Welcome to my website! I'm currently a Ph.D. student in Experimental Psychology at ISU, delving deep into the fascinating intersection of Neuroscience and Music Cognition. But my journey to this point has been anything but linear.

 

My professional life began as a drummer specializing in Jazz & Contemporary Music. I studied at the International Music College Freiburg (IMCF), a subsidiary of Berklee College of Music in Boston, and later at the Music College in Regensburg, Germany. But my love for music didn't stop at performing. I co-founded the Music Factory – School of Music, a thriving platform where I could share my passion for music and nurture the talents of aspiring musicians.

 

Simultaneously, I pursued plant-based nutrition studies with T. Colin Campbell at Cornell University and co-founded Earth Warrior X, an entrepreneurial venture focused on athletic recovery and nutrition. Partnering with WellSport1 and Dr. James Wells, I utilized my entrepreneurial expertise to advance health and wellness solutions for athletes and health-conscious individuals.
Throughout my teaching and entrepreneurial experiences, I was intrigued by the interplay between students' musical expressions, personalities, and mental states. This led me to wonder how our brains understand and interact with music, sparking a deep interest in music cognition.

 

This newfound fascination led me back to academia, and in 2022, I earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. My exemplary academic and research performance earned me the prestigious Order of Merit Award. I then pursued graduate studies in Neuroscience and Endocrinology at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.

 

Additionally, since 2022, I have been actively involved in the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U), founded by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. This vibrant program brings together committed students from around the globe, all keen on confronting the world's most pressing challenges. Within this transformative initiative's ambit, I am crafting and implementing a Commitment to Action—a robust strategy to effect a significant, measurable change on an urgent issue. CGI U is more than just an academic experience; it is a launchpad for impactful change. It offers a dynamic network of like-minded peers, experienced industry leaders, and essential resources. This involvement is critical to my mission of enacting substantial change and contributing to creating a better world.

 

In my current Ph.D. program at ISU, I'm exploring the crossroads of music and brain activity. I'm particularly interested in how we can use Brain-Computer Music Interfaces (BCMI)—tools that convert brainwaves into musical outputs—to "translate" a listener's emotional state into music and understand how this interaction can shape emotions. I'm also investigating the cognitive differences between Beat Induction (how we feel the 'pulse' of music) and Meter Induction (how we perceive musical patterns), exploring whether these are inherent traits or learned musical skills. 

Furthermore, my research examines how the synchronization of rhythmic patterns between individuals impacts brain oscillations and stress levels, with specific attention to the influence of different modes of communication.

 

As I continue on this exciting journey, I invite you to explore my research, join the conversation, and push the boundaries of our understanding of music, cognition, and the remarkable human brain with me. 

 

 

Honors & Awards

INBRE

Issued by Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) · May 2024; Associated with Idaho State University

The INBRE Award is issued by the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program. INBRE is a part of the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program, which is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States.
The INBRE program aims to enhance biomedical research infrastructure, provide research opportunities for faculty and students, and increase the capacity for health-related research within eligible states, which often include regions traditionally underfunded in biomedical research. The award supports various activities, including research grants, student training, and research infrastructure development.

 

Victor C. Joe Scholarship in Experimental Psychology (2024-2025)

Awarded in recognition of academic excellence and potential in experimental psychology. This scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Victor C. Joe, a distinguished professor and former department chair at Idaho State University, who made significant contributions to the field over his 30+ year career. The award supports advanced research and studies in experimental psychology, emphasizing the development of innovative approaches to understanding human behavior and cognition.