Daniel Ferguson
Please tell us about your interest in applied brain science. What areas are you most interested in?
I am mostly intrigued by brain training and behavioral response using neuro/biofeedback and augmented/virtual reality.
What is one important thing you are working on now, and where can people learn more about it?
We are working on ways to leverage augmented reality for fully immersive experiences that can impact mood. This will allow us to work with patients even if they are on the other side of the world.
What excites you the most about your current line of work?
As the Founder of the New Dawn Advanced Mind and Body Research and Development, I am passionate about helping people that suffer with depression, bipolar, pain and childhood issues that the current health system often wipes off as ""too hard."
What are 1–2 key things you'd like every person to understand regarding his/ her own brain and mind, that you think is commonly misrepresented or not addressed in the popular media?
I believe few people understand that anyone can refine mind state easily, either via meditation, EEG technology or even a single breath.
Where do you see clear "low-hanging fruit" to enhance behavioral and brain health based on neuroscience and innovation?
Using cutting edge technology, we can envision producing an interactive virtual reality that responds to the user's mind state using neuro/biofeedback. We are looking at a whole new world of brain training and human machine interaction.
What surprised you the most at the 2013 SharpBrains Virtual Summit?
The big data elements of the technology that is already available, which can open a world of opportunity in health, psychology and neuroscience.
Finally, what do YOU do to stay sharp?
Biofeedback for mind state training.
—This conversation is part of the interview series with Speakers and Participants in the 2013 SharpBrains Virtual Summit (September 19-20th). Previous interviews include:
- Sandra Chapman: Using innovative thinking, and brain training, we can rewire the brain at every level
- Dharma Singh Khalsa: Why are yoga and meditation often overlooked for healthy brain aging?
- Sheri Osborn: We should all live a creative life
- Cori Lathan: It's time for an annual brain check-up, a "brain thermometer"
- Teresa Kennedy: Total health includes physical AND mental fitness
