About
Zuriel Ceja is a PhD candidate in Bioinformatics with expertise in neuroscience, psychology, digital health, and behavioural science. His research integrates computational modelling, genomics, and mental health to investigate the genetic and environmental risk factors contributing to suicidal behaviours and psychiatric disorders.
With a strong background in polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), structural equation modelling (SEM), and digital health, Zuriel aims to develop human-centred AI solutions for mental health assessment and intervention.
He has contributed to multiple projects involving psychiatric genetics, neuroimaging, and epidemiology, collaborating with researchers at institutions such as Rutgers University (USA), Virginia Commonwealth University (USA), and the ENIGMA Consortium. His work leverages advanced genetic statistical modelling and machine learning techniques to refine our understanding of mental health disorders to inform public policy, research, and clinical practice.
Passionate about bridging genomics and digital health, Zuriel is also developing digital solutions that integrate passive data monitoring with clinical assessments in Parkinson’s patients, advancing personalised approaches to neurological and psychiatric care.
Research Skills
- Polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis
- Structural equation modeling (SEM, GSEM)
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
- Digital health app development & passive data monitoring
- Machine learning and statistical modelling.
Area of Interest
- Mental Health
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Digital Health
Professional Associations
- Organisation of Human Brain Mapping
- International Society of Pshytric Genetics
Awards & Honours
QIMR Berghofer PhD Scholarship, funded through a sub-award from the US National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH129356).
QIMR Berghofer PhD Top-Up Award 2024.
2024 ISPG Early Career Investigator Program - Poster Presentation Finalist.
Gallery
Publications
Ceja, Z., Van Velzen, L. S., Campos, A. I., Jahanshad, N., Medland, S. E., Edwards, A. C., Schmaal, L., & Rentería, M. E. (2024). Recent breakthroughs in genetic and brain structural correlates of suicidal behaviours: A short review. Biological Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.09.010
García-Marín LM*, Campos AI*, et al. Genomic analysis of intracranial and subcortical brain volumes yields polygenic scores accounting for variation across ancestries. Nature Genetics (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-024-01951-z
García Marín LM, Ceja Z, Rentería ME, Galaburda A. Cerebral lateralisation and hemispheric specialisation. The SAGE Handbook of Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (Book Chapter)