By Milena Korostenskaja, PhD
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The podcast currently has 102 episodes available.
Balance and improved mobility for all? To create that, Sheila Thelen embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that’s changing lives!
🎙 Welcome to another episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible! – the podcast where we explore groundbreaking innovations in neuroscience and neurotechnology, hosted by Milena Korostenskaja, PhD, from The Institute of Neuroapproaches!
Today, we’re spinning into the world of vestibular training with Sheila Thelen, a true trailblazer in this field! Sheila's revolutionary work is transforming how we think about balance and movement, offering life-changing solutions for athletes, individuals with autism, military personnel, and those in rehabilitation and aging programs.
With her patented Fly System and pending Rail System, Sheila is empowering people to take control of their bodies in ways never imagined before. Whether it’s improving balance, coordination, or mobility, her innovative training techniques are literally changing lives—one spin at a time!
But it’s not just about technology—it’s about entrepreneurial passion and turning a dream into a global mission. In this episode, Sheila shares her inspiring career journey, how she turned her passion into a worldwide movement, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way. 🛠️ Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or someone who loves helping others—this episode is packed with insights just for you!
Get ready to be inspired by Sheila’s passion, innovative drive, and her mission to make the world a better place.
About the Podcast Guest:
Sheila Thelen is the President of Vestibular Training Services LLC, where she leads the development of innovative vestibular training products aimed at improving balance and movement for a wide range of individuals, from elite athletes to those in rehabilitation, military personnel, individuals with autism/sensory needs, and those experiencing the effects of aging. With over 4 years at the helm of her company, Sheila is passionate about creating solutions that empower people to regain control of their bodies.
She is the inventor behind the Fly System (US Patent: 11,478,395) and the Rail System (Patent Pending), which are revolutionizing how vestibular training is applied in sports, therapy, and beyond. Her products use cutting-edge technology, including electric spinners and harnesses, to provide life-changing benefits for her clients.
In addition to her hands-on work, Sheila is an international speaker, offering webinars and seminars to share her knowledge and passion for vestibular training across the globe. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies from Hamline University.
Driven by a mission to change the world and help people, Sheila’s work stands at the intersection of innovation, passion, and global impact. Her patented systems are reshaping the way balance and movement are understood and addressed across a variety of fields, helping people live healthier, more independent lives.
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news
How can neurotechnologies help you take control of your brain and improve your mental health? This question lies at the heart of our current episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!
In this episode, we’re joined by Juan Ricardo Diaz, the Co-Founder of PigPug Health and a neurofeedback expert with 22 years of experience. Juan has helped countless individuals improve conditions like ADD, ADHD, ASD, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression through the power of neurofeedback brain training. Not only has Juan been a Neurofeedback Practitioner, but for the last ten years, he’s also been a Neurofeedback Instructor, teaching others how to harness this transformative tool. 🧠✨
As an author of 20 books on neurofeedback and mental health, Juan brings a wealth of knowledge, sharing the science behind neurofeedback and how it rewires the brain for better mental health.
Join us as we explore Juan’s journey, his insights into neurofeedback, how his methods are improving lives, and how to build a career as a neurofeedback practitioner. Whether you’re curious about brain training or seeking ways to tackle mental health challenges, this episode is for you!
About the Podcast Guest:
Juan Diaz, M.F.T. PigPug Health Co-Founder Neurofeedback Practitioner for the last 22 years and Neurofeedback Instructor for the last ten years. Author of 20 books available on Amazon.
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news
Ever wonder how we can decode fast limb movements using brain-computer interfaces with slow data acquisition, like in optical imaging? This challenge has long puzzled researchers, but Seungbin Park and her team, led by Dr. Maria Dadarlat at Purdue University, have come up with a groundbreaking solution!
In this episode of the BCI Award Neurocareers podcast series, we tackle the problem of low sampling rates in decoding limb movements. While traditional methods struggle with capturing fast limb trajectories, Seungbin Park and her colleagues have used a deep learning approach that overcomes this barrier! By employing a recurrent encoder-decoder network, they were able to decode rapid limb movements of a running mouse using slow two-photon calcium imaging—a major breakthrough in minimally-invasive, optical imaging-based BCI for multi-limb control.
Join us as Seungbin shares how their innovative approach earned them a spot as one of the 12 finalists for the BCI Award 2023. She’ll also offer insights and advice on how to make a successful BCI Award submission!
Tune in to hear Seungbin Park’s incredible story of pushing the boundaries in neurotech!
About the Podcast Guest:
Seungbin Park is PhD Graduate Student at Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University.
