What is it like to live with a brain implant?
Integrating technology with the human brain is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are transforming lives today, enabling direct communication between the brain and electronic devices. Though BCIs have opened new doors for medical treatment, accessibility, and human enhancement, what is it like to live with a brain implant — or to rely on one for daily life?
Join us for Wired Lives: Personal Stories of Brain-Computer Interfaces, a live storytelling event presented by The Story Collider. This unique event will feature true, personal stories from individuals who have experienced the profound impact of implantable BCIs. Prepare to be captivated by the real-life experiences of these individuals and their loved ones as they navigate the world with technology integrated directly into their brains. It's a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by the stories that are shaping the future.
Event Details
This event is FREE and open to the public, offering a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of how BCIs are changing lives. Our storytellers will share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, providing a glimpse into the future of human-technology interaction.
Date: Wednesday, May 7
Time: Reception at 4:30 pm, Stories begin at 5:30 pm
Location: Ferst Center for the Arts, Georgia Tech
In partnership with The Story Collider
This event is brought to you in partnership with The Story Collider, which aims to share true, personal stories about science through live events and podcasts. Their mission is to reveal the human side of science, making it accessible and engaging for everyone.
We are also thrilled to collaborate with Science ATL, a longtime partner of The Story Collider, in promoting this special event.
Meet our storytellers
Ian Burkhart
Ian Burkhart is a C5 complete tetraplegic from a diving accident in 2010. He is the founder and president of the BCI Pioneers Coalition and the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium President. After participating in a few clinical trials, he understood the need for engagement of individuals with lived experience from the start. Ian was the first person in the world to restore movement to a paralyzed limb using a BCI neuroprosthetic. He is also the Executive Director of the Ian Burkhart Foundation, which raises funds for medical equipment for other individuals living with paralysis. His research focuses on amplifying the lived experience of people with disabilities.
Scott Imbrie
Scott Imbrie is an incomplete quadriplegic with fine motor skill limitations. His spinal cord injury (C4 through C6) happened from a car accident in 1985 when the seat belt failed. Today Scott is a participant in spinal cord injury research at the University of Chicago where he controls a robotic arm and hand with sensory feed-back. The goal of this study is to restore independents to people with spinal cord injuries. His story is about hope and determination.
Brandan Mehaffie
Graduate University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. Retired Director of Pharmacy Asset Protection Rite Aid Pharmacy. Married 25 years to wife Kelly and have two adult daughters Mae and Riley. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2016 and recipient of deep brain stimulation surgery in 2022. I am a huge sports buff and gym rat. I enjoy spending time with and cooking for family and friends.
Monica Satoskar
Monica Satoskar is a dedicated Senior Test Engineer with over 13 years of experience at GDIT, specializing in ensuring software quality and efficiency. Her expertise in automation testing and quality assurance has been instrumental in delivering reliable solutions. Beyond her professional career, Monica is a devoted mother of two daughters who inspire her every day. She balances her technical work with a deep passion for art and creativity. Her love for resin painting led her to establish MonicaPours, a small business where she creates and sells unique resin artwork. Through her artistic journey, she blends vibrant colors, textures, and natural elements to craft stunning pieces that bring joy to her customers. With a keen eye for detail—both in testing and art—Monica thrives in environments that challenge her creativity and analytical skills. Whether it’s ensuring flawless software performance or pouring resin into mesmerizing designs, she approaches every endeavor with precision, patience, and passion.
Jennifer Walden
Grew up in Montana until the age of 15 then moved to Idaho. Left for the Air Force at the age of 23. Military duty was Aviation Resource Management. My first Air Force base was in Minot North Dakota for 7 years. Next stationed in San Antonio Texas for 3 Years and finished my Air Force career in Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. I moved to Fort Myers Florida at the age of 41 and still live there to this day. I am engaged and will be getting married this year in September. I have lived with seizures and received 2 brain surgeries. I live a very active life with weight lifting and staying healthy.
Thank you for your support
This event was made possible through support from Blackrock Neurotech and Medtronic.
