Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!

How does a personal passion project turn into a groundbreaking neurotech startup? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ildar Rakhmatulin to explore his remarkable journey from academia to entrepreneurship — and how a global chip shortage sparked the creation of Pi-EEG, a Raspberry Pi-based BCI device that’s transforming neuroscience education. Discover how Ildar’s open-source innovation makes brain-computer interfaces more accessible, engaging both the research community and curious learners. We dive into the evolution of his work, from the RMBCI project to the Pi-EEG platform, and explore its exciting integration with tools like ChatGPT and P300 gaming applications. In this episode, you’ll learn about: * The evolution from RMBCI to the Pi-EEG device * The power of open-source collaboration in neurotech * How Pi-EEG connects with ChatGPT and brain-signal-based gaming * The educational impact on neuroscience and signal processing Join us for an inspiring conversation on turning persistence and creativity into cutting-edge innovation in the world of brain-computer interfaces. Chapters 00:00:02 - Launching Personal Projects in Neurotech 00:05:12 - Development of the Pyg Device 00:09:31 - Benefits of Open Source Collaboration 00:13:55 - Challenges in EEG Device Development 00:17:16 - Motivation Behind Passion Projects 00:20:00 - Introducing the Latest PiEG Device 00:25:49 - Measuring Multiple Biological Signals 00:29:02 - Introduction to EEG Signal Processing 00:31:06 - Understanding EEG and Signal Processing 00:38:52 - Finding Passion in Neurotechnology Careers 00:43:50 - Balancing Work and Passion Projects 00:47:49 - Real-World Problems and Neurotechnology Trends 00:50:43 - Careers in Neurotechnology 00:59:38 - Advancing Your Neurocareer

How can innovative technologies like VR and neuromodulation improve how we understand and treat PTSD? How can curiosity and leadership open doors in neuroscience and mental health? What does it take to build a meaningful career impacting millions? In this inspiring episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, Dr. Milena Korostenskaja (Dr. K) sits down with Prof. Deborah Beidel — Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor of Psychology and Medical Education, and Executive Director of UCF RESTORES — to explore a career built on courage, innovation, and compassion. Career Development with Purpose Prof. Beidel shares how her early desire to be a detective evolved into a lifelong career as a clinical psychologist. Guided by curiosity, she carved her path by listening deeply to patient stories, identifying underexplored research gaps, and taking bold steps into leadership roles. “Not everything works out, but everything's a learning experience,” she says — a mantra that defines her career resilience. She also offers valuable career advice for students, including: * Why it’s okay not to know your path early on * How to create your own opportunities instead of waiting for them * Why leadership is often about building — people, programs, and impact * How to approach mentors, research projects, and rejection with strategy and grace This episode features questions submitted by members of the Neuroscience Alliance at UCF — a student group making waves in shaping the future of neuroscience education (listen to their episode here: https://www.neuroapproaches.org/podcast/episode/f59186d5/neuroscience-alliance-at-ucf-with-sudeepta-matha-andrei-nesterenko-mae-torra-charisse-melendez-and-prof-kiminobu-sugaya [https://www.neuroapproaches.org/podcast/episode/f59186d5/neuroscience-alliance-at-ucf-with-sudeepta-matha-andrei-nesterenko-mae-torra-charisse-melendez-and-prof-kiminobu-sugaya]). The Neuroscience of PTSD Prof. Beidel dives deep into the evolving understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder. Listeners will learn: * Why PTSD is not just a psychological issue, but a sensory and neurological one * The overlooked power of smell in trauma memory and treatment * How PTSD affects more than just veterans — including first responders, mass shooting survivors, and even ICU patients She also introduces her groundbreaking work with UCF RESTORES, where she leads a three-week, evidence-based treatment program using virtual reality, group therapy, and individualized exposure therapy. “It’s like putting out a wildfire with every hose you’ve got,” she says. New Frontiers in Neurotechnology Prof. Beidel talks about using evoked potentials to differentiate between trauma responses in combat veterans, and the potential of neuromodulation and AI to personalize PTSD treatment. She emphasizes the need for secure, clinician-friendly tech that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. “The future of PTSD diagnosis and treatment may rely on tools we’re just beginning to understand — and the students listening today may be the ones to build them.” Whether you’re considering graduate school, already in research, or exploring clinical applications of neuroscience, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and take notes from one of the leading voices in trauma recovery and career mentorship in psychology and neuroscience. Learn more about Prof. Beidel’s work at ucfrestores.com [https://ucfrestores.com] 📧 Contact: deborah.beidel@ucf.edu More from the host: neuroapproaches.org [https://neuroapproaches.org]

