psychology, specializing in studying the intricate relationship between  brain function and behaviour within clinical settings. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, trying new foods, and hitting the gym for some weight-lifting.

Technology Development

Mohammed Adnan Azam

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (NTU)
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I am a Technology Development Officer with experience in digitizing metals and minerals manufacturing processes in companies in India and Africa. I am a co-founder of CREaiTORS where we built an integrated machine learning app to detect behavioural symptoms in patients with dementia. During my time at Bosch Research Singapore, I helped develop a patented Machine Learning algorithm to detect torque in real time in Bosch drills.

I am passionate about using technology to revolutionise healthcare by using AI and ML to make personalised healthcare cheap and accessible to the masses.

My vision for DRCS is to build a cognitive screening app that is sensitive and clinically validated to detect cognitive impairment at the earliest stages. When I’m not at work, you can catch me in the gym or in the ocean.

Liau Kai Xin

Master of Counselling, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
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I’m a UIUX Designer with a background in psychology and counselling. I’m keen on integrating both my passion by using my background in psychology to create better products that will aid in diagnostic and interventionistic healthcare. In my free time, you can find me watching videos, or catching up on my favourite artists.

Eliana Setiabudi

Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Science and Design (SUTD)
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I am a research assistant working on the digital health products being developed in DRC. My role involves cognitive game design and full-stack development, and I hope the tools we create will improve your cognitive health in meaningful and memorable ways. If you don’t see me in the lab, I am probably cooped up in my room developing video games.

Hitesh Agarwal

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (NTU)
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I am a Software Engineer with a focus on creating regulation compliant cognitive games and AI applications based on clinical data for detecting early onset dementia. With experience in technology roles at Singapore Airlines, hedge fund, radiology AI startups, I am passionate about pushing the knowledge boundaries of cognitive health using technology. In my free time, you can find me cooking, travelling or listening to podcasts.

PhD Students

Dr Natalie Wee Jian Ting

Doctor of Medicine (MD), Duke-NUS Medical School
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I’m a geriatrician and a PhD student passionate about improving care for older adults through data-driven insights. My research explores how multiomics, biomarkers, and AI models can be used to predict cognitive decline, and on translating these complex signals into practical tools that support clinical decision-making.
Balancing patient care and research means free time is more aspirational than actual. When I do have a moment to spare, you’ll likely find me rowing off stress, caffeinating with a matcha latte or morning coffee, or slowly working through my ever-growing watchlist of films and series.

James Chen Xiao Yuan

Bachelors of Engineering in Materials Engineering (NTU)
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I am a current PhD student under LKC-DRCS and my research interests is in developing a novel MRI toolbox to facilitate the characterization of blood-brain barrier dysfunction and its associated risk of progression to dementia. My personal interests include hiking/trekking and a game of bowling.

Abilash Elango Lekshmanan

Master of Science by Research in Integrative Neuroscience , University of Edinburgh
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I am a current PhD student at LKCMedicine, where my research focuses on investigating the role of cerebral small vessel disease in the pathogenesis of preclinical dementia, exploring its mechanisms, biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets. I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Edinburgh. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing basketball and capturing moments through photography.