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: mwairagkar@ucdavis.edu 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:

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

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