Advancing Knowledge for Tomorrow

Hi, I’m a Computational Neuroscientist and an AI Researcher with a decade of experience bridging brain science and machine learning. With a strong background in science communication, industry collaboration, and open science, I am passionate about building tools that bring research closer to real-world solutions. I am currently pursuing a PhD at McGill University in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) and Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA). I explore how the brain predicts and responds to real-world stimuli, combining predictive modeling, neuroimaging, and AI.

Researcher at McGill Centre for Integrated Neuroscience

Fellow at Healthy Brains Healthy Lifes (HBHL)

Education

Ph.D. at the Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal (Ongoing)
Research at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) and Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA), Advisor: Dr. Alan Evans
M.S. in Neurology and Neuroscience, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
Thesis: Machine learning models for human cortical thinning: temporal, spatial and functional variables
B.S. in Neuroscience, UFABC, Sao Paulo
Thesis: Machine learning models for time perception in rats in reinforcement learning tasks
B.S. in Science and Technology, UFABC, Sao Paulo
Thesis: Boolean Algebra and Mathematical Proof Methodology: An Exploration of Their Intersection and Applications

Work Experience

Data Science Consultant, Carrefour 2023 - 2024

Develop an effective Demand Forecasting system covering 800 stores and 20,000 products for optimizing inventory management.
Led testing initiatives aimed at minimizing losses in the perishable sector, resulting in a projected reduction of $12 million dollars in losses.

Data Science Consultant, Poatek 2021 - 2022

Experienced in executing projects from end to end, including defining project scope, gathering requirements, and delivering results to stakeholders.
Implemented machine learning and statistical techniques using Python on research and development projects. - Developed a financial agricultural product using satellite imagery, which resulted in significant cost savings and increased efficiency. The project was a team effort and was awarded in a multinational competition for research and development.

Research Assistant, InBrain Lab, University of Sao Paulo 2021 - 2023

Worked in a brain imaging lab focused on magnetic resonance and machine learning.
Conducted research on the factors that influence brain thickness across the lifespan, using machine learning techniques and temporal, spatial and functional variables.

Research Assistant, Spike Timing Lab, UFABC 2018 - 2019

Conducted research in a computational neuroscience lab focused on time perception.
Built machine learning models using an information theory approach to explain when an animal would learn a task.

Founder, Sapiens, UFABC 2017 - 2018

Founded and led a student organization focused on disseminating neuroscience research to the general public.
Recruited and trained new members, and managed a team of 15 volunteers.
Created and maintained a catalog of Brazilian organizations working in the neurotechnology ecosystem.

Awards

NeuroSphere Award 2024 - Present, NeuroScience Innovation Accelerator, McGill, Canada
Research Fellowship 2024 - Present, Healthy Brain Healthy Lives, McGill, Canada
McGill Grad Excellence Award 2024 - Present, Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill, Canada
PhD Entrance Award 2024, Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill, Canada
Research Scholarship 2022 - 2023, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Brazil. Awarded a scholarship for outstanding research in neuroscience and machine learning at the University of Sao Paulo Medical School.
Scientific Excellence Team Award 2021, Experian PLC, Dublin, Ireland. Multinational competitive award for research and development in-company. Awarded for an agricultural product using satellite imagery, resulting in significant cost savings and increased efficiency.
Master Entrance Award 2021, Achieved 1st place in the Master’s Entry Examination at the University of São Paulo (USP), ranked among the top three most prestigious medical schools in Latin America
Tutorial Education Program Scholarship 2015 - 2016, Awarded a scholarship for a program focused on integrating research, teaching, and science dissemination.
Researching From Day One Scholarship 2014 - 2015, Awarded a scholarship in recognition of a student’s potential for significant scientific contributions.

Leadership and Service

TOSI Open Science Trainee Committee 2025 - Present, Helping foster McGill Open Science Community
HBHL Trainee Committee 2024 - Present, Helping foster McGill Neuroscience Community
Journal Reviewer 2023, Reviewed a paper for IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI)
Scitek hackathon judge, Poatek, Sao Paulo, Brazil 2021, Served as a judge at a hackathon in data science and Covid-19, evaluated and provided feedback on the technical and creative aspects of participants’ projects.
Volunteer, Itacoatiara School, Amazon, Brazil 2016, Volunteered at a school for children from riverside families in the Amazon Rainforest, providing educational support and assistance to students. Designed and delivered lesson, provided individualized support to students through tutoring, mentoring, and assessment.

Talks and Press Coverage

Marcal, T. C. (2022). Tiktok to fine art - predictive brain and appreciation. Talk at TEDx Blumenau
Marcal, T. C. (2022). How we perceive the world, and what makes us like something. Talk at Hacktown, Santa Rita do Sapucai “Get ready for a new world”, Neuroscience Interview at Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada by Estela Cangerana. (2019, November 19).
Marcal, T. C. (2019). Neuroscience and Technology. Talk at Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada
Marcal, T. C. (2019). How we perceive the world - A journey through the neuroscience of design. Talk at Hacktown, Santa Rita do Sapucai
Marcal, T. C. (2019). Neuroscience, Futurism and Emerging Technology. Talk at Inovabra “Tech talk: Neuroscience technologies at service of the human species agenda”, Interview at Voicers by Ligia Zotini . (2019, March 25).
Marcal, T. C. (2018). Neuroscience technologies at service of the human species agenda. Talk at Hacktown, Santa Rita do Sapucai

Teaching Experience

Neuroimage Workshop InBrain, USP,
Teaching Assistant - Graduate Students - Organized a workshop on neuroimaging techniques, including fMRI and MRI, for a group of graduate students.
Neuroscience and Society Course, Poatek,
Teacher - Non-academic community - Designed and delivered engaging lessons addressing neuroscience research and technology’s social and ethical implications.
Research Skills Workshop, International Institute of Neurosciences Edmond and Lily Safra,
Teaching Assistant - Graduate Students - Encouraged participants to think critically and creatively about their research, and to consider the potential impact of their work on their field of study.
Friends of Tomorrow Course, Aerolito,
Teaching Assistant - Non-academic community - Researched the intersection of neuroscience and futurism.

Conference Presentations and Publications

Marcal, T. C. , Toussaint, P.J., Evans A.C. (in submission). Characterization of Cognitive Structure Using Explainable Models and Multimodal Neuroimaging Maps.
Marcal, T. C. , Salmon, C.E.G. (in submission). Cortical Thinning Encodes Link Between Pruning and Normal Neurodegeneration.
Marcal, T. C. , Salmon, C.E.G.(2022). Cortical thinning variation through brain development and aging is influenced by cortical layers composition and thickness values in childhood. Poster presented at Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting.
Marcal, T. C. , Salmon, C.E.G. (2022). Cortical thickness explained by age, cortical layers composition and local curvature. Poster presented at 3rd Conference of the Federation of Latin American and Caribbean Neuroscience Societies.
Marcal, T.C., Albregard, E.F., Rezende, I., Almeida, M.B., Boggio, P.S. (2022). Racially biased decisions in facing injustice modulated by transcranial magnetic stimulation in Ultimatum Game. Poster presented at Society for Social Neuroscience Annual Scientific Meeting.
Marcal, T. C. (2019). Neuroscience technologies at service of the human species agenda. Talk at II Neuro Talks Symposium at UFABC.
Marcal, T. C. , Lima, L. (2018). Neurotechnologies, Scientific Dissemination and Entrepreneurship. Poster presented at V Symposium on Neuroengineering at International Institute of Neuroscience Edmond and Lily Safra.
Marcal, T. C. (2017). Neuroscience beyond academic boundaries. Talk at Brazilian Meeting on Brain and Cognition Satellite, UFABC.
Marcal, T.C., Lopes, V.C.(2015) Boolean Algebra and Mathematical Proof Methodology: An Exploration of Their Intersection and Applications. Poster presented at XII UFABC Scientific Initiation Symposium.