Daniel Payne (Class of 2006)

After leaving school, Daniel commenced studying at the University of Melbourne in Biomedicine, completing these studies in 2009 with a High Distinction average. Progressing from the Bachelor course to the Doctor of Medicine, Daniel realised Medicine wasn’t for him and pursed Engineering.

Daniel then undertook a Master of Engineering (Biomedical) completing in the top 5 per cent of students and named on the Dean’s Honours List. From there Daniel’s studies have led him to a PhD with supervisors Professor David Graydon and Dr Dean Freestone at the University of Melbourne. Dr Freestone is also the CEO of Seer, where Daniel works as a Research Engineer. In 2019 Seer won Victoria’s ‘Best-in-State’ Start up.

Daniel’s PhD thesis title is Algorithms for seizure forecasting in long term intercranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) recordings.

Essentially, Daniel is part of a team that is looking at machine learning – using a two-year dataset to predict epilepsy seizures by analysing intracranial triggers such as consistent sleep and the time of day that seizures take place, to external triggers such as weather. Daniel has also developed an interactive App that logs key data and is helping to improve seizure forecasts. In addition, the App provides users with epilepsy facts which is not only helpful for the user but also in educating family and friends and includes links to social media to help spread awareness. Daniel already has several papers published and the Mentone Grammar Foundation Scholarship will further support Daniel’s PhD research in this important area.

About the Foundation Scholarship

The Mentone Grammar Foundation provides the opportunity for Mentonians to apply for a grant of up to $15,000 to assist with the pursuit of Doctoral studies. The Mentonians Association and broader Mentone Grammar Community proudly supports our students to continue to ‘dream big’, long after they leave school.