- DadarlatLab: https://engineering.purdue.edu/DadarlatLab
- Seungbin Park: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seungbin-park/
- The project: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.30.569459v1
Here are resources Seungbin is suggesting for you to use:
- Deep learning resources:
- Coursera deep learning course: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/deep-learning?utm_medium=sem&utm_source=gg&utm_campaign=B2C_NAMER_deep-learning_deeplearning-ai_FTCOF_specializations_country-US-country-CA&campaignid=904733485&adgroupid=148411448815&device=c&keyword=&matchtype=&network=g&devicemodel=&adposition=&creativeid=654837734383&hide_mobile_promo&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv7O0BhDwARIsAC0sjWNy57B_oCh7PvqPO4tWyZUvBrFCtBnNsLFnoXw9w_vs0mtywcAHRz0aAuiNEALw_wcB
- Pytorch tutorials: https://pytorch.org/tutorials/beginner/pytorch_with_examples.html
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news
Imagine a world where the ability to speak and express thoughts and emotions is lost. How would someone navigate life in silence, cut off from the power of their own voice? This is the stark reality for individuals who suffer from near-complete paralysis, where communication becomes an overwhelming challenge.
But what if there was a way to give these individuals their voice back—not just restoring speech but recreating the unique qualities of their pre-injury voice? On this episode of the BCI Award series of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we explore this groundbreaking possibility with our guest, Kaylo Littlejohn, an EECS PhD student at UC Berkeley.
Kaylo, advised by Professor Gopala K. Anumanchipalli and Dr. Edward F. Chang, has been at the forefront of developing revolutionary AI systems that translate neural activity into spoken or written words. His research focuses on restoring lost functions to those with severe paralysis through speech and avatar neuroprostheses. Remarkably, Kaylo’s work enabled the first-ever demonstration of intelligible speech synthesis from neural activity in a person who had lost the ability to communicate.
Working alongside his team at UC Berkeley and UCSF, Kaylo has helped create a neuroprosthesis capable of not only decoding speech but also controlling a virtual avatar that mirrors the user's facial expressions and emotions. This technology has already received global recognition, having been featured in Nature, on the front cover of The New York Times, and showcased at White House Demo Day. Their innovative project earned 2nd place in the prestigious BCI Award 2023.
Join us as we dive into the story behind this life-changing technology, the challenges faced along the way, and the future of AI-driven neuroprosthetics. Kaylo Littlejohn shares his journey, the cutting-edge science behind their success, and how they are truly doing the impossible by giving people back their voices—literally.
A listener’s feedback from this interview: "I was very moved by Kaylo’s story of using his patient’s wedding video to recreate her voice. What an incredible gift to her and her husband!"
About the Podcast Guest:
Kaylo Littlejohn is an EECS Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley, advised by Professor Gopala K. Anumanchipalli and Dr. Edward F. Chang. His research is focused on restoring lost function to those who have severe paralysis via the use of speech and avatar neuroprostheses. Kaylo's research enabled the first demonstration of intelligible speech synthesis from neural activity in a person who has lost the ability to communicate.
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news
How do you accurately and objectively diagnose hearing loss, especially in children who might struggle to communicate their challenges? This problem has long puzzled clinicians and researchers alike. Traditional methods can be time-consuming and often require the patient’s active participation—something not always possible with young children.
Enter Ben Somers, PhD, MBA, and his team from KU Leuven and ExpORL. They have developed a groundbreaking brain-computer interface (BCI) that offers a real-time solution for hearing diagnostics. By measuring brain responses through EEG as the patient listens to natural speech, this innovative technology allows for precise and objective assessments, making it easier to diagnose hearing issues swiftly and accurately.
Dr. Ben Somers, who studied electrical engineering at KU Leuven, has dedicated his career to improving speech processing and hearing diagnostics. His work, alongside his team, has earned them a spot as one of the 12 finalists for the prestigious BCI Award 2023. Their child-friendly hearing and speech diagnostics project, Corgee, is set to revolutionize the field and even become a university spin-off company.
Join us in this episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible! as we delve into the details of this innovative BCI technology, explore Ben’s journey from engineering to neuroscience, and uncover the incredible potential of their work to transform hearing diagnostics for children and beyond.
About the Podcast Guest:
Ben Summers studied electrical engineering at KU Leuven and started PhD project at KU Leuven in Prof. Tom Francart's group on developing objective metrics for speech processing with cochlear implants (2015-2020), then started a post-doc project on translating objective measures for speech processing to a clinical test for children (2020-present).
Their project for child-friendly hearing and speech diagnostics is called Corgee. Ben and his team are founding a university spin-off company to further develop their EEG tests as medical devices after the clinical trial.
