Sonia Ponzo
Scientific Digital Health Expert
About me:
I'm Sonia Ponzo, a digital health expert with 10+ years of experience in scientific and clinical research. I help companies excel in product and science strategies, leveraging my expertise in bridging scientific advancements with practical business implementation. With a background in startups, I bring a unique blend of experience working with limited resources while delivering exceptional results. My expertise lies in bridging the gap between scientific advancements and practical business implementation, allowing companies to navigate the complexities of the digital health landscape with confidence. I have published extensively on digital health solutions for preventing and managing health conditions, and I excel in developing adaptive scientific strategies, fostering collaborations, and working cross-functionally across product, legal, regulatory, and marketing teams.
EXPERIENCE
2019-2020
Research Scientist
BioBeats
Design of experimental studies on interoception and mental health as well as studies aim to validate app features (e.g. the wellbeing score), obtain ethics from collaborating universities (Oxford and
Exeter), run research studies (both remote and in lab data collection), data wrangling, analysis and visualisation for each study (using R Studio), write-up of papers for publication in relevant journals in the field (e.g. JMIR). Supervision of MSc students and interns collaborating on different research projects.
2018
Lecturer in Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuropsychology
University of Hertfordshire
Delivering and assessing Biological Psychology (topics: methods, vision, movement, brain development and plasticity) and Cognitive Neuropsychology (topics: methods, motor awareness and its disorders, the bodily self) at the BSc and MSc level, MSc projects supervision and teaching administration (e.g. module leadership, assessment moderation, and academic quality).
2014-2015
Neuropsychological Researcher
Centro Puzzle
Neuropsychological researcher in a rehabilitation centre for patients with acquired brain injury (first sponsored by the University of Turin, then funded by the Lagrange Project - CRT foundation). The aim of the project (“Self-awareness: neural correlates and new methods of assessment”) was to develop a patient-tailored technique to measure impaired self-awareness in patients with acquired brain injury. Part of my time was dedicated to clinical activities, including neuropsychological assessments and targeted rehabilitative cognitive interventions.
EDUCATION
2015 - 2019
2011-2013
2008-2011
Supervisors: Dr. Paul Jenkinson (UH) and Dr. Aikaterini Fotopoulou (UCL). Focus: bodily unawareness in patients with right hemisphere stroke, bodily awareness, spatial cognition and metacognition in the healthy population.
Focus: neuropsychology, neuroscience, neuroimaging, neurocognitive rehabilitation, data analysis.
Focus: neuroscience, statistics, fundamentals of psychology.
SERVICES
Science and R&D Strategy
I will collaborate closely with your team to develop a robust science and R&D strategy that aligns with your business goals and is right for your current stage. From identifying research opportunities to mentoring and coaching your team to success, I will help you leverage the latest scientific breakthroughs and stay at the forefront of innovation in the digital health space.
Product development & hypotheses testing
Building your product following the scientific literature and the latest evidence can help you maximising engagement and behaviour change. I will guide you through the development of a user journey that is informed by science and has the user needs at the core of it. I will also help you identify the right research hypotheses to test and advise you on the approach that will best serve your health product.
Technology Assessment and Validation
Selecting the right technologies and validating their efficacy is vital for digital health companies. I will assist you in evaluating your product and its features, conducting rigorous assessments, and validating their effectiveness. By employing evidence-based approaches, I will help you make informed decisions and ensure that your products and solutions meet the highest scientific standards and respond to your users' needs.
Regulatory Compliance and Scientific Writing
I will assist you in preparing regulatory submissions, clinical study protocols and ethics, and scientific publications. By ensuring compliance and crafting compelling scientific narratives, I will help you establish credibility, gain regulatory approvals, and attract scientific collaborators and investors. I will also help you craft claims about your product that are effective, compliant and not misleading.
Research Collaboration and Partnerships
I will guide you in establishing strategic research collaborations and partnerships with renowned institutions and industry experts. By leveraging my network, I will connect you with the right stakeholders, facilitate knowledge exchange, and foster collaborative projects. Together, we can drive groundbreaking research that accelerates the development of innovative digital health products and services.