Fiction as a Tool for Science Innovation, with Dante Terese, Author of The Base Series
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
Release Date: 06/09/2025
How the Brain Knows It's Wrong: Endogenous Error Detection in BCIs with Camille Gontier, PhD
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
🧠 What if your brain could realize it made a mistake before anyone else notices? Can a brain-computer interface (BCI) detect when you're going off track—and correct itself in real time? In this compelling episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we sit down with Camille Gontier, PhD, to explore his BCI Award–nominated project: Endogenous modifications in M1 activity allow online error detection and correction in human BCI, developed at the Rehab Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh. Camille shares how his team used intracortical recordings from the primary motor...
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Neurotech for Cognitive Health & Brainspan Support with Ramses Alcaide, PhD, CEO of Neurable
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
How can brain-computer interfaces become everyday tools for optimizing cognitive health, performance, and longevity? In this episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we speak with Dr. Ramses Alcaide, CEO and co-founder of Neurable, a pioneering neurotechnology company developing scalable, software-based BCI solutions designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday devices—from headphones to helmets to future AR wearables. Ramses shares how Neurable’s technology—originally born from his PhD research—enables users to track brain states like attention, fatigue, anxiety, and even...
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Symbols, SEALs & Self-Discovery: Navigating Career Uncertainty with Cristina Leira, PhD
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
What does it take to shape a career that bridges neuroscience, national defense, and the timeless power of symbols—while navigating the upheavals life throws your way? What happens when the career you’ve spent decades building suddenly disappears? How do you rebuild your identity when what you do is no longer who you are? In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Cristina Leira, PhD—a multilingual psychologist, educator, and researcher whose career has spanned continents, disciplines, and elite military units. From translating for Argentina’s Air Traffic Control Training Center to...
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From Lab to Legislation and Startups: An Unconventional Neurocareer with Amanda Wiggins, PhD
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
What does it look like to take a neuroscience degree far beyond the lab? In this episode, we explore a career path that crosses scientific research, government regulation, and biotech entrepreneurship with Dr. Amanda Wiggins, CEO of The cGP Lab. Amanda began her career investigating neurodegeneration and cortical spreading depression. Over time, her passion for real-world impact led her into public policy—where she helped shape New Zealand’s Human Tissue Act and advised on regulations for stem cell research and genetic technologies. Today, she leads a company advancing neuroprotective...
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Fiction as a Tool for Science Innovation, with Dante Terese, Author of The Base Series
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
What if the key to tomorrow’s scientific and technological breakthroughs lies in today’s science fiction? In this special-format episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we step outside our typical interview structure to explore the power of imagination as a driving force behind scientific innovation. Our guest, Dante Therese—science fiction author, screenwriter, and creator of The Base trilogy—brings a fresh perspective on how fiction, research, and creativity intersect. Her research-informed storytelling weaves together suspense, military science, and real-world advances...
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Medtech Clinical Trials in Latin America & Career Paths with bioaccess® CEO Julio M Clark
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
What if clinical trials could save lives and launch your global medtech career? What happens when you combine cutting-edge medical devices, international clinical trials, and a relentless drive to create real-world impact? Meet Julio M. Clark — CEO of bioaccess® and host of the LatAm MedTech Leaders podcast — who turned a one-man regulatory operation into a pioneering contract research organization transforming healthcare across Latin America. In this episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we explore: How Latin America became a hub for first-in-human clinical trials The...
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Ultrasound Implant Against Glioblastoma: Disrupting the Blood-Brain Barrier with Michael Canney, PhD
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
What does it take to challenge the deadliest brain tumors with sound waves? How do you scale a medtech startup into a multinational clinical company? And what advice can a top neuro-oncology innovator offer to those hoping to follow a similar path? Welcome to Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible! — The podcast where we explore the extraordinary journeys of those advancing the future of neuroscience and neurotechnology. I’m your host, Dr. Milena Korostenskaja. Today we’re speaking with Dr. Michael Canney, the Chief Scientific Officer at Carthera, a clinical-stage medtech company...
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Connectomics in Pediatric Epilepsy: A Clinical Research Scientist’s Career with Puck Reeders, PhD
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
How do you turn massive clinical imaging data into insights that change lives? What does it take to move from a psychology undergrad to a pioneering role in pediatric brain research? And how can coding, connectomics, and curiosity shape a meaningful clinical career in neuroscience? In this inspiring episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we sit down with Dr. Puck Reeders, Senior Neuroscience Research Scientist at the Brain Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. From her early days in Curacao to building novel neuroimaging pipelines in one of the nation’s oldest pediatric...
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From Hobby to Startup: Pi-EEG and Neurotech Education Tools with Ildar Rakhmatulin, PhD
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
How does a personal passion project turn into a groundbreaking neurotech startup? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ildar Rakhmatulin to explore his remarkable journey from academia to entrepreneurship — and how a global chip shortage sparked the creation of Pi-EEG, a Raspberry Pi-based BCI device that’s transforming neuroscience education. Discover how Ildar’s open-source innovation makes brain-computer interfaces more accessible, engaging both the research community and curious learners. We dive into the evolution of his work, from the RMBCI project to the Pi-EEG platform, and...
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Curiosity, Leadership, and the Science of PTSD: Career Lessons from Prof. Deborah Beidel
Neurocareers: Doing The Impossible!
How can innovative technologies like VR and neuromodulation improve how we understand and treat PTSD? How can curiosity and leadership open doors in neuroscience and mental health? What does it take to build a meaningful career impacting millions? In this inspiring episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, Dr. Milena Korostenskaja (Dr. K) sits down with Prof. Deborah Beidel — Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor of Psychology and Medical Education, and Executive Director of UCF RESTORES — to explore a career built on courage, innovation, and compassion. Career Development with Purpose...
info_outlineWhat if the key to tomorrow’s scientific and technological breakthroughs lies in today’s science fiction?
In this special-format episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we step outside our typical interview structure to explore the power of imagination as a driving force behind scientific innovation. Our guest, Dante Therese—science fiction author, screenwriter, and creator of The Base trilogy—brings a fresh perspective on how fiction, research, and creativity intersect.
Her research-informed storytelling weaves together suspense, military science, and real-world advances like brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), robotic limbs, synthetic cartilage, and speech restoration technologies.
But this conversation goes far beyond the page.
You’ll discover how to:
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Use your imagination as a tool to generate new ideas—especially when you're not yet ready to implement them in a lab.
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Translate complex, innovative thinking into writing to build clarity, confidence, and even prototypes for future projects.
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Tap into different cognitive modes—focused and diffuse thinking—to unlock creativity and solve hard problems with new insight.
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Stay resilient and inspired even if your ideas do not 'fit' the current day standards.
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Apply storytelling strategies and character development to create your own science fiction story!
Whether you're a neurotech innovator, a scientist in search of creative spark, or a writer fascinated by emerging technology, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that the future often begins in imagination—and that doing the impossible sometimes starts with telling the story.
Chapters:
00:00:01 - Writing and Creativity
00:02:52 - The Importance of Imagination and Creativity
00:14:07 - Exploring Imagination and Insect Inspiration
00:19:59 - Exploring Idea Generation and Creativity
00:24:47 - Writing and the Fun of Elimination
00:29:05 - Persistence in Search and Recovery
00:33:32 - Persistence in Creative Endeavors
00:36:30 - Reviving Abandoned Spaces Through Imagination
00:40:57 - The Role of Villains in Storytelling
00:44:03 - Responsibility of Writers and Creators
00:52:07 - Writing Process and Character Development
00:54:55 - Character-Driven Science Fiction Writing
01:02:00 - Exploring Lives Beyond One Sentence
01:05:00 - Impact of Farming Background on Students
01:11:37 - Identical Twins and Their Communication
01:16:10 - Daily Writing Discipline and Growth
01:18:24 - Finding Dante's Books
01:21:24 - AI's Impact on Writing and Thinking
Ready to step inside a world built from plot twists and pill bugs? Tune in now.
About the Podcast Guest:
Dante Terese is a suspense fiction author and screenwriter who conjures gripping worlds where science, story, and imagination collide. Best known for The Base—a high-stakes thriller series where military scientists design insect-inspired technology—Dante weaves together cutting-edge research and character-driven storytelling to build immersive realities that blur the line between fiction and future. Driven by childlike curiosity and an insatiable love for details, Dante explores how creative thought can unlock real-world innovation. Whether through writing, filmmaking, or character alchemy, she believes stories have the power to reimagine not just the world we live in—but the one we could.
🖋️ Explore more of Dante’s work:
🌐 Website: https://www.danteterese.com
📚 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dante-Terese/author/B0BTRKGRCY
🎬 YouTube Channel (The Base): https://www.youtube.com/@TheBaseSeries
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in neurotech and Brain-Computer Interfaces, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
- Identification and pursuit of career goals
- Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development
- Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice
- Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies
- Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
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