Research Impact
Revolutionizing Brain Health Monitoring: Integrating Neuroimaging with Daily Life
Imagine a future where monitoring brain health is as routine and effortless as checking a smartwatch. In this future, devices do much more than track heart rate or monitor sleep; they provide real-time insights into cognitive states and brain activities. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as object recognition and large language models, these devices could decode visual scenes and languages directly from brain recordings in real-time. This integration would revolutionize brain-computer interfaces (BCI), offering profound benefits for those with communication impairments and fundamentally altering human-computer interaction.
My research is driven by making this vision a reality through the development of advanced neuroimaging technologies that integrate seamlessly into daily life. Collaborating with the optical neuroimaging community, I aim to combine technological advancements with a deeper understanding of human cognitive functions to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application.
Current neuroimaging methods, like fMRI, though powerful for academic studies, are impractical for everyday applications due to their logistical demands. In response, technologies such as High Channel Count Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) have emerged. These modalities employ near-infrared light to measure blood dynamics—mirroring the neurophysiology captured by fMRI—and are continually improving to serve as effective substitutes in naturalistic applications. Notably, advancements by companies like Kernel and NIRx in commercializing wearable systems exemplify significant steps toward making everyday neuroimaging a reality.
This paradigm shift enables earlier and more frequent monitoring of brain health, which could preemptively detect and mitigate severe medical conditions. This idea of brain-based biomarkers and precision medicine was a major factor drawing me into neuroscience and now engineering. I am dedicated to developing these technologies with a strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring they are free from the biases that often pervade medical research. This focus aligns with my philosophical view on how science should impact society and underscores the critical role of personalized medicine in eliminating healthcare disparities.
My thesis research is focused on validating semantic encoding and decoding in fiber-based HD-DOT systems, establishing the foundation for future wearable technologies that could seamlessly integrate language-related brain mapping into daily life.
Note on Content Reuse: The content on this page was also part of my application for the Google Fellowship to describe my research impact essay.