mar estarellas
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"The distinction between the two cultures of science and humanities persists. Until that fundamental divide is closed or at least reconciled, in some congenial manner, the relation between man and the living world will remain problematic." Biophilia, Edward O. Wilson
The objective of my current post-doctoral research project is twofold. First, to employ a diverse range of analytical and computational methods, with an emphasis on information theory, to discern the neural informational features that correlate with consciousness and cognition across a spectrum of conscious states and populations, including those affected by dementia. Second, beyond the pursuit of fundamental scientific knowledge, a significant portion of this research is dedicated to using these biomarkers for early detection, stratification, and prognosis of dementia. My previous (PhD) research has focused on the intersection of neuroscience, medical imaging, and artificial intelligence, specifically in the context of understanding disease progression models of Alzheimer's disease. Throughout my PhD, I developed data-driven disease progression models of Alzheimer's disease. This involved the integration of multiple medical imaging modalities, enhancing our understanding of the temporal and phenotypical heterogeneity in dementia. However, after a decade focused on Alzheimer's biomarkers, I became increasingly interested in the subjective experiences associated with the disease. This shift in perspective led me to explore a more phenomenological understanding of health and aging. As a result, I steered my research towards the field of consciousness, questioning why the academic world had not yet considered Alzheimer's potentially as a disorder of consciousness. Beyond my research, I am deeply passionate about the symbiotic relationship between art, nature, and contemplative practices, and their collective potential to foster mental and ecological well-being. |
Collaborators
- Rosalind McAlpine, Experimental Psychology Department, UCL.
- Daniel Hauke, University College London
- Joshua Brahinski, UC Berkeley
- Antoine Bellemare, University of Montreal
- Nature Therapy Guide, Foundation Floresta, Chile
- Trellis: Arbor collaboration grant - Exploring uncertainty in the caring, research and lived experience of dementia.
Publications
For a full list of publications, check out my Google scholar here.