Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!

About Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!

Unlock the secrets of a career in neuroscience and neurotechnologies with our neuron-packed podcast! From inspiring success stories to cutting-edge industry advancements, we've got it all. Join us as we chat with exclusive guests and uncover the keys to thriving in this dynamic field. Plus, we'll dive into some mind-blowing topics like neuroenhancement, brain-computer interfaces, and the future of brain-based technologies. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is the podcast for you. So, come along for the ride and discover your unique path in neuroscience with us! Hosted by The Institute of Neuroapproaches LLC and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. Don't forget to check out our website https://www.neuroapproaches.org/ and subscribe to our newsletter https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news for even more fun and engaging insights and updates.

Publisher

Milena Korostenskaja, PhD

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 May 2020

Latest episode

12 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

144 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Apr 2026

   Neuromechanics: Engineering the Brain with Prof. Sylvia Budday & Oscar Neumann

   What if understanding the brain required thinking like a mechanical engineer? In this episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible, we explore an emerging field that is reshaping neuroscience—neuromechanics, where forces, stiffness, and material properties become key to understanding the brain and spinal cord. 🧭 From Engineering to Neuroscience Professor Sylvia Budday and doctoral researcher Oscar Neumann share their unconventional journeys into neuroscience—from mechanical and civil engineering into one of the most interdisciplinary frontiers of brain research. Oscar's path began in civil engineering, studying structures and materials, before transitioning into modeling spinal cord tissue. Sylvia's journey led her to apply continuum mechanics to the brain—revealing insights that traditional neuroscience alone could not explain. Their stories highlight a powerful idea: 👉 Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from outside the field. 🧠 Understanding the Brain as a Mechanical System At the core of neuromechanics is a fundamental question: How do mechanical forces shape the nervous system? Their work shows that the brain is not just biological—it is also: Ultra-soft and highly dynamic Viscoelastic (responds differently over time and conditions) Sensitive to forces, pressure, and deformation Key insights include: Brain folding during development can arise from mechanical compression Neural cells respond to stiffness gradients, guiding growth and regeneration Gray and white matter behave differently depending on how they are tested These discoveries challenge long-held assumptions and open new ways of understanding brain function and disease. 🧗 Challenges: Studying the Softest Tissue in the Body Working with brain and spinal cord tissue presents unique challenges: Extreme softness makes experiments difficult and highly variable Results differ depending on measurement method, scale, and conditions Translating findings from ex vivo to in vivo remains complex Bridging language and knowledge across disciplines (engineering ↔ biology) As Oscar describes, even measuring something as "simple" as stiffness becomes a complex scientific problem. 🔬 Bridging Scales: From Cells to Systems One of the most exciting aspects of neuromechanics is its ability to connect multiple levels of the nervous system: Cellular level: how neurons sense and respond to mechanical cues Tissue level: how properties like stiffness influence structure System level: how the brain deforms during surgery or injury By combining experiments with computational models, their work aims to build digital twins of the brain—simulations that could transform research and clinical practice. 