Resume
Researcher
ORCID: 0000-0001-7095-8271
ResearcherID: A-2504-2016
Hiran Shanake
Perera
Deputy Director Mental Health and Well-being Impact Lab, Senior Lecturer at Taylor's University
Psychology
Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Citations
-
Contact Info
Resume
About

Dr. Hiran Shanake Perera, a cognitive neuroscientist in Malaysia specializing in understanding the neural basis of psychological disorders and human behaviors. Cognitive neuroscience explores the brain mechanisms underlying behavior, combining psychology and neuroscience to understand the neurobiological foundations of the human mind and mental processes. My expertise lies in electroencephalography (EEG), a brain imaging method used to examine neural activity in human behaviours and psychological disorders.

 

My research employs quantitative experimental approaches to investigate cortical and subcortical responses in the prefrontal and parietal brain regions. My research interests began with the aim of contributing to significant research projects in cognitive neuroscience, including brain-computer interface research using EEG to develop communication methods for patients in vegetative states. Additioally, I have worked on the projects such as neuroscience of poverty, socioeconomic status, and the role of subclinical depression in neurobiological responses related to decision-making.

 

Beyond research, I am a passionate advocate for science, actively engaging with the media to enhance public understanding of psychological science and its impact on mental health. My presence in both academic and public spheres underscores my commitment to making complex research accessible. I also serve as a scientific reviewer for PLOS Mental Health, a leading international multidisciplinary journal on mental health and well-being.

"My goal is to inspire students, peers, and the general public by advocating for the importance of scientific research in psychology while rigorously rejecting misleading and unsubstantiated practices that undermine the true essence of the field."

 

I am currently the Deputy Director of the Mental Health and Well-being Impact Lab at Taylor's University, Malaysia

"I currently accept dedicated Master's and Ph.D. students (local and international). I accept research proposals related to psychology, mental health, and human behaviours. You can contact me at hiran.perera@taylors.edu.my"

 

 

My Academic Qualifications:

  • Doctor of Philosophy - Ph.D. in Psychology (UKM, Malaysia)
  • Master of Science - M.Sc. in Cognitive Neuroscience (Durham University, UK)
  • Bachelor of Science - B.Sc. (Hons) in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) (Upper Iowa University, USA)

 

Google/Instagram/Linkedin: hiran shanake perera

Professional Skills
Statistics
Psychology
SPSS
R
Matlab
EEGLAB
Cognitive Neuroscience
EEG
Event-related potentials
ERP
Project Management
Leadership
Public Speaking
Consulting
Lecturing
Teaching
Research
Publication
Academic Writing
Psychopy
Eye-tracking
Executive Function
Brain Research
Research Experience
Research Assistant
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) January 2018 - January 2020
Bangi, Selangor
Psychology
Cognition
Cognitive Neuroscience
EEG
ERP
Executive Function
Decision-Making
Research Graduate Student
Durham University September 2015 - 2016
Durham, UK
Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience
Brain-computer interface research
Work Experience
Deputy Director of Mental Health and Well-being Impact Lab
Taylor's University 2024 - Present
Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Senior Lecturer
Taylor's University 2023 - Present
Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience
Psychological Disorders
Guest Lecturer
Monash University Malaysia 2022 - 2023
Sbang Jaya, Malaysia
Statistics
SPSS
Psychology
Education
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Bangi, Malaysia 2017 - 2022
Ph.D. , Psychology
Durham University
Durham, UK 2015 - 2016
Master of Science , Cognitive Neuroscience
Upper Iowa University
Iowa, USA 2010 - 2014
Bachelor of Science (Hons) , Psychology
Judge of The Works of Others
Reviewer
2024 - Present
PLOS Mental Health
Membership
Member
British Neuroscience Association
Member
American Psychological Association
Member
Federation of European Neuroscience Societies
Certifications
Train The Trainer (TTT)
Issued on 2019
HRDF Corp, Malaysia
Media Publications
Are phone breaks good for students?
BFM.MY Radio, Top 5 at 5: 24-hour child helplines. | 2025
Faham Otak untuk Faham Depresi.
Edisi Viral | 2025
The Brain In Depression
BFM: The Business Station, Health & Living | 2024
How Brain Imaging Is Improving Our Understanding and Detection of Depression.
HealthToday | 2024
Half-Year Reset, How to (Re)motivate yourself.
Mosaic Media, Workfolk | 2024
Prizes and Awards
Dean's List Awards
Upper Iowa University
Teaching Experience
Cognitive Psychology
Spring | 2025 | Undergraduate
Quantitative Methods
Spring | 2025 | Undergraduate
Cognitive Psychology
Fall | 2024 | Undergraduate
Quantitative Methods
Fall | 2024 | Undergraduate
Cognitive Psychology
Spring | 2024 | Undergraduate
Intermediate Research Methods and Statistics
0 | Spring | 2024 | Graduate
Cognitive Psychology
0 | Fall | 2023 | Undergraduate
Quantitative Methods
0 | Fall | 2023 | Undergraduate
Statistics and Data Science for Psychology
Spring | 2023 | Undergraduate
Realted Researchers