Publications & Media
A running list of my research, talks, podcasts, and media. I'm a PhD student in Dynamical Neuroscience at UC Santa Barbara, working in the Bionic Vision Lab on visual prosthetics and accessible technology. If something here is out of date or missing, let me know.
Peer-Reviewed Papers
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Aligning visual prosthetic development with implantee needs
An interview study with Argus II and Orion implant recipients, revealing the gap between researcher expectations and implantees' real-world experiences. (* equal contribution)
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Data Navigator: An Accessibility-Centered Data Navigation Toolkit
A JavaScript toolkit for accessible, multi-modal navigation of data structures and visualizations via screen reader, keyboard, speech, and gesture.
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VisionAI — Shopping Assistance for People with Vision Impairments
A mobile app to enhance the in-store shopping experience for people with vision impairments.
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Navigating the last mile: Evaluating head- and cane-mounted cameras for egocentric spatial awareness
Evaluates combining head- and cane-mounted cameras to support spatial awareness and last-mile navigation for blind users.
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Use of Computer Vision to Develop a Device to Assist Visually Impaired People with Social Distance
A COVID-era assistive computer-vision device to help blind and low-vision people maintain social distance.
Preprints & Workshop Papers
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Beyond Sight: Probing Alignment Between Image Models and Blind V1
Compares evoked neural activity in the V1 of a blind human with a cortical implant against deep neural network representations.
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Sustained stimulus-selective multi-unit activity in human primary visual cortex
Conference abstract on multi-unit recordings in human V1 with a cortical visual implant.
Thesis
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Master's thesis on top-down visual pathways and their application to cortical visual prostheses.
Research Projects
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NeuroAI Models of the Visual System (Project Lead)
I lead this project on understanding the visual system in health and disease to inform neuroengineering and visual prostheses.
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Towards a Smart Bionic Eye (Project Affiliate)
Building practical, useful artificial vision now, rather than waiting to restore natural sight.
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Understanding the Information Needs of People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Studying the strategies blind and low-vision people use for daily activities to guide future accessibility aids.
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Assistive Technologies for People Who Are Blind
Integrating computer vision into assistive devices to improve urban navigation and environmental interaction.
Talks & Appearances
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The Vision of a Blind Scientist: Journey, Challenges, and the Future of Visual Prostheses
Invited talk at the World Blindness Summit on my path as a blind scientist and the future of visual prostheses.
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2nd Workshop on Accessible Data Visualization (AccessViz) — Organizing Committee
Co-organizer of the second workshop on accessible data visualization at IEEE VIS.
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1st Workshop on Accessible Data Visualization (AccessViz) — Organizing Committee
Co-organizer of the inaugural workshop on accessible data visualization at IEEE VIS.
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Assistive device for social distancing for blind users (3-minute pitch)
My undergraduate research pitch on a depth-camera device to help blind users keep social distance.
Podcasts
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A kid-friendly episode where I explain how vision works in the brain and whether sight without eyes is possible.
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On the Smart Bionic Eye project, navigation as a blind person, and designing implants that complement the cane.
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NeurodiverCity — An 'eye-opening' conversation on bathrooms
A panel discussion on neurodiversity in cities, sensory experiences, and accessible design.
Writing & Letters
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At a Loss for a McCartney Ticket
A letter on being shut out of buying Paul McCartney tickets because the AXS website was incompatible with my screen reader — and the case for digital accessibility.
Media Coverage
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The follow-up: after my letter, Paul McCartney's team reached out and made sure I got front-row seats to the show.
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A Future Where Blindness Is No Barrier: The Smart Bionic Eye
An NLM blog post on the Smart Bionic Eye, with an audio-described video and quotes from me.
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Seeing the future: Michael Beyeler's work in neurotechnology earns him top faculty award
A UCSB feature on the Bionic Vision Lab that highlights my work as a blind PhD researcher.
Labs & Profiles
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Bionic Vision Lab (UC Santa Barbara)
My research home, advised by Michael Beyeler.
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Smith Lab (Carnegie Mellon University)
Matthew Smith's computational neuroscience lab, where I did my master's work.
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My graduate program profile.
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Profile and personal essay on my path from Brazil to neuroscience research.
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Full, automatically updated list of my publications and citations.
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My open-source code, including the source for this site.