Dr. Saman Sargolzaei, associate professor of engineering at the University of Tennessee at Martin, will present the Fall Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Lecture at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, in Room 206 of the Boling University Center.
His lecture will explore the ethical, legal and cultural conundrums attached to research and technologies that affect the human brain.
Neuroethics is an emerging field that addresses the implications of advancements in neuroscience and neurotechnology.
Public and private efforts over the last decade have developed new tools to deepen understanding of the human brain, with technologies capable of sensing, recording and decoding brain signals.
Other research has sought to stimulate, modify and augment brain function.
“While current work has predominantly focused on medical and therapeutic uses, there are already examples of commercial technologies for wellness, behavior modification, education and gaming,” Sargolzaei said.
Responsible development and use of neurotechnologies will require significant and open collaboration among societal stakeholders, engineers, scientists, policymakers and corporations.
Sargolzaei directs the Brain Autonomy and Resiliency Lab, where he leads interdisciplinary projects funded in areas such as autonomous vehicles, virtual reality and agricultural cybersecurity.
His doctoral research at Florida International University explored the role of brain networks in diagnosing and evaluating neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
Other graduate and postdoctoral research has included the mapping of neural pathways, implantable assistive technologies and the effects of mild traumatic brain injury and concussion on brain networks.
The event is hosted by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. The event is open to the public. Reservations are not required but may be made through UT Martin’s Runway events page. For more information, contact Dr. Chris Hill, president of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 127 at 731-881-7292.
