Justin Tanner

Faculty, Arizona State University

I am an experienced neurophysiologist interested in the perceptual connection between our mind and machines. These perceptