CORVALLIS, Ore. — Neuroscientist, author and entrepreneur David Eagleman will deliver an address on brain plasticity and how the brain is constantly reconfiguring its own circuitry on Wednesday, Oct. 27 as part of the Provost’s Lecture Series at Oregon State University.
Eagleman is an adjunct professor at Stanford University, where his research focuses on sensory substitution, time perception, vision and synesthesia. He has published several bestselling books, including “Livewired” in 2020, and written for The Atlantic magazine and the New York Times, among others. He also wrote and presented the Emmy-nominated show “The Brain with David Eagleman” on PBS and BBC. A New Yorker profile in 2011 referred to Eagleman as “The Possibilian.”
“We are excited to have Dr. Eagleman share his views on the human brain and how it is constantly evolving,” said Edward Feser, provost and executive vice president at OSU. “His knowledge of the brain and passion for better understanding its complexity and capabilities will inspire all who attend his presentation.”
The free lecture, which is open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. and will be held remotely via Zoom. Following his talk, Eagleman will join Tuba Özkan-Haller, OSU’s acting dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, for a moderated question-and-answer discussion. Registration for Eagleman’s lecture is required. For more information and to register, click here.
In works ranging from textbooks to fiction, Eagleman’s writing explores the infinite pathways and possibilities of consciousness, perception and memory. He is fascinated by the brain’s adaptability and creativity. Within NeoSensory, the company he co-founded, Eagleman and his team have developed wearable devices that deliver precise vibrations to allow people to “hear through their skin.”
Eagleman also studies the intersection of neuroscience and law as the founder and co-director of the nonprofit Center for Science and Law. The center has developed neurocognitive tests that aim to predict future criminal behavior without relying on criminal histories or other factors that can introduce bias.
The Provost's Lecture Series is a partnership of the Office of the Provost and the OSU Foundation to bring renowned thinkers, artists, designers and leaders to OSU to engage the community on topics of global significance.
Recent speakers in the Provost’s Lecture Series include Ibram X. Kendi, Mae Jemison, Henry Louis Gates and W. Kamau Bell.
General OSU
About Oregon State University: As one of only three land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the nation, Oregon State serves Oregon and the world by working on today’s most pressing issues. Our nearly 38,000 students come from across the globe, and our programs operate in every Oregon county. Oregon State receives more research funding than all of the state’s comprehensive public universities combined. At our campuses in Corvallis and Bend, marine research center in Newport, OSU Portland Center and award-winning Ecampus, we excel at shaping today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.
