We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashlei Lewis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ashlei, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share an anecdote or story from your schooling/training that you feel illustrates what the overall experience was like?
Brain-Computer Interface Frustrations: Developing the brain-computer interface (BCI) technology for the game was no easy task. There were numerous challenges, ranging from electrode placement to signal decoding. One particular instance stands out when you spent hours meticulously adjusting the electrode positions on a test subject’s scalp, hoping to achieve a more accurate signal capture. Despite several attempts, the subject’s frustration grew, and you had to find new ways to improve the comfort and usability of the BCI technology. Unexpected Player Reactions: During a user testing session, you invited participants to play the virtual reality game and monitored their responses closely. One player, who was initially skeptical about the game’s potential, became so engrossed in the experience that they refused to take off the VR headset even after the session ended. Witnessing such genuine enthusiasm and immersion from a participant affirmed the impact of your work and motivated you to push the boundaries even further.
Collaboration with Psychologists: As part of the multidisciplinary approach, I collaborated closely with psychologists who specialized in behavior analysis and cognitive sciences. One memorable interaction occurred during a brainstorming session when a psychologist shared insights into human cognitive biases and how they could be integrated into the game’s design. This collaboration added a layer of psychological depth to the gameplay, allowing players to explore and challenge their own biases within the virtual world.
Presenting at a Conference: After years of hard work, you were selected to present your project at a prestigious conference on neurotechnology and psychology. Nervous yet excited, you showcased your virtual reality game to an audience of leading researchers, neuroscientists, and industry experts. The positive reception, engaging discussions, and valuable feedback you received during the conference further motivated you to refine and improve your project.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Neurotech engineering involves the application of engineering principles and techniques to understand and manipulate the brain’s functions. This interdisciplinary field combines neuroscience, technology, and computer science to develop innovative solutions that interface with the brain. Virtual reality (VR) refers to a simulated environment that can be experienced and interacted with by individuals through sensory stimuli, typically using a headset or other devices. VR technology has found applications in various fields, including gaming, education, therapy, and training.
In the context of brain and behavior psychology sciences, my work involves building a virtual reality video game that leverages neuroscience and psychological principles to create immersive experiences for users. The game is designed to explore cognitive processes, emotional responses, or therapeutic interventions. The products/services/creative works you provide as a neurotech engineer building a virtual reality video game in this field could include:
Virtual reality games/experiences: I create engaging and immersive virtual reality experiences that are designed to enhance understanding of the brain and behavior, offering users a unique and interactive way to explore psychological concepts such as:
Cognitive training programs of which I develop virtual reality applications aimed at enhancing cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, problem-solving, or decision-making. These programs could be utilized in educational or therapeutic settings.
Therapeutic interventions of which I design virtual reality experiences that can be used as adjunctive tools in psychological therapies, helping individuals overcome fears, manage stress, or address specific psychological challenges in a controlled and immersive environment.
Research collaborations of which I collaborate with psychologists, neuroscientists, and other experts to conduct research studies that investigate the impact of virtual reality on brain and behavior. My work contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field and may lead to new insights or therapeutic approaches.
The key aspects you might want potential clients, followers, or fans to know about your brand and work in building a fun and immersive tool:
Emphasis on Fun and Immersion: One of the main features of my tool is its focus on providing a fun and immersive experience. While other applications in the field may primarily target medical or ordinary therapies, my tool stands out by prioritizing enjoyment and engagement. It aims to create experiences that captivate users and make the process of exploring brain and behavior psychology sciences enjoyable.
Innovative Approach: My brand and work are characterized by innovation and creativity. By leveraging virtual reality technology, I offer a unique and cutting-edge way for users to interact with psychological concepts. The tool goes beyond traditional approaches and presents a fresh perspective on how to engage with the subject matter.
Blend of Science and Entertainment: My tool strikes a balance between scientific principles and entertainment value. While the focus is on providing a fun experience, it is also grounded in research and psychological insights. This combination allows users to not only have an enjoyable time but also gain a deeper understanding of the underlying psychological processes.
User-Centric Design: My brand places a strong emphasis on user experience and user-centric design. The tool is designed to be intuitive, accessible, and engaging for a wide range of users. By prioritizing user needs and preferences, I create an inclusive and enjoyable environment that caters to different skill levels and interests.
Broad Applicability: While my tool may not be solely focused on medical or ordinary therapies, it has broad applicability in various domains. It can be used in educational settings to enhance learning, in therapeutic interventions to address specific psychological challenges, or simply as a recreational tool for individuals interested in exploring the fascinating world of the brain and behavior psychology sciences.
Commitment to Quality and Impact: My brand is committed to delivering high-quality experiences and making a positive impact. I continuously refine and improve my tool based on user feedback and advancements in the field. By staying at the forefront of technology and scientific understanding, I ensure that my work consistently meets the expectations of clients, followers, and fans.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
“The Brain that Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge: This book explores the concept of neuroplasticity and how the brain can rewire and adapt itself throughout life. It delves into case studies and research on topics such as stroke recovery, sensory substitution, and the potential of neurotechnology to reshape the brain.
“Infinite Reality: Avatars, Eternal Life, New Worlds, and the Dawn of the Virtual Revolution” by Jim Blascovich and Jeremy Bailenson: This book delves into the potential of virtual reality and its impact on human behavior and society. It discusses the psychological and social implications of immersive virtual experiences and the potential applications in various fields.
“Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World” by Jane McGonigal: This book explores the positive impact of games on individuals and society. It delves into the potential of gamification and game design principles to solve real-world problems, including enhancing motivation, collaboration, and personal growth.
“The Tell-Tale Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Quest for What Makes Us Human” by V.S. Ramachandran: This book delves into the mysteries of the brain and the complexities of human behavior. It explores topics such as perception, consciousness, and the relationship between the brain and our sense of self.
And of course research articles from peer reviewed journals in the field- Journals like “Nature Neuroscience,” “Frontiers in Psychology,” and “Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation” publish cutting-edge research in these areas.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, I believe I showed resilience in your project journey. Undeterred by the uncertain times, I was dedicated in creating an immersive virtual reality video game that would merge neurotechnology and mind and behavior psychology sciences.
Finding funding for your project proved to be a daunting task. I experienced multiple rejections, tirelessly sought out potential investors, presenting my vision with determination. My resilience shone through as I fine-tuned your pitches, and tapped into unconventional funding sources.
Equipped with limited resources, including a humble used laptop, I refused to let technological constraints get in my way and break my spirit. I leveraged my ingenuity and resourcefulness to make the most of the available technology, determined to deliver an exceptional virtual reality experience. The pandemic felt like the end of the world, my graduate school campus shut down, thus my graduate assistantship was canceled and I missed my social support face to face. During this challenging period, I faced numerous setbacks and encountered unforeseen obstacles. Yet, my resilience remained unyielding. Rather than succumbing to discouragement, I channeled each setback as an opportunity for growth. I approached obstacles as puzzles to solve, leveraging my problem-solving skills and unwavering commitment to My project’s success.
As time progressed, my project started to gain momentum. I have yet to find funding and have been working my normal job to fund my research efforts and tech for my tools. I traveled to conferences, and formed partnerships with like-minded collaborators who shared my passion for innovation and virtual reality experiences. My ability to persevere through the search for funding, work with limited technology, and overcome frustrations is a testament to my unwavering determination and unwavering spirit. My story serves as a reminder that resilience is not just about weathering storms but also about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and ultimately achieving success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abundntli.wixsite.com/abundntli-univrcity
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundntli_univrcity
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleilewis/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Abundntli