How can you take your career growth into your own hands? In this episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we’re diving into a story of initiative, inspiration, and empowerment led by the students of the Neuroscience Alliance at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Faced with a desire to expand their educational and career opportunities, these incredible students didn’t wait for the right resources to come their way—they created them! The Neuroscience Alliance was founded with a mission to promote awareness, research, and volunteer opportunities in neuroscience while building professional connections between students and faculty. In this episode, we’re joined by the remarkable minds behind the Neuroscience Alliance at UCF. They’ll share their journey, the challenges they faced, and the benefits they’ve experienced by creating such a vibrant and supportive organization. More importantly, they’ll provide practical advice and inspiration for students worldwide who want to take charge of their own education and career development. Ready to discover how you can create opportunities, build networks, and make a real difference in your field? Tune in to hear the story of the Neuroscience Alliance and learn how you can bring similar initiatives to life at your university. Let’s explore how students are redefining neuroscience education—one bold step at a time! About the Podcast Guests: The Neuroscience Alliance (NSA) at the University of Central Florida The NSA is a student organization committed to advancing awareness, research, and volunteer opportunities in neuroscience. It serves as a bridge between students and faculty, offering insights into current research and future career opportunities. The alliance takes a multidisciplinary approach to neuroscience, linking it with fields like medicine, psychology, biotechnology, psychiatry, and more. NSA organizes various activities, including the Central Florida Brain Bee—a competition that challenges high school students' knowledge of neuroscience, aiming to foster interest and encourage future careers in this dynamic field. Join the Neuroscience Alliance: * Email: neuroscienceallianceucf@gmail.com [neuroscienceallianceucf@gmail.com]  Participate in the Central Florida Brain Bee: * Contact Sudeepta Matha: sudeepta.matha@ucf.edu [sudeepta.matha@ucf.edu]  These platforms provide fantastic opportunities for both collegiate and high school students to delve deeper into neuroscience, offering both educational and practical experiences in the field. For more information about the Neuroscience Alliance, visit https://med.ucf.edu/mdna/neuroscience-alliance-at-ucf/ [https://med.ucf.edu/mdna/neuroscience-alliance-at-ucf/]    Sudeepta Matha Undergraduate Student & Neuroscience Advocate Sudeepta Matha is a 4th-year undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Psychology on the Neuroscience Track with a minor in Cognitive Sciences. Passionate about neuropsychology, Sudeepta focuses on researching the interplay between neurodevelopment, autism, and behaviors like suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury. As Executive Manager of the Central Florida Brain Bee, Sudeepta has advanced through roles as a volunteer, PR Manager, and Event Manager, demonstrating dedication to neuroscience education and outreach. Sudeepta plans to pursue a Ph.D. in neuropsychology, aiming to uncover new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and suicidality.    Andrei Nesterenko Emerging Neuroscientist & Biomedical Explorer Andrei Nesterenko is a third-year undergraduate at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Biomedical Neuroscience with minors in Political Science and Rhetoric and Writing. His research spans multiple areas of neuroscience, with two current projects focusing on noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring and the intersection of neuroscience and the legal system. As a former Public Relations Manager and the current Research Manager for the 2024 Central Florida Brain Bee, Andrei has dedicated his efforts to increasing access to basic neuroscience education in the Greater Orlando area and beyond. Following graduation and future post-baccalaureate research opportunities, Andrei plans to pursue a joint MD-PhD degree in either biomedical or behavioral neuroscience.   Charisse Melendez Future Audiologist & Community Educator Charisse Meléndez is a third-year student at the University of Central Florida majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Spanish. Her future career goals are to pursue a doctorate in audiology, specializing in pediatrics and musicians, and lead an organization with a humanitarian focus. Her research interests include minimizing cochlear implant candidacy discrepancies between English and Spanish-speaking individuals, evaluating the relationship between hearing and memory, and the interrelationships between hearing and other diagnoses (for differential diagnosis). She is currently the PR manager for the Central Florida Brain Bee, a neuroscience competition under the NSA. Some of her personal interests include playing musical instruments at her church (bass, guitar, and piano), candle making, and working out.   Mae Torra Biomedical Science Student & Environmental Advocate Mae Torra is a 2nd-year undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Biomedical Sciences on the Neuroscience Track with minors in Environmental Studies and Genomics & Bioinformatics. Over the summer of 2024, they conducted research in Brown University’s Computational Neuroscience cohort through their Leadership Alliance SR-EIP. In the Neuroscience Alliance at UCF, they have served as a STEM Day Director, Event Director, and Secretary, with contributions ranging from designing educational activities for community outreach to hosting research workshops. They plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience, and are currently exploring interdisciplinary connections between neuroscience and ecology through a literature review on pollinator behavior.   Prof. Kiminobu Sugaya Distinguished Professor & Researcher in Neuroscience Prof. Kiminobu Sugaya is a leading neuroscience researcher at UCF. He is a mentor within the Neuroscience Alliance, guiding students and research in neurodegenerative diseases and stem cell therapy. For more about his work or to get in touch, visit his faculty page at UCF Department of Neuroscience: https://med.ucf.edu/biomed/person/dr-kiminobu-sugaya/ [https://med.ucf.edu/biomed/person/dr-kiminobu-sugaya/]   About the Podcast Host: The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/ [https://www.neuroapproaches.org/]) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in neurotech and Brain-Computer Interfaces, 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: * Identification and pursuit of career goals * Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development * Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice * Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies * Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation [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 [https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news]

