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mina habibi

@minahabibi

I’m a Data Scientist turning behavioral signals into machine-learning insights that expose hidden human decision strategies.

Belgium

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What I'm looking for

I want to build production-ready ML systems that reveal hidden behavioral decision strategies, using rigorous statistical modeling and experiment design—backed by automated pipelines, strong governance, and a research-to-deployment mindset.

My path—from IT engineering to cognitive neuroscience—has been driven by one goal: using machine learning to decode human behaviour beyond surface-level metrics. In my PhD, I focused on how two people can look identical on accuracy and speed while relying on fundamentally different strategies.

Over five years, I built tools and models to uncover those hidden patterns in large-scale behavioral datasets (1,500+ participants). I’ve applied reinforcement learning, RNNs, and mixed-effects models, and I’ve turned research questions into automated, analysis-ready pipelines with zero data loss.

I also bring production-minded execution: I develop deployable pipelines and have experience with cloud deployment (e.g., Vertex AI). I’m committed to rigorous, GDPR-compliant research governance, and I’ve published across work including Open Mind and Human Brain Mapping, with additional preprints and manuscripts in preparation.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

PhD Researcher

Ghent University

Oct 2021 - Jun 2026 (4 years 8 months)

Conducted end-to-end machine learning research across 1,500+ participants, applying deep learning, reinforcement learning, and statistical modeling to behavioral datasets. Built automated Python/SQL data pipelines, designed A/B paradigms, and implemented GDPR-compliant data governance.

Deep Learning Reinforcement Learning Statistical Modeling behavioral data analysis Python SQL Data Pipelines A B Testing Data Governance GDPR Compliance R

Graduate Researcher

University of Trento

Sep 2017 - Mar 2020 (2 years 6 months)

Analyzed behavioral and EEG datasets to study how feedback design affects skill retention and published findings in Human Brain Mapping.

behavioral data analysis EEG Feedback Matlab R

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Ghent University

Doctor of Philosophy, Experimental Psychology

2021 - 2026

PhD in Experimental Psychology focused on using machine learning to uncover underlying decision strategies from behavioral data. Built automated ML pipelines and applied reinforcement learning, RNNs, and mixed-effects models across 1,500+ participants.

University of Trento

Master of Science, Cognitive Science

2017 - 2020

Grade: Merit Scholarship (e10,400)

MSc in Cognitive Science studying how feedback design affects skill retention using behavioral and EEG datasets. Produced research outputs including a publication in Human Brain Mapping (2025).