Shamim Kheirani
a Cognitive Scientist & Educator.
Bridging the gap between rigorous scientific research and practical, playful teaching to understand how the human mind learns.
A Little About Me
Hi there! I'm Shamim — a Cognitive Scientist and Educator with 7+ years of experience understanding how the human mind learns. I bridge the gap between rigorous scientific research and practical, playful teaching methods for children. Currently based in Turin, Italy, I specialize in neurodevelopmental learning patterns, working memory enhancement, and creating evidence-based educational interventions. My mission is to make learning accessible, scientifically grounded, and deeply engaging for every child, regardless of their neurological profile.
What I Do
I don't just teach; I design transformative learning experiences. By combining developmental psychology with cutting-edge educational technology, I create measurable impact in three core areas. My work has helped over 500+ children improve their cognitive skills, and I've trained 50+ educators across Europe and the Middle East in neuro-inclusive teaching methodologies.
Cognitive Research
Leading behavioral studies on attention, memory, and executive function in children ages 4-14. Published findings in peer-reviewed journals including Developmental Psychology and Frontiers in Education.
200+ assessments conductedCurriculum Design
Creating evidence-based, gamified learning modules that translate complex cognitive theories into engaging K-12 experiences. Specialized in adaptive learning systems and personalized education paths.
15+ curricula developedChild Development
Providing comprehensive cognitive assessments and tailored interventions for neurodivergent learners, including children with ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism Spectrum conditions.
500+ children supported
Things I'm Good At
Research Methods
Computational & AI-Related Skills
Design & Prototyping
Academic & Digital Tools
Certifications
Professional certifications and training programs that have shaped my expertise in cognitive science, educational psychology, and modern AI tools.
Cognitive behavioral therapist training (CBT)
Iran Educational Psychology Association
Anger management
Iran Educational Psychology Association
Professional ethics in psychology and counseling
Iran Educational Psychology Association
Training workshop of Interpretation of Children's and young adult's painting
Iran Educational Psychology Association
Diagnosis and treatment of Children's anxiety disorders
Iran Educational Psychology Association
Children Sexuality Education
Iran Educational Psychology Association
Selected Academic Writing
A selection of my academic papers and research contributions that showcase my scholarly work in cognitive science, philosophy of perception, and personality psychology. These writings represent my commitment to rigorous academic research and interdisciplinary thinking.
2024
University of Messina
Being in the World: Perception Beyond Representation in Merleau-Ponty
Philosophy of Perception (Master's level)
The paper develops a systematic phenomenological critique of representational accounts of perception, arguing for an embodied conception of perception as world-disclosure. Drawing on Merleau-Ponty's analysis of motor intentionality, habit, and the intentional arc, it examines how perceptual meaning emerges through embodied engagement with the world rather than internal representation.
2025
University of Messina
The Persistence of Suppressed Tendencies: Repression and Indirect Expression in Personality
Research paper
The paper reconceptualizes the persistence of suppressed motives as an effect of symbolic organization rather than failed inhibition. Proposes 'symbolic redirection' to explain how motivational tension remains practically effective through socially legible roles, narratives, and interpretive frameworks, with implications for personality structure and self-regulation.
Languages I Speak
Communication is the key to connection. Having lived and worked in Iran, Italy, and collaborated with teams across 12 countries, I bring a unique multicultural perspective to language acquisition research. My multilingual background allows me to work effectively with diverse families and conduct cross-cultural cognitive studies.
Persian (Farsi)
NativeFirst language, academic & professional proficiency
English
C1 (Proficient)Academic publishing, international conferences
Italian
B2 (Upper-Intermediate)Daily communication, clinical assessments
Work Experience
Pre-School (Level 2) Teacher
Farhang Kariz Pre-School Center
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Melika Private Kindergarten and Pre-Primary School
Conferences and Academic Activities
Qualia and Mental Powers: Varieties of Emergent Novelty
Scientific webinar (attended)
Academic webinar for the M.A. in Cognitive Science and Theory of Communication, Department of Cognitive Science, Psychology, Education and Cultural Studies (COSPECS).
Focus:
Philosophical perspectives on qualia, mental powers, and emergent properties of consciousness.
A Multilayered Embodied Account of Metaphor in Epistemic Injustice in Mental Illness
Scientific webinar (attended)
Academic webinar for the M.A. in Cognitive Science and Theory of Communication.
Focus:
Embodied and phenomenological approaches to epistemic injustice in mental illness, with particular attention to metaphor, communication, and schizophrenia.
Some Remarks on the Long-Standing Relationship Between Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
Scientific Webinar (Attended)
Academic Webinar for the M.Sc. in Cognitive Science and Theory of Communication.
Focus:
Exploring the historical and contemporary connections between cognitive science and AI research.
Indicators of Artificial Consciousness
Scientific webinar (attended)
Academic webinar for the M.Sc. in Cognitive Science and Theory of Communication.
Focus:
Conceptual and philosophical approaches to artificial consciousness and its indicators within contemporary AI research.
Is ChatGPT Embodied? Understanding Empathy with Disembodied LLMs
Scientific webinar (attended)
Academic webinar for the M.A. in Cognitive Science and Theory of Communication.
Focus:
Conceptual analysis of embodiment and empathy in large language models, bridging philosophy of mind and contemporary AI research.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Bachelor's Degree — University of Isfahan
Master's Degree — University of Messina
Life Outside the Screen
When I'm not analyzing data or teaching, you'll find me recharging through nature and creative pursuits. I believe that a well-rounded life fuels better research and more empathetic teaching. These hobbies often inspire new perspectives on learning and cognition.
How I Think
These are the core principles that guide my research, my teaching practice, and every interaction with students and colleagues. They represent not just professional values, but a philosophy of approaching education as a deeply human endeavor.
Curiosity First
I believe the best way to teach is to never stop asking 'Why?' alongside the student. Curiosity is the engine of all meaningful learning.
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
Evidence-Based Practice
Every educational decision should be backed by data and scientific understanding of how the brain develops. Intuition guides, but evidence decides.
“In God we trust; all others must bring data.”
Neurodiversity as Strength
Different minds aren't deficient minds. I design learning experiences that celebrate cognitive diversity and unlock each child's unique potential.
“It is not our differences that divide us; it is our inability to recognize and celebrate those differences.”
Playful Rigor
Learning should be both scientifically rigorous and genuinely fun. The best educational interventions feel like games, not treatments.
“Play is the highest form of research.”
Collaborative Growth
Real impact happens when researchers, teachers, parents, and children work together. I prioritize building bridges between academia and practice.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Get in Touch
Have a question or want to work together? Drop me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Typically responds within 24-48 hours ⏰