Company's website: https://corgee.be/
LinkedIn pages: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgee-hearing/
Anyone interested in reaching out to Dr. Ben Somers can do so via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-somers/
Articles mentioned in the podcast:
Ben's PhD work related to measuring auditory responses from cochlear implant electrodes: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-84829-y
The current project aims to objectively measure speech understanding in children using EEG. First, normal-hearing children https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378595523000977, and second, hearing-impaired children: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378595523002058
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news
Can we restore movement in patients with spinal cord injuries while also bringing back the sensation they’ve lost? In this episode of the BCI Award Neurocareers podcast series, we dive deep into this critical question with Prof. Chad Bouton, a pioneer in neuroengineering and bioelectronic medicine.
Spinal cord injuries often lead to permanent loss of movement and sensation, leaving millions worldwide with limited options for recovery. While various treatments have shown promise in restoring movement, sensation restoration remains a significant hurdle. That’s where Prof. Chad Bouton and his team at Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research come in. They’ve developed a revolutionary technology called the Double Neural Bypass (DNB), which directly interfaces the brain, body, and spinal cord to restore lasting movement and sensation in people with paralysis. This groundbreaking work has earned them a place as one of the 12 final nominees for the prestigious BCI Award 2023.
Prof. Bouton, VP of Advanced Engineering at Northwell Health, Professor, and Managing Director of the Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in neuroprosthetics and biomedical technology. His innovations have enabled the first paralyzed person to regain movement through brain activity alone and also advanced cancer detection methods, among other achievements. With over 70 international patents and numerous accolades, including being named Inventor of the Year at Battelle, Prof. Bouton is a leading figure in neuroengineering.
In this episode, Prof. Bouton shares the story behind the Double Neural Bypass, how it works, and the incredible potential it holds for the future of neuroprosthetics. He also offers insights into his career journey and provides valuable advice for those aspiring to innovate.
Whether you’re fascinated by cutting-edge technology, interested in neuroprosthetics, or simply curious about the future of medical advancements, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and discover how the Double Neural Bypass could change the lives of millions with paralysis.
About the BCI Award:
The International BCI Award is back, powered by g.tec medical engineering GmbH - NEVER STOP RECORDING!
Don't miss your chance to be part of the cutting-edge BCI innovation!
Submission Deadline: September 1st, 2024
Why Submit? Nominees will have the incredible opportunity to:
Ready to make your mark? Check out the submission details and criteria here: https://www.bci-award.com/Home
Save the Date: Join us at the BCI Award Ceremony on October 8, 2024: https://www.bci-award.com/Home
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news
How can we help people with prosthetic legs walk more easily and with less effort?
In this episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we explore this question with Giacomo Valle, PhD, a leading researcher in the field of biomimetic brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and bionic legs. Dr. Valle and his colleagues at ETH Zürich have developed an innovative biomimetic BCI that uses peripheral nerve stimulation to convey naturalistic touch sensations in bionic legs. This groundbreaking work has earned them a spot as one of the 12 finalists for the BCI Award 2023.
Dr. Valle's research focuses on creating artificial communication with the brain through peripheral nerve stimulation, providing a more intuitive and natural sensory experience. His team developed a biomimetic neurostimulation framework inspired by nature, capable of "writing" physiologically plausible information back into the peripheral nervous system. Using an in-silico model of mechanoreceptors, they created biomimetic stimulation policies, which were tested alongside mechanical touch and common linear neuromodulations.
In clinical trials, these techniques have shown significant improvements in mobility and reduced mental effort compared to traditional approaches. The neural responses produced by this innovative approach resemble those naturally induced, marking a significant advancement in assistive neurotechnologies.
Dr. Valle's project, "Biomimetic BCI Conveys Naturalistic Touch Sensations via Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Bionic Legs," represents a major leap forward in neuroengineering and bionics. With an educational background that includes a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and an M.S. in Bioengineering from the University of Genoa, and a Ph.D. in Biorobotics from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Dr. Valle has extensive experience in this field. His career journey includes research positions at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and ETH Zurich, where he contributed to significant innovations in neuroprosthetics.
As a co-founder of the medtech startup MYNERVA and now a Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Bionics at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, Dr. Valle's research focuses on neuroengineering and computational models aimed at restoring sensory feedback and understanding somatosensory processing and neural control of movements.
Join us as Dr. Valle shares insights into his research, discusses his career path, and offers valuable advice for a successful BCI Award submission. Whether you're interested in the latest advancements in neuroengineering or seeking inspiration for your own scientific endeavors, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and expert guidance.
