Synaptic Justice
Season 1
by Oakley Briskman
In this episode, Oakley and Temidola speak with Dr. Juhi Farooqui, a neurotechnology and neuroethics researcher with a PhD in Neural Computation from Carnegie Mellon University, about access and inclusion in the development of somatosensory neuroprostheses which are devices that restore the sense of touch for people with limb loss. They discuss the disparities that shape who receives quality amputation care, what it means to use a human-centered design framework that brings communities into the research process, and how Dr. Farooqui navigates building trust with communities of color in research settings. Resources Referenced: Oliver Rollins's book: Conviction: The Making and Unmaking of the Violent Brain
In this episode of Synaptic Justice, Oakley and Temidola speak with Dr. Jasmine Kwasa about how racial and phenotypic bias shows up in neuroimaging and what it takes to build better, more inclusive neuroscience tools. They discuss the personal moment that changed how Dr. Kwasa approaches her work, how her experience as a Black woman in biomedical engineering shapes the questions she asks, and her role in developing the Sevo electrode adapter to improve EEG signals for people with darker skin and curlier hair. The conversation also breaks down convenience sampling, how exclusion weakens brain research, and what it means to work at the intersection of neuroscience, ethics, and social context. Resources Referenced: Adressing racial and phenotypic bias in human neuroscience methods Untangling Bias: Racial and phenotypic bias in neuroimaging methods must be addressed Work by Ruha Benjamin: Race After Tachnology and Viral Justice Safiya Noble's book: Algorithms of Oppression How Search Engines Reinforce Racism Virginia Eubank's book: Automating Inequality
In this episode of Synaptic Justice, we sit down with neuroscientist, advocate, and program specialist Dr. Termara Parker to explore how systemic racism and technological bias show up in neuroimaging research, and what it takes to dismantle them. Dr. Parker shares her journey into neuroscience, sparked by a high school research project and a deep personal connection to autism through her younger sister. Dr. Parker’s work challenges the foundations of who is seen, included, and supported in brain research, and makes a powerful case for change. Resources Mentioned: Black In Neuro Polygence research mentorship program Free online neuroscience and neuroethics courses on EdX and Coursera
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Carlos Cardenas-Iniguez to explore how race, equity, and neuroscience intersect. We talk about the importance of epistemic humility, the role of social constructs in science, and why it matters to think critically about including race and ethnicity in research. Whether you're new to equity neuroscience or just curious about how science can be more inclusive, this conversation is a great place to start. If you are interested in the study you can access it here: Recommendations for the responsible use and communication of race and ethnicity in neuroimaging research