🚀 Applications & Future Directions Neuromechanics is opening new possibilities across neuroscience and medicine: Spinal cord injury & regeneration (e.g., stiffness-guided repair strategies) Neurosurgery (accounting for brain deformation during procedures) Brain development & disorders (e.g., epilepsy-related malformations) Biomaterials design (e.g., hydrogels for tissue repair) Looking ahead, the field is moving toward: Integration of AI with physics-based models Development of patient-specific brain simulations Better in vivo measurement techniques 💡 Career Insights for Aspiring Neurotech Innovators Sylvia and Oscar offer powerful advice for those entering the field: Your original discipline is your strength—not a limitation You don't need to know everything about neuroscience to start Learn by collaborating across fields Be ready to build a "shared language" with other disciplines Curiosity and persistence matter more than a perfect background 👉 Interdisciplinary science is not about switching fields—it's about connecting them. 🌱 Closing Reflection This episode reveals a profound shift in how we think about the brain. What once seemed unlikely—using mechanical engineering to understand neural function—is now unlocking entirely new directions in neuroscience. As this field grows, one thing becomes clear: The future of neuroscience belongs to those who can think across boundaries. Chapters 00:00:02 - Neuromechanics: Engineering the Brain and Spinal Cord 00:03:33 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Brain Biomechanics Research 00:06:33 - From Civil Engineering to Biomechanics Research 00:10:25 - Defining Neuromechanics: Mechanics in Brain Development 00:14:15 - History of Mechanics in Brain Research 00:16:03 - Applications of Neuromechanics in Regeneration 00:20:58 - Brain Tissue Mechanics: Stiffness and Measurement Methods 00:28:17 - Lab Protocols and Experimental Discrepancies in Tissue Testing 00:31:46 - Experimental Variability in Neural Tissue Mechanics 00:35:13 - From Ex Vivo to In Vivo Brain Testing 00:39:43 - AI and Hybrid Models in Biomechanics Research 00:45:22 - Mechanical Engineering Skills for Neuromechanics 00:51:47 - Learning Neuroscience Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration 00:55:36 - Mechanical Engineering Insights in Brain Tissue 01:00:55 - Mechanics in Brain Surgery and Research 01:04:34 - Balancing Career and Parenthood in Academia 01:06:50 - Thank You and Neurocareer Resources Available About the Podcast Guests Professor Sylvia Budday Professor Sylvia Budday is a Professor of Continuum Mechanics and Biomechanics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen–Nürnberg (FAU), Germany. Her research focuses on understanding the brain and spinal cord through the lens of mechanics—exploring how physical forces influence development, function, and disease. She leads the Brainiacs research group and is a key contributor to the Collaborative Research Center "Exploring Brain Mechanics (CRC 1540)", where interdisciplinary teams work at the intersection of engineering, neuroscience, and medicine. 🔗 Learn more: Lab website: https://www.lkm.tf.fau.eu/ Research Center (Exploring Brain Mechanics): https://www.crc1540-ebm.research.fau.eu/ (https://www.crc1540-ebm.research.fau.eu/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvia-budday/ Brainiacs Lab: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brainiacs-lab/ Oskar Neumann Oskar Neumann is a doctoral researcher in neuromechanics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen–Nürnberg (FAU). With a background in civil and mechanical engineering, his work focuses on the mechanical characterization and computational modeling of spinal cord tissue. His research explores how mechanical properties—such as stiffness and loading conditions—affect spinal cord injury and regeneration, contributing to the development of more realistic models and potential therapeutic strategies. 🔗 Learn more: Lab website: https://www.lkm.tf.fau.eu/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskar-neumann-a1209b175/ 🌐 Additional Resources Collaborative Research Center LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exploring-brain-mechanics-collaborative-research-center/?viewAsMember=true 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 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 neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/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