Are you wondering how to pivot from academia to the neurotech industry without starting from scratch? Many assume that moving from a PhD to industry means leaving much of their academic experience behind, but that’s not necessarily the case. Welcome to this episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, where we uncover how advanced academic skills can be a powerful asset in the neurotech sector. Today, we're honored to have Dr. Mustafa S. Hamada, Chief Science and Product Officer at Mendi Innovations in Sweden, share invaluable insights on leveraging PhD skills to break into and excel in neurotechnology. Dr. Hamada, a trailblazer in integrating neuroscience with product innovation, will guide us through how we can translate academic expertise into industry success. He’ll reveal what industry employers are looking for during interviews, discuss the benefits of being a generalist versus a specialist, and provide tips on navigating the job market with your unique skills. Moreover, we'll dive into the strategic choices that can shape your career path: selecting the right company size, the importance of mentorship, and working in start-up environments. Dr. Hamada will also touch on the impact of AI in neurotech, compare the job markets in Europe and the US, and forecast the future of the industry. If you’re eager to learn how your PhD can open doors in the neurotech field, and you want to know what it takes to stand out to employers and thrive in this dynamic industry, then tune into Dr. Hamada’s expert advice and personal journey. Transform your academic achievements into your industry advantage with insights from a leading expert in neurotech. Let’s discover how to leverage your PhD for success in the fast-evolving world of neurotechnology together! About the Podcast Guest: Dr. Mustafa S. Hamada is the Chief Science and Product Officer at Mendi Innovations, a neurotechnology startup in Sweden. Dr. Hamada drives the integration of advanced neuroscience into innovative product development, focusing on neurotechnology, behavioral design, and AI to enhance brain health solutions. He was also a recipient of the Grand Prize for Engineering in Innovation 2024 [https://www.nyteknik.se/nytt-fran-ny-teknik/de-vinner-stora-ingenjorspriset-2024/4310838]. Work email: mustafa@mendi.io [mustafa@mendi.io] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mustafashamada [http://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafashamada]   About the Podcast Host: The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/ [https://www.neuroapproaches.org/]) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in neurotech and Brain-Computer Interfaces, 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: * Identification and pursuit of career goals * Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development * Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice * Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies * Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation [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 [https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news]

What if your brain could control augmented reality with just a thought? Imagine assistive devices empowering millions with ALS, stroke, or paralysis to communicate and interact like never before. Welcome to the Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible! podcast featuring visionary innovator Andreas Forsland, Founder and CEO of Cognixion.  A year ago, Andreas shared his entrepreneurial journey, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at Cognixion ONE—a groundbreaking brain-computer interface (BCI) headset that merges BCI and augmented reality (AR) to revolutionize assistive technology. Today, he’s back with even more exciting updates! In this episode, Andreas dives into: * The future of a $320B assistive reality market, addressing over 400 neurological conditions like ALS and autism. * Cognixion's FDA-designated breakthrough device, a BCI-AR headset already making waves in major medical institutions. * The convergence of brain signals, AI, AR, and assistive tech to create hands-free control for those with ALS, MS, and spinal cord injuries. * The role of patents and intellectual property in shaping neurotech’s future—Cognixion leads the way with over 50 global patents! * Career opportunities in this fast-growing field and how your skills could fit into the transformative world of BCIs and assistive tech. Whether you’re fascinated by neurotech, curious about AR’s potential, or seeking insights into a career in assistive technology, this episode is for you! Andreas also touches on ethical considerations around privacy and security in a connected world, adding depth to this must-listen conversation. Tune in and join us on this journey into the future of neurotechnology, where innovation meets compassion, and possibilities are endless! About the Podcast Guest: Andreas Forsland, CEO of Cognixion https://www.cognixion.com/ [https://www.cognixion.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasforsland/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasforsland/] Andreas Forsland is a visionary entrepreneur spearheading the future of human-computer interaction through advanced brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. He is the founder and CEO of Cognixion, the world's most accessible assisted reality wearable device with integrated BCI technology. Andreas’ background in natural user experience design, customer experience, branding, and innovation allows him to embrace complexity and develop an interface and experience that is easily usable and understandable for researchers and patients alike. About the Podcast Host: The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/ [https://www.neuroapproaches.org/]) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in neurotech and Brain-Computer Interfaces, 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: * Identification and pursuit of career goals * Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development * Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice * Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies * Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation [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 [https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news] © 2024 Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible! All rights reserved.