About the Podcast Guest:
Dr. Giacomo Valle holds a position as an Assistant Professor in Bionics, Head of the Neural Bionics Laboratory at the Department of Electrical Engineering | Life Bionics Chalmers University of Technology in Hörsalsvägen 11, SE - 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset R-huset, plan 7, Länsmansgatan 28, 431 80 Mölndal
Other Dr. Valle's affiliations: Cortical Bionics Research Group, USA: https://www.corticalbionics.com/
Co-founder MYNERVA Wyss Zurich Translational Center | ETH Zurich, Weinbergstrasse 35, WEH 8092 Zurich Switzerland
Contact Information:
E-mail: [email protected]
@NeuralBionicsLab socials: LinkedIn, X.
Open Positions:
The Neural Bionics Lab (PI: Giacomo Valle) has available projects (6-12 months) starting this fall and next spring on: - Bidirectional neuroprosthetics - Implantable Brain-Computer Interfaces - Somatosensation & Touch - Neural stimulation for sensory restoration - Cortical & peripheral interfacing - Mechatronics for neurotechnology - Human neurophysiology Please contact us here or at [email protected] sending your CV, transcript of records (Bachelor and Master) and motivation letter. Info about the projects on https://sirop.org/app/ Our projects are done in collaboration with Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago, CBRG, University of Zurich and MYNERVA. hashtag
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news
Diagnosing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at an early stage is a daunting challenge that often seems almost impossible. However, the pressing need for early diagnostic tools has driven remarkable individuals to seek innovative solutions. One such individual is Dr. Ahmadreza Keihani, whose personal story and profound loss led him on a mission to find early diagnostic possibilities for ALS using cutting-edge neurotechnologies.
Dr. Keihani, a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Pittsburgh, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his work. After graduating as the valedictorian from the medical school at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), he was invited to be an assistant professor of neuroimaging. However, driven by a relentless desire to learn and innovate, he moved to the United States to further his research under the mentorship of senior scientists in the field.
In this episode, we delve into Dr. Keihani’s groundbreaking project, which he developed alongside his colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh and TUMS. Their real-time monitoring system for the cortico-muscular coupling index (CMC) promises to be an early biomarker for ALS, offering hope for earlier diagnosis and intervention. This project was nominated for the prestigious BCI Award 2023, recognizing its potential to revolutionize ALS diagnostics.
Dr. Keihani discusses his innovative research and also shares his personal career journey, providing invaluable career advice for aspiring scientists. Additionally, he offers useful information about the International BCI Award application process, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to submit a successful project.
Moreover, Dr. Keihani is an amazing educator, and listeners will truly enjoy his easy-to-understand explanations of complex concepts in neurotech research.
Join us as Dr. Keihani shares his journey, the inspiration behind his work, and the innovative neurotechnologies driving his research. We'll explore how his project aims to provide real-time assessment of CMC in ALS patients and the potential impact this could have on the future of ALS diagnosis and treatment.
Tune in to discover the intersection of personal passion and scientific innovation with Dr. Ahmadreza Keihani and learn how his work paves the way for new diagnostic possibilities in the fight against ALS.
International BCI Award:
The International BCI Award sponsored by g.tec medical engineering GmbH is back! If you're working on pioneering BCI research, use your chance to gain international recognition. With a total endowment of $6,000 USD and the possibility of publishing and presenting your work globally, this is an opportunity to shine at the forefront of neuroscience innovation.
Submission Deadline: September 1st, 2024
Nominees will be invited to: Submit a chapter for the BCI State-of-the-Art book series by Springer. Present their work at the prestigious BCI Award Ceremony. Receive keynote invitations to the BCI & Neurotechnology Spring School. For more details on submission and criteria, visit: https://www.bci-award.com Join the BCI Award Ceremony!
About the Podcast Guest:
Ahmadreza Keihani, PhD graduated with a BSc in Biomedical Engineering (Bioelectric) from Isfahan University in 2014 and completed his MSc and PhD in the same field at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), graduating as valedictorian in 2022. He was then invited to be an assistant professor of neuroimaging at TUMS but moved to the US in 2022 to learn more and work as a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on computational neuroscience. Ahmadreza’s research interests include neuroimaging, nonlinear dynamics, biomedical data science, and brain-computer interfaces (BCI). His PhD work on cortico-muscular coupling in ALS patients was nominated for the 2023 BCI Award. He is dedicated to translational research on neurological and psychiatric disorders, with a special focus on causal machine learning.
Link to the review BCI paper mentioned in the podcast interview: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/12/2/1211_2
Link to the work discussed in the podcast interview: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0270757
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news
How can we break through the barriers in communication for millions suffering from speech impairments due to ALS, stroke, and other conditions?
