Film
Science consulting, panels, and screenings at the intersection of neuroscience, AI, and cinema. I consult on the portrayal of science in film through the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences Science & Entertainment Exchange, and NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
Science Consulting
VERSE — Science Advisor
Science advisor for VERSE, a short drama directed by Noam Argov and funded by a 2024 Sloan Foundation grant through the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Production Award. I was connected to this project through the National Academy of Sciences Science and Entertainment Exchange, which pairs scientists with filmmakers to improve the portrayal of science in media. The film explores identity and trauma through a dual-reality narrative examining the psychological impacts of virtual experiences, the disconnect between online and offline selves, and how digital violence affects real emotional wellbeing. I consulted on the neuroscience and psychology of virtual embodiment, dissociation, and trauma processing. Screening at upcoming film festivals in 2026.
Featured
Body Horror and the Brain
Lecture on visceral responses, the insular cortex, and horror in media. Exploring how our brains process body horror and what that tells us about embodied cognition.
Events
The Evolution of A.I. through Film and in Reality
The Fleet Science Center brought together writers James and Sharla Oliver (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and scientists to explore the role of A.I. in pop culture, media, and beyond. From Metropolis in 1927 to Ex Machina and M3GAN, we discussed the evolution of A.I. representation in media and explored the future of an A.I.-driven world. Panelists: Bea Mendez Gandica, Lataisia Jones, Ajani Brown, Laurel Riek, and myself. Moderated by Andrea Decker, Fleet Science Center.
Babe: Pig in the City — Animal Perspectives in Film
Post-screening presentation on animal perspectives in film, exploring embodied cognition, the evolution of communication, and how animals use signs and signals to convey territory, hierarchy, and meaning. Part of Science on Screen, an initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
The Elephant Man — The Uncanny Valley, Disability, and Bodily Difference
Pre-film talk and post-screening Q&A for David Lynch's The Elephant Man in collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology and Film Geeks SD at Digital Gym Cinema. I discussed the perception of bodily difference, exploitation, compassion, medical ethics, and the uncanny valley in relation to disability. In memory of David Lynch.
Pontypool & Deadstream — Language Zombies and Brain Dissection
I introduced Pontypool discussing the psycholinguistics of semantic satiation, as well as Broca's and Wernicke's area and the role these might have played in the "language zombies" in the film. I also gave an intro for Deadstream. The event featured a brain dissection as part of the Zombie Autopsy.
Shakma & Night of 1000 Cats — Animal Behavior in Horror
I gave scientific film introductions for Shakma and Night of 1000 Cats at the Secret Morgue at the Comic Con Museum, presenting on baboon social behavior, dominance hierarchies, and aggression.
Shakma Intro
Night of 1000 Cats Intro
The Fly — On Teleportation and Human-Fly Hybrids
Pre-show commentary and post-show Q&A for David Cronenberg's The Fly at Digital Gym Cinema, presented in partnership with the San Diego Natural History Museum as part of the Reel Science series. Featured on KPBS Cinema Junkie podcast Episode 30.
Media & Podcasts
Cinema Junkie Relaunch Party
I was doing live remixes of Beth Accomando's DJ interviews of David Cronenberg, Bruce Campbell, David Lynch, and more for the Cinema Junkie video podcast relaunch party on Twitch. Guests shared their celluloid addictions, and the first glimpse of the new Digital Gym Cinema downtown location was revealed.
Pop Culture, Neuroscience, and COVID-19
Radio interview on KPBS Midday Edition discussing the intersection of pop culture, neuroscience, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reel Science — Episode 30
Featured on KPBS Cinema Junkie podcast discussing The Fly, teleportation, embodied cognition, and the Reel Science film series.
Collaborators
