David Nielson is a Senior Cognitive Scientist at P&C Global, where he plays a critical role in applying cognitive science, artificial intelligence (AI), behavioral analytics, and digital transformation to solve complex business challenges. As a member of the Data & Cognitive Sciences, AI, Strategy & Innovation, and Digital Transformation practice groups, David brings a deep expertise in human-computer interaction, machine learning, decision science, and computational behavioral modeling. His work has been instrumental in developing AI-driven cognitive solutions for clients across High Tech, Information & Data Sciences, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Luxury Retail, and Law Firm industries.
He is known for his ability to bridge scientific research with business impact, using cognitive science principles to design AI-powered decision systems, predictive analytics models, and personalized user experiences that drive efficiency, engagement, and competitive advantage.
David’s academic background reflects his commitment to understanding human cognition, AI, and decision science. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and he holds a Master of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Artificial Intelligence from Stanford University.
David’s career path reflects a steady and logical progression, moving through key data science and AI leadership roles at some of the world’s most respected organizations. He began his career at IBM as a Data Analyst where he developed behavioral data models to analyze user interactions and decision patterns, leading to a 22% increase in predictive accuracy for client analytics platforms. He progressed to Machine Learning Engineer at Google, designing reinforcement learning algorithms to enhance AI-driven search personalization, increasing user engagement metrics by 30% and improving ad targeting efficiency. He then became Senior Data Scientist at Goldman Sachs where he led the development of AI-powered risk models, optimizing real-time trading strategies and reducing financial exposure risk by 18% across key investment portfolios. Before joining P&C Global, he served as Lead Cognitive Scientist at Apple where he spearheaded human-computer interaction (HCI) research, integrating cognitive science into AI-driven voice assistants, improving natural language comprehension by 40%.
At P&C Global, David now leads multidisciplinary teams of cognitive scientists, AI engineers, and behavioral analysts, helping global enterprises harness the power of AI, cognitive modeling, and decision science to drive innovation and business transformation.
David has led cutting-edge cognitive science and AI-driven initiatives that have helped global enterprises optimize decision-making, enhance user experiences, and drive digital transformation. His expertise in cognitive modeling, AI-powered decision systems, and behavioral analytics has delivered measurable impact across High Tech, Financial Services, and Law Firm industries.
For example:
- AI-Powered Decision Optimization for a Leading High-Tech Enterprise
David led a cognitive AI initiative for a global high-tech firm struggling with decision fatigue among its leadership due to overwhelming volumes of market data, internal reports, and competitive intelligence. Leveraging reinforcement learning models, cognitive load analysis, and AI-driven recommendation engines, David’s team restructured the firm’s decision intelligence framework, allowing executives to focus on high-impact strategies while automating lower-risk decisions.Outcomes:
- 42% reduction in executive decision fatigue, leading to more strategic focus and faster market response times.
- 30% improvement in product launch efficiency, accelerating time-to-market for emerging technologies.
- $180 million in operational cost savings due to streamlined decision processes and reduced redundant workflows.
- Neuro-Personalized Financial Advisory Platform for a Global Financial Services Firm
A major international investment bank engaged P&C Global to revolutionize its wealth management advisory services using cognitive science and AI. David spearheaded the development of a neuro-personalized advisory platform that leveraged biometric sentiment analysis, AI-driven behavioral profiling, and predictive analytics to create customized investment recommendations tailored to each client’s cognitive and emotional decision patterns.Outcomes:
- 28% increase in client engagement, with more personalized and emotionally resonant investment recommendations.
- 21% growth in high-net-worth client retention, driven by deeper trust in AI-enhanced advisory services.
- $250 million in additional assets under management within the first 12 months of implementation.
- AI-Driven Knowledge Management and Research Automation for a Global Law Firm
A top global law firm sought to enhance legal research efficiency and case strategy formulation by integrating AI and cognitive automation into its knowledge management processes. David’s team developed an AI-powered legal research assistant using natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and cognitive retrieval models to synthesize case law, predict judicial outcomes, and automate legal document summarization.Outcomes:
- 37% reduction in research time per case, allowing lawyers to focus on strategic litigation rather than manual analysis.
- 50% improvement in case outcome predictions, giving litigators a significant edge in formulating winning strategies.
- $90 million in annualized cost savings, driven by AI-driven efficiency gains and optimized legal workflows.
These engagements showcase David’s exceptional ability to apply cognitive science, AI, and decision modeling to deliver measurable business impact. Whether optimizing decision intelligence, personalizing financial services, or transforming legal research, his work at P&C Global continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven innovation.
For David, understanding how people think, decide, and interact with the world has been more than just a career—it’s been a lifelong obsession. Born and raised in the heart of New York City, he grew up surrounded by fast-paced decision-making, diverse cultures, and the constant hum of innovation. From an early age, he was captivated by why people make the choices they do, how technology influences those decisions, and what patterns could be uncovered beneath it all.
Now based in San Francisco, David is immersed in the epicenter of AI innovation and digital transformation, where cognitive science meets machine intelligence in new and fascinating ways. But he’s never been one to stay in one place for long. His work takes him across the globe, giving him the chance to observe, learn from, and immerse himself in the nuances of human behavior and emerging technologies in different cultures. From Tokyo boardrooms discussing AI ethics to bustling European tech hubs refining behavioral modeling, he thrives on discovering new ways AI and cognitive science intersect in the real world.
When he’s not deep in AI research or on a flight to his next client engagement, David finds clarity outdoors. A passionate hiker, he often spends weekends traversing the trails of Northern California, where he swears that the best solutions to AI problems tend to present themselves somewhere between mile five and mile ten.
Reflecting on his time at P&C Global, David shares:
“At P&C Global, we don’t just build AI—we teach businesses to think smarter. AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about augmenting human intelligence, enhancing decision-making, and creating entirely new ways to solve problems. That’s what keeps me inspired every day.”
With a knowing grin, he adds:
“People assume AI is all about cold logic and perfect calculations. But trust me—after debugging a neural network at 3 a.m., you’d swear AI has moods too.”
David’s ability to blend deep technical expertise with humor, warmth, and a relentless curiosity about the human mind makes him a respected leader, sought-after expert, and a mentor to many at P&C Global. Whether he’s developing cognitive models, debating AI ethics over coffee, or unraveling complex behavioral patterns, he remains dedicated to bridging the gap between AI, cognitive science, and real-world impact.