2. 

   6 Apr 2026

   From Sword Art Online to Reality: BCI-Based Virtual Embodiment with Taiga Seri

   Can we control a virtual body as naturally as our own—using only brain activity? This question, inspired by the iconic series Sword Art Online, was set by Taiga Seri, a PhD researcher at Keio University. Answering this question led Taiga to the nomination for the International BCI Award, bringing all of us one step closer to a future once imagined in science fiction. 🧭 From Sci-Fi Inspiration to Scientific Direction Taiga shares how a middle school encounter with immersive virtual reality concepts sparked his long-term vision: eliminating physical boundaries and enabling humans to interact, move, and connect in fully immersive digital worlds. 🧠 Building Intuitive Avatar Control At the core of his research is a non-invasive, multimodal brain-computer interface that combines: EEG signals (including ERD and PMBR for movement and stopping) Eye-tracking data Real-time scene understanding (semantic segmentation) This system allows users to: Walk using imagined movement Stop intentionally using brain signals Navigate environments through natural, unconscious gaze patterns The goal is true embodiment, where users feel the avatar is their own body. 🧗 Challenges: From Concept to Reality Taiga discusses key challenges, including: Achieving intuitive (not forced) control Measuring something as subjective as agency and ownership Integrating neuroscience with machine learning and computer vision Bridging the gap between current BCI performance and seamless real-world usability 🔬 A Breakthrough in Measuring "Agency" One of the most innovative aspects of his work is the use of auditory event-related potentials (ERP) as a neural biomarker of agency. His findings suggest: Higher control success → stronger sense of agency Intentional stopping increases agency beyond standard controls Brain-based control can, in some cases, rival traditional gaming interfaces This opens new possibilities for objectively measuring embodiment in neurotechnology systems. 🚀 Applications & Future Directions Taiga envisions applications across: Neurorehabilitation (e.g., stroke recovery) Gaming and immersive environments Remote human interaction without physical constraints His long-term goal: 👉 A world where distance no longer limits human connection—where people can meet, interact, and experience reality together in shared virtual spaces. 💡 Career Insights for Aspiring Neurotech Innovators Taiga shares valuable advice: Start with a clear vision—even if inspired by fiction Seek environments where you can build independently Combine disciplines (neuroscience + AI + engineering) Find your unique angle—something no one else is doing 🌱 Closing Reflection This episode is a powerful reminder that today's neurotechnology breakthroughs often begin as yesterday's imagination. As Taiga puts it: "Dream first. That dream will guide your science." Chapters 00:00:02 - Brain-Controlled Avatars: The Future of BCI 00:03:22 - Bioinformatics and Neuro-Rehabilitation Research 00:08:58 - Diving into Virtual Worlds Without Moving 00:14:37 - Removing Spatial Limitations Through Immersive Technology 00:18:14 - Vision Shapes Your Path and Opportunities 00:24:55 - Multimodal Recording Opportunities in Neuroscience 00:31:03 - Stroke Rehabilitation Using Brain-Computer Interfaces 00:34:35 - Post-Movement Beta Rebound and EEG Activity 00:39:00 - ERD, PMBR, and Event-Related Synchronization Explained 00:41:03 - Embodiment: Ownership vs Agency in BCI 00:44:52 - Ownership vs Agency in Virtual Avatars 00:51:07 - Auditory ERP Measures Agency in Virtual Environments 00:58:15 - Unconscious Eye Movement for Direction Control 01:03:19 - Eye Gaze Tracking at Intersections vs Straight Roads 01:07:47 - Finding Neural Markers of Embodiment and Agency 01:14:41 - Investigating Embodiment Through Peripersonal Space 01:18:23 - Tips for Award Submissions and Finding Your Uniqueness 01:23:15 - Pursuing International Research Experience During PhD 01:26:09 - Dream Big to Fuel Your Future Success The International BCI Award series is sponsored and organized by g.tec medical engineering. Submit your work for the BCI Award today! https://www.bci-award.com/Home (the submission deadline is September 1st). About the Podcast Guest Academic Title and Affiliation: Taiga Seri is a Doctoral Research Fellow supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS DC1 Research Fellowship). He is based in Japan and conducts his research at Keio University, within the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Biosciences and Informatics, under the supervision of Professor Junichi Ushiba. Research Interests and Goals: Taiga's work centers on the concept of embodiment—exploring how virtual avatars can be experienced not simply as external tools, but as true extensions of the self. In his research, he combines multimodal brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) with innovative approaches such as auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) to both induce and measure this sense of embodiment. Looking ahead, Taiga aims to translate these advances into clinical applications, particularly to support individuals with physical impairments in regaining activities of daily living. As part of this vision, he plans to pursue postdoctoral research in laboratories specializing in invasive BCIs, expanding his expertise and challenging himself in new research environments beyond his current institution and country. 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 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 neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/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

3. 

   3 Oct 2025

   Complex Tactile Feedback for Brain-Controlled Bionic Hand with Giacomo Valle, PhD

   What if a bionic hand could move with your thoughts and also let you feel edges, shapes, and even motion across your skin? In this special episode of the Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible! BCI Award Series, host Dr. Milena Korostenskaja sits down with Dr. Giacomo Valle, assistant professor at Chalmers University of Technology and 1st place winner of the 2024 BCI Award, to explore his groundbreaking research on restoring complex touch through brain-controlled bionic hands. Giacomo takes us on a journey from his early work with peripheral nerve stimulation in amputees to today’s intracortical microstimulation of the somatosensory cortex, where participants experience naturalistic sensations of edges, motion, and even shapes. Along the way, he draws fascinating parallels between visual cortical prosthetics and tactile neuroprosthetics—showing how insights in one field can spark breakthroughs in the other. The episode also honors the legacy of his late mentor, Professor Sliman Bensmaia, whose pioneering contributions to the science of touch continue to shape the field. Giacomo shares a moving story from the first fingertip implant experiments, capturing the emotional moment when participants once again felt through artificial stimulation. We also dive into new research overturning old beliefs about brain reorganization after amputation. Long thought to cause cortical maps to shift, new longitudinal studies reveal that body representations in the brain remain remarkably stable—even decades after limb loss. This discovery opens new doors for amputees and the future of neuroprosthetics. 🌍 Whether you are a researcher, student, or simply curious about the future of neuroscience and technology, this conversation offers a rare inside look at how science is giving people back one of the most human experiences: the sense of touch. 🎧 Tune in to discover: How brain implants recreate complex tactile sensations Why direct cortical stimulation often feels more natural than peripheral approaches The inspiring intersection between vision and touch neuroprosthetics What stable cortical maps mean for amputees and future prosthetic design Giacomo’s career path, advice for young neurotech researchers, and his vision for the future ✨ And make sure to attend the upcoming BCI Award Ceremony 2025, where Dr. Giacomo Valle will serve as jury chair—celebrating the next wave of world-changing breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces. BCI Award is sponsored and supported by g.tec medical engineering, Austria. About the Podcast Guest: Giacomo Valle, Assistant Professor in Bionics at Chalmers University of Technology, Head of the Neural Bionics Lab (https://www.neuralbionicslab.com/ (https://www.neuralbionicslab.com/)). - Lab: The overall scientific goal is to investigate how the natural human sensorimotor system is encoding relevant information for expressing flexible behavior and to create models able to unveil the underlying neural mechanisms. The overall biomedical goal is to engineer neuroprosthetic devices leveraging how understanding of the natural biological system in order to improve the medical condition of people with neurological impairments. -The study: Targeted brain stimulation is a promising approach for restoring the sense of touch in individuals with prosthetic hands. However, current protocols fail to mimic the natural richness of information about objects. Valle et al. developed and assessed in individuals with spinal cord injury some intracortical microstimulation approaches able to deliver enriched somatosensory percepts similar to those evoked in natural touch, including the sensations of edges, convex and concave curves, and motion (see the Perspective by prof Paul Marasco). Appropriate spatiotemporal stimulation has the potential to evoke complex somatosensorial experiences.' - Team: Cortical Bionics Research Group with the special mention to Prof. Sliman Bensmaia (who unexpectedly passed away in August 2023) for his incredible support, inspiring brainstorms, and unique passion during the study. Prof. Bensmaia rigorously investigated these features of natural touch in both humans and monkeys during his career. He inspired and pushed us to leverage what we learned from touch encoding to shape new ICMS paradigms in the context of human BCI. - Participants: We thank the participants for their generous contribution to the advancement of science. BCI Pioneers Coalition (https://bcipioneers.org/). 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 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 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 #BrainComputerInterface #BCI #Neuroprosthetics #BionicHands #SyntheticTouch #ComplexTactilePerception #IntracorticalMicrostimulation #ICMS #SomatosensoryCortex #Neurotechnology #NeuralInterfaces #NeuralEngineering #NeurotechCareers #FutureOfNeurotech #BrainControlledProsthetics #RestoringTouch #NeuroscienceCareers #BCIAward #NeurocareersPodcast #DoingTheImpossible #GiacomoValle #MilenaKorostenskaja

Who has been a guest on Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Amanda Wiggins
• Dante Terese
• Julio M Clark
• Dr Michael Canney

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 59 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

87

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

77

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