New MembersFrancisco Rosero - VillarrealUniversidad Panamericana  About me:I am currently working on my PhD on Ethics in neurotechnology, neuroethics, neurorights in Latin America, interested in public policy on these issues in my region. Research interests: Bioethics, BCI, Neuroethics, Neurotechnology, Neurorights, Public Policy
Erik DalyMiller Johnson Law Firm  About me: I am a practicing attorney based in Michigan. My academic background is in the areas of economics and finance (NYU, 2004) and law (Harvard Law School, 2007). I am very interested in the intersection of neuroscience, emerging technologies (esp. AI) and law. At Miller Johnson, I co-chair our firm's Artificial Intelligence Committee. Research interests: I am focused on the intersection of neuroscience, technology and ethics, as well as their impact on our evolving systems, concepts and applications of law. Reasons for joining: Initially, my interest was in the ways that neural networks in the context of AI are and are not similar to actual human neurological functions. I found many authors and speakers summarized the function of neural networks by simply stating these networks acted like the neurons in our brains, but I did not find these explanations very insightful or satisfying. As a result, I started reading about neurology to better understand whether this was a useful comparison. Reading about neurology eventually brought me to neuroethics, and it seems clear that this is an area where lawyers (like me) need to be more engaged and curious. Collaboration / Engaging: I would like to learn more about the emerging ethical considerations in neuroscience and explore whether there are ways I can contribute as a lawyer. I am also eager to share insights across fields of study and believe a multidisciplinary approach to neuroethics is essential to progress in the field. Hayden D. Ferguson, MAWilliam James College  About me: I am a 5th-year student in clinical psychology at WJC, concentrating in neuropsychology. I am currently training as a predoctoral intern in adult neuropsychology at Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center. My research focuses on neuroethics in the context of neurosurgery and treatment with neurotechnology, namely deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease. My dissertation explored the effects of subthalamic nucleus stimulation on personality and self-concept. I am interested in continuing to explore cognition, personality, and identity in the context of DBS and other neurosurgical techniques. Research interests: Deep Brain Stimulation and Neural Engineering; Alzheimer’s Disease; Neuroscience and Free Will/National Security; Medical ethics; Movement disorders; Prosthetics; Collaboration: I am interested in collaborating. Please contact me:  Anne StevensonHarvard TH Chan School of Public Health Research focus: The primary focus of Anne Stevenson's work has been in examining mental health in people with severe mental illness in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda, with youth in post-conflict settings in East and West Africa, and in HIV-affected children in Rwanda.
Abigail OppongIndependent Researcher/Consultant  Research focus: My research centers on Neuroethics, where I work towards advancing inclusive neurotechnology. I am dedicated to ensuring that neuroscientific advancements are accessible and beneficial to all, with a particular emphasis on bridging gaps for individuals from the Global South. By creating pipelines prioritizing equitable access and ethical considerations, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and ethically sound landscape in neurotechnology research and application. Collaboration: Yes, I am open for collaborations.
Blake Hereth, PhDUniversity of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine  Research focus: My research concerns the ethics of harm in the development and application of novel neurotechnologies in the military and private industry, especially neurotech designed to mitigate aggressive behaviors. I'm also interested in discovering an optimal means for ethicists to influence Big Tech. Please contact me by email <[email protected]> if you'd like to collaborate or chat.
Diana M. UrianWestern University  About me: I'm currently an undergraduate studying neuroscience, in the final year of my program. Initially, my plan was to attend medical school with the intention of practicing medicine and teaching. However, as I delved deeper into this path, I gradually realized that it wasn't a lifelong pursuit that would bring me joy. I wouldn't be able to use my skills to their full potential in the way I wanted. During the past year, I had the opportunity to engage in cognitive neuroscience research within a music neuroscience lab. Despite observing the enthusiasm of those around me, I discovered that I didn't derive the same level of satisfaction from behavioural studies. Perhaps this was because I couldn't see the immediate practical application of basic research, or perhaps it was because I just wasn't interested in the topic, but either way, I couldn't see myself doing research like that for the rest of my life. Currently, I'm involved in a gait study with Parkinson's patients within the same lab. Although this research is more applied in nature, it isn't as clinical as I would have liked and I still haven't found profound enjoyment in it. Consequently, for my thesis, I have made the decision to transition to a different lab that focuses heavily on clinical aspects. In this new setting, my research will explore whether Alzheimer's disease can be truly understood as a disorder of consciousness. Additionally, I will be investigating the impact of certain factors in the care of cardiac patients, specifically examining whether these factors contribute to cognitive impairment following surgery. While searching for graduate programs, I stumbled upon a talk at UBC featuring Peter Reiner and Jennifer Chandler. It was during this event that I finally discovered a topic that genuinely piqued my interest. I have always been someone who relishes philosophical conversations and debates where there is no clear-cut right answer. Consequently, I could envision myself pursuing a career as a neuroethicist and immersing myself in this field, both as a teacher and a researcher. This path resonates with me far more than any other career options I had previously considered. Research interests: Neurodiversity, Brain-Based Legal Implications, Deep Brain Stimulation and Neural Engineering, Neuroscience and Free Will/National Security, Medical ethics, Brain-computer interface, Education/Global Health Reasons for joining: I joined the INS with the intention of immersing myself in a community that explores neuroethical ideas and connects me with individuals actively working in the field. My goal is to broaden my understanding of the current state of neuroethics, identify areas that are currently overlooked but deserve attention, and expand my knowledge within this captivating domain of study. Hopes for engaging: I aspire to cultivate a robust network of individuals with whom I can engage in meaningful discussions and forge connections. By doing so, I aim to gradually shape and refine my own unique interests within the field. Favour NerriseStanford University  About me: Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering, previously obtained B.S. and M.S.dual degrees in Computer Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Most recently been conducting research on generating digital biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders using digital technologies and AI. Research interests: Neurodiversity, Brain-Based Legal Implications, Neurotechnology and Artificial Intelligence, Alzheimer’s Disease, Medical ethics, Brain-computer interface, Education/Global Health, Science communication Reasons for joining: I want to explore and understand how to bridge understanding policy and regulatory pathways as it intersects with various facets of neuroscience research and innovation. Hopes for engaging: I hope to work alongside fellow scientists, academic leaders, and more to impart our experiences of expanding the domains of what is possible with neuroscience to better prepare foundations for ethical neuroscience policies that can be consistently maintained and understood. Lastly, I hope to be challenged in my thinking, opinions, and practice to broaden my perspectives and knowledge of how to build a better society through neuroscience research and technology that embodies the needs of others and protects their welfare. Sandro CrameriUniversity of Fribourg  About me: I'm about to graduate from my Master of Law at the University of Fribourg, I have also a keen interest in psychology, neuroscience and the questions surrounding mental health. In a few days I will start my first job as a jurist for the authority for protection of the people without the capacity to make legal decisions (ex: children, people with mental illnesses, etc.). I was born in Ticino, Switzerland, my mother tongue is Italian but I studied law in French since I'm part of a linguistic minority and there isn't a university of law in Italian in Switzerland. During my Master's I specialized in comparative law and in human rights. Research interests: Cognitive enhancement, Brain-based legal implications and Neuroscience and Free Will/National Security Reasons for joining: I'm very interested in the field of neuroscience and the questions posed by the rights to mental health and I'm even considering pursuing a degree in neuroscience in addiction to my degree in law. I'm also planning on possibly writing a doctoral dissertation that touches the topic of neuroethics. Hopes for engaging: I hope to learn more about this fascinating field. |