Patrick Filima
Research Developer · Neuroinformatics Engineer
Professional Summary
Patrick Filima is a Research Software Engineer specializing in neuroimaging and building software, data platforms, and reproducible pipelines that power neuroimaging research. Experienced in designing MRI protocol validation tools, pipeline error monitoring systems, FAIR data platforms, and cross-lab neuroinformatics infrastructure at Brainlife.io and the African Brain Data Network.
Specialized in translating research needs into robust software systems using Python, React/Node, and neuroimaging workflows (FSL, FreeSurfer, BIDS, Nipype). Focused on building scalable tools that make brain data analysis more reliable, reproducible, and accessible across institutions and populations.
Core Technical Skills
Neuroimaging & Scientific Workflows
FSL, FreeSurfer, SPM, MNE-Python, EEGLAB, Nilearn, Nipype, BIDS
Programming & Software Engineering
Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, React, Node.js, Next.js
Data & Visualization
Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Plotly
Reproducibility & Data Engineering
BIDS, DataLad, Docker, Git, FAIR data workflows, API integration
Research Infrastructure
Pipeline monitoring, MRI protocol QA, dataset curation, cross-lab standardization
Professional Experience
Research Developer
Brainlife.io (University of Texas at Austin, Remote) · 2025 – Present
- Designed and built ezGOV, a platform for creating, managing, and distributing research data governance documents
- Built a real-time MRI pipeline error monitoring dashboard (React/Node) reducing pipeline failures by 40%
- Contributed to Dicompare, an MRI protocol validation tool for cross-lab standardization
- Developed a mobile app for job tracking, dataset exploration, and pipeline notifications
- Integrated document templates and APIs for interoperability across research data platforms
Research Developer
African Brain Data Network (Remote, Nigeria) · 2021 – Present
- Built ABDN’s web platform embedding FAIR principles, increasing researcher engagement by 65%
- Led BIDS conversion, data collection, and QC for African MRI datasets
- Built tools for EEG evaluation, participant scoring, and program evaluation
- Mentored 200+ researchers in MRI preprocessing (BIDS, FSL, FreeSurfer)
- Core team member on 3 successful grants supporting African neuroimaging infrastructure
Frontend & Data Platform Developer
Lighthouse Counselling Hub (Remote, Kenya) · 2024 – 2025
- Built a scalable counseling booking platform with analytics dashboards
- Improved therapist operational efficiency by 50% through real-time data tools
- Implemented SEO strategy that tripled organic traffic
React Developer
Lizard Global (Remote, Netherlands & Malaysia) · 2022 – 2024
- Contributed to Aposto (staff scheduling tool) reducing scheduling conflicts by 45%
- Developed Flexpackerz, a location-based coworking mobile app
- Delivered production platforms using Strapi, Next.js, and Ant Design
Graduate Assistant
Neuroscience, University of Port Harcourt · 2021 – 2025
- Supervised 35+ MSc and undergraduate neuroimaging projects
- Led tutorials on signal processing, MNE-Python, and neuroanatomical mapping
Selected Research Engineering Projects
MRI Error Monitoring System · Real-time pipeline tracking tool (Brainlife.io)
Dicompare App · DICOM protocol QA and standardization tool
African MRI BIDS Repository · Dataset curation and QC framework
EEG Microstate Pipeline · OpenNeuro processing workflow
PD Thalamic Analysis Pipeline · Automated volumetric & asymmetry workflow in FSL
FAIR African Brain Data Initiative · Infrastructure for dataset sharing and governance
Education
Wings Global Scholar (MRI Graduate Programme)
University of Oxford · 2025–2026
M.Sc. Neuroscience
University of Port Harcourt · 2021–2023
Thesis: Volumetric and connectivity analyses of thalamic nuclei in Parkinson’s disease
B.Sc. Human Anatomy
University of Port Harcourt · 2014–2019
Certifications
Deep Learning in Neuroscience · Coursera (2025)
Applied AI Lab: Computer Vision · WorldQuant University (2025)
Grants & Fellowships
Wings Global Scholar (University of Oxford MRI Programme) · 2025–2026
African Brain Data Network Fellowship · 2023–2025
Publications (Selected)
Pestilli, F., Filima, P., et al. (2025). Brainlife.io Mobile: Neuroimaging Pipelines Monitoring and Control. (Under Review)
Wogu, E., & Filima, P. (2025). Asymmetry in thalamic nuclei volume in Nigerian Parkinson’s patients. Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy.
Wogu, E., Filima, P., et al. (2025). FAIR African brain data: Challenges and opportunities. Frontiers in Neuroinformatics.
Wogu, E., & Filima, P. (2024). Thalamic nuclei morphometry and handedness. Nigerian Journal of Neuroscience.
Wogu, E., Filima, P., et al. (2025). A labeled Clinical-MRI dataset of Nigerian brains. Scientific Data.
Teaching & Mentorship
- Delivered MRI preprocessing workshops (BIDS, FSL, FreeSurfer) to 200+ researchers across Africa
- Mentored students in neuroimaging methods, improving research output and publication rates
Professional Affiliations
- African Brain Data Network
- Brainlife.io Community Contributor
- Neuroscience Society of Nigeria
Last updated: February 2026