Meet Alexandra Patricia Cueva Meza

Photo of a female student with brunette and red hair smiling

Alexandra Patricia Cueva Meza

Involvement with Western International

  • Visiting Research Only Student participating in the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) through the Global Affairs Canada Scholarship Program
  • Supervisor is Emma Duerden, PhD, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education and a supervisor for graduate students in the School and Applied Child Psychology program and the Counselling Psychology Program

Home University

Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (University of Engineering and Technology) in Lima, Peru (Bioengineering program)

Home Country

Peru

My research focus

I’m applying deep learning models to predict subcortical brain activity from fNIRS cortical signals in both infants and adults.

I’ve been interested in studying the brain since I was a teenager. This motivation became much stronger after my mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Since then, I’ve aimed to contribute to technologies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders, with her as my main source of inspiration

I had known about this scholarship for a long time and had planned to apply in my fourth year, so I was really happy when I was selected. I immediately called my family to celebrate!

Why I chose Western

I was interested in all the research going on at the Robarts Institute and BrainsCAN, especially in neuroscience. I was excited about the chance to contribute to ongoing projects and learn from experts in the field.

A Highlight of my Western experience

One of the highlights has been getting to know people from all over the world. Everyone has been incredibly kind and welcoming, which made it really easy to feel at home here.

My goals for the future

In the next five years, I see myself pursuing graduate studies and contributing to the development of neurotechnologies, particularly at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

A fun fact about me

I love dyeing my hair different colours, and I usually change it every year!

My advice for new students

My advice is to get involved in extracurricular activities. Global Café and the English Conversation Program are two of my favorites, and they’ve given me the chance to meet so many amazing people.

Don’t be afraid of rejection; apply for as many scholarships and programs as you see. You never know which opportunities will turn out to be life-changing!