Throughout July, our lab welcomed more than 100 high-school students from across the region for a fast-paced, hands-on immersion into the science that powers brain-technology interfaces. The one-day module was part of Drexel’s BIOMED Summer Academy and showcased how we translate neuroscience discoveries into real-world tools for health, performance, and human–machine collaboration.
What the Day Looked Like
| Session | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Cognition & fNIRS | • Mini-lecture on attention, memory, and workload • Live demo: students handled wearable fNIRS sensors and watched real-time hemodynamic signals |
| Brain-Computer Interfaces & EEG | • Overview of BCI concepts and career paths • EEG cap demo with a game-control task—thinking to move the cursor! |
| AI, Robotics & HRI/HCI | • Intro to human–robot interaction and ethical design • Interactive exercise with “Pepper,” our humanoid robot, to experience cooperative problem-solving |
| Virtual Reality, Gaming & Physiological Signals | • Tour of VR/AR/MR ecosystems • Students strapped on heart-rate, EDA, and eye-tracking sensors, then tested a VR maze to see the body–brain link in action |
Why It Matters
“Today is about neuroengineering… we teach students about different methods and techniques we use to study human brain function… They go through hands-on experiences with these technologies to understand what they do.” — Hasan Ayaz, quoted by WHYY News WHYY
Early exposure to cutting-edge neurotechnology can spark lifelong curiosity and build the diverse STEM talent pipeline our field needs. Students left with:
- Practical skills in recording and interpreting brain and physiological signals
- Insight into AI-driven neuroergonomic applications, from aviation cockpits to surgical training
- Inspiration to pursue biomedical engineering careers that improve lives
In the News & Media
- Feature article: “Drexel’s Biomed Summer Academy attracts high schoolers interested in STEM careers” (WHYY, Aug 4 2025) WHYY
- On-air segment: WHYY 90.9 FM audio story (1 min 34 sec)
- Video recap: YouTube highlights — see the students collaborating with Pepper!
Thank You
A huge shout-out to our instructors: Adrian Curtin, Candida Barreto, Yigit Topoglu, Bartu Atabek, Saqer Alshehri, Kevin Ramirez Chavez, Yeshesweeni Baskar, Afomiya Esayas, Samarth Mannikeri, Kimo Gidwani, Kieran Conroy, Earli Ismaili —for delivering engaging demos, as well as student mentors Zuhal Ormanoglu, Danielle Shoshany, and Mert Deniz Polat, and BIOMED Summer Academy director Lisa Williams for flawless logistics.
Finally, thank you to the inquisitive students whose energy made the event unforgettable!