Traditional assistive technologies, like eye trackers, are slow and cumbersome, limiting effective communication. However, ongoing research in speech neuroprosthetics shows promising results in restoring seamless communication by decoding speech directly from brain signals.
Enter the groundbreaking work where Dr. Nicholas S. Card and Dr. Maitreyee Wairagkar are bringing change in the development of speech neuroprosthesis. Their award-winning project lead by Dr. David M. Brandman and Dr. Sergey D. Stavisky from UC Davis in collaboration with Stanford, and Brown University teams, introduces a rapidly deployable high-performance speech neuroprosthesis. This innovative technology can convert brain signals into text and voice in real-time, significantly enhancing communication speed and quality for individuals with severe speech impairments.
In this episode, Nick and Maitreyee share their journey of creating a multimodal speech neuroprosthesis and their challenges and remarkable achievements. Learn about their approach to decoding phonemes, integrating large language models, and synthesizing intelligible speech directly from neural activity.
They also delve into their career development journeys, offering valuable advice for those aspiring to follow in their footsteps. Additionally, they provide insights into the BCI Award submission process, sharing tips for a successful application.
Whether you're fascinated by neuroscience, intrigued by BCI technology, or looking for career inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and advice. Tune in to discover how Nick and Maitreyee are revolutionizing the field of neuroprosthetics and making a profound impact on the lives of people with speech impairments.
About the Podcast Guests:
Dr. Maitreyee Wairagkar
Affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis Email: [email protected] Social (X): @Maitreyee_W Personal website: maitreyeew.github.io Lab website: neuroprosthetics.science BrainGate website: braingate.org
Bio: Dr. Maitreyee Wairagkar is a neuroscientist and neuroengineer dedicated to developing advanced neurotechnology through artificial intelligence. As a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, Davis, she has created implanted brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that allow individuals with severe speech and motor impairments to communicate directly via brain signals. Dr. Wairagkar's work spans healthcare applications of neurotechnology, including neurorehabilitation for stroke recovery and robotic care for dementia. Her prior research in stroke rehabilitation technology has been commercially translated, showcasing her commitment to impactful innovation in neurotechnology.
Dr. Nicholas S. Card
Affiliation: Neuroprosthetics Lab, University of California, Davis Email: [provided upon request] Lab website: neuroprosthetics.science BrainGate website: braingate.org
Bio: Dr. Nicholas S. Card is a postdoctoral scholar in the Neuroprosthetics Lab at the University of California, Davis, and a member of the BrainGate consortium. His research focuses on understanding how speech is encoded in the brain and developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to decode speech from cortical signals in individuals with brain injuries or diseases that impair communication. Dr. Card's work aims to transform neuroprosthetic technology, enabling seamless communication for those with speech impairments, further advancing the field of neuroengineering.
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news
How can we decode the meaning of the speech we hear or imagine? In this episode of the Neurocareers Podcast BCI Award series, we explore the groundbreaking work of Jerry Tang and a team of colleagues from Dr. Alexander Huths's Lab, a nominee for the International BCI Award. His research, published in Nature Neuroscience, introduces a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that can decode continuous language from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
This innovative decoder can interpret the meaning of perceived speech, imagined speech, and even silent videos, showcasing a significant leap forward in BCI technology. Jerry's work demonstrates that continuous language can be decoded from multiple brain regions by recording cortical semantic representations. Jerry discusses mental privacy in BCI applications.
Join us as Jerry Tang shares insights from his BCI Award-nominated project, his career journey, and valuable advice for aspiring scientists and those aiming to succeed in their BCI Award submissions. Whether you're fascinated by neuroscience, intrigued by BCI technology, or looking for inspiration in your career, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and insights.
The International BCI Award is back and bigger than ever! If you're working on pioneering BCI research, don't miss your chance to gain international recognition. With a total endowment of $6,000 USD and opportunities to publish and present your work globally, this is an opportunity to shine at the forefront of neuroscience innovation.
For more details on submission and criteria, visit BCI Award Submission Information: https://www.bci-award.com/Home
Tune in to discover how Jerry Tang is breaking new ground in decoding the human brain!
About the Podcat Guest:
Jerry Tang is a Ph.D. student in Computer Science at UT Austin, working with Alex Huth. His research focuses on modeling and decoding brain responses during language processing and understanding how language relates to other cognitive processes, such as vision.
The link to the article in Nature Neuroscience: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01304-9
Learn more about the HuthLab at the University of Texas in Austin: https://www.cs.utexas.edu/~huth/index.html
About the Podcat Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
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The podcast currently has 102 episodes available.