Reconceptualizing Consciousness for Neuropsychiatric Conditions
Salah Aziz
Ph.D. Student at Carleton University
(He/Him)
2201 Dunton Tower
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
salahreyes@gmail.com
RESEARCH PROFILE
I am a cognitive science researcher working at the intersection of philosophy and neuroscience. My theoretical work focuses on developing a multidimensional model of global states of consciousness, drawing on concepts like selfhood, time perception, and cognitive function—particularly in the context of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alongside this, I conduct empirical research using longitudinal MRI data from the ADNI database to investigate structural brain changes in Alzheimer’s, and I collaborate on EEG studies examining blink-related oscillations as predictors of cognitive performance in dynamic task environments. Across these projects, I apply advanced statistical modeling, signal processing, and surface-based neuroimaging techniques to support theory-driven and data-driven insights into cognitive decline.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Consciousness; phenomenology; neurocognitive ageing; cognitive decline; statistical modeling; biomarkers
EDUCATION
· 2021 – Present - Doctor of Philosophy in Cognitive Science, Carleton University. In Progress, expected 2026. GPA: 11.25/12.0
Thesis: A Multidimensional Approach to Understand Consciousness in Cognitive Decline: Insights from Alzheimer's Disease, supervised by Dr. Myrto Mylopoulos
· 2019 – 2020 - Master of Arts in Philosophy, University of Victoria. Received in September 2020. GPA: 7.17/9.0
Thesis: Why an Overcomittment to Natural Kinds Hinders Progress in Cognitive Science, Supervised by Dr. Eric Hochstein
· 2017 – 2019- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, track in Social Sciences, University of Louisville. Received May 2019. GPA: 3.7/4.0
AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS
· Travel Grant [funded through Research Assistantship], for Alzheimer's Association International Conference, awarded by CANAL Lab at Carleton University, 2025.
· Graduate Award for Ontario Students for Research in Dementia. Fall 2023, Carleton University.
· Graduate Award for Ontario Students for Research in Dementia. Fall 2022, Carleton University.
· Graduate Fellowship. Fall 2021, Carleton University.
· Graduate Fellowship. Fall 2019, University of Victoria.
· Thomas S. Maloney Scholarship in Philosophy. Fall 2017, University of Louisville
· Dean’s List. Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017, University of Louisville.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Carleton University
Instructor
First Year Seminar: Cognitive Science, Thinking and Knowing (Sept 2023 - April 2024; – September 2024 - Apr 2025)
Cognitive Science: Mysteries of the Mind (Apr 2023 – Jun 2023)
Teaching Assistant
Theories in Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science: Mysteries of the Mind
Philosophy and Cognitive Science
Methods in Cognitive Science
Cognitive Neuroscience
(Sept 2021 – Present)
University of Victoria
Teaching Assistant
Philosophy of Religion
Moral Problems in Contemporary Society
Critical Thinking
Introduction to Philosophy
Death and Dying
Asian Philosophy
Technology and Society
(Sept 2019 – Apr 2025)
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
2021 – Present. Doctoral Candidate, Carleton University.
· Dissertation research focuses on challenges in measuring consciousness in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), proposing a multidimensional framework that incorporates content, cognition, function, sense of time, and sense of self. (First-author, in progress)
· Collaborating with the National Research Council on EEG analysis related to blink-related oscillation. Responsibilities include Data processing and analysis (EEG), literature review, abstract preparation.
· Led a longitudinal neuroimaging study using 15 years of ADNI anatomical MRI data processed through HippUnfold, a novel computational tool for surface-based hippocampal subregion metrics. (First-author)
· Conducted a bilingual study on how felt emotional intensity varies across English- and French-speaking participants using scenario-based methods in Ottawa and Montreal.
· Developed a non-representational account of emotional experience within cognitive science frameworks.
PUBLICATIONS/IN REVIEW
Aziz, S., Penheiro, R., Morrison, C., Zhukovsky, P., Anderson, J.A.E. (2025). Longitudinal Surface-Based Morphometry Changes in the Hippocampus in Dementia. [Manuscript submitted for publication]. NeuroImage.
CONFERENCES
Aziz, S., Law, A., Keillor, J., Ryzhard, E. (2025, November). [Poster]. Investigating blink-related oscillations during whole-body vibration: a pilot EEG study Accepted poster to be presented to the International Society for Neuroscience in San Diego, California, USA.
Aziz, S. (2025, July). Dimensions of Consciousness in Alzheimer's Disease [Poster]. 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Aziz, S., Penheiro, R., Morrison, C., Zhukovsky, P., Anderson, J.A.E. (2025, July). Longitudinal Surface-Based Morphometry Changes in the Hippocampus in Dementia [Poster]. 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Aziz, S. (2025, April). Dimensions of Consciousness in Alzheimer's Disease [Poster Abstract]. 2025 Carleton Cognitive Science Spring Conference, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Aziz, S. (2024, June). Panelist/Commentator for Subjectivity vs. Phenomenal Character by Lee, A. Paper presented at the Canadian Philosophical Association, Canada.
Aziz, S., Penhiro, R., & Anderson, J.A.E. (2023, April). Morphological Changes of the Hippocampus from Depressive Symptoms and Dementia, Preliminary Findings. Poster presentation at the Carleton University Cognitive Science Conference, Canada. Note: Since the original presentation, this project has expanded to include Morrison, C., and Zhukovsky, P., as additional collaborators.
Aziz, S., Hamilton, A., Chiarelli, V., Russo, L., Al Assafin, S., & Borque, T. (2023, April). Emotional Intensity in L1 and L2 in English and French Elicited by Short Scenarios. Poster presentation at the Carleton Cognitive Science Spring Conference, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Aziz, S. (2022, May). Reconciling Emotional Consciousness in 4E Cognition. Poster presentation at the XIII Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science, Croatia.
Aziz, S. (2019, December). A Clarificatory Account of Shared Emotions. Paper presented at the University of Victoria Annual Philosophy Colloquium, Canada.
ACADEMIC/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Present Contract Instructor Steward, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 4600.
2022 – Volunteer, Ottawa and Renfrew County Dementia Society
Present
2021 - 2023 President, Department of Cognitive Science Graduate Student Association.
2017 – 2019 President, Palestinian Child’s Relief Fund, Louisville Chapter.
2012 – 2015 Volunteer, Palestinian Child’s Relief Fund, San Diego Chapter.
LANGUAGES
English, fluent.
Arabic, fluent.
Moroccan Arabic, fluent.
Spanish, intermediate competency.
French, intermediate competency.