Raquel Adaia
Sandoval OrtegaNeuroscience & scientific software

Neuroscientist · Scientific software developer

Understanding pain
and sleep.
Building tools
for discovery.

I’m Raquel Adaia Sandoval Ortega, PhD. I combine experimental neuroscience with acquisition software, image analysis and reproducible data workflows. My research at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on how pain disrupts sleep.

Explore my work Get in touch

Research, analysis and software — from experiment to insight.

Raquel Adaia Sandoval OrtegaCuriosity across disciplinesBased in Philadelphia · Connected internationally
Explore the evidenceResearch at Penn Open-source AxoDen Peer-reviewed publications Teaching & leadership

Selected work

Questions into experiments.
Data into useful tools.

I connect hands-on neuroscience with the software and workflows that make research more reproducible.

ImageSignal maskQuantificationWorkflow schematic · illustrative
Open source

Developer · First-author publication

AxoDen

Quantify labelled axonal density in microscopy images through a web app, desktop interface or Python package.

PythonMicroscopyImage analysis
Explore the project
Atlas registrationCell analysisRegional reportingWorkflow schematic · illustrative
In development

Co-owner · 2026–present

NeuroQP

A quantitative neuroscience imaging platform bringing atlas registration, cell detection and classification, and regional reporting into one workflow.

Quantitative imagingNeuroscienceIn development
Explore the project

Explore all acquisition, analysis and data tools

AcquisitionMulti-camera recordingRead the case study ↗AssaysFrom measurements to figuresRead the case study ↗Data workflowsFrom storage to reviewed resultsRead the case study ↗

For research collaborators

Pain, sleep and neural dynamics

Explore my experimental work, publications and experience in scientific mentoring and community building.

Download academic CV (PDF)

For industry teams

Scientific questions, practical software

I’m interested in scientific software development and scientific product roles, connecting experimental needs with acquisition tools, Python analysis and usable research workflows.

Download industry résumé (PDF)

Selected publications

Science, shared.

View publications
2026
Co-author

Heart rate and sleep history encode ultradian REM sleep timing

Current Biology · 36, 1422–1434.e5

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2025
First author

AxoDen: An Algorithm for the Automated Quantification of Axonal Density in Defined Brain Regions

eNeuro · 12, ENEURO.0233-24.2025

Read paper
2024
First author

Interactive effects of pain and arousal state on heart rate and cortical activity in the mouse anterior cingulate and somatosensory cortices

Neurobiology of Pain · 15, 100157

Read paper

Teaching & community

Good science grows
through people.

I mentor early-career researchers, teach practical Python and bring scientists together across disciplines.

More about my approach
  • From Lost to Boss: Python for BeginnersDesigned and taught a seven-session practical workshop · 2024
  • Gordon Research Seminar on SleepCo-chair · 2026 meeting
  • Neuro Meetups BernFounder and president · More than 20 seminars · 2018–2022

Writing & practical resources

Notes from the lab.

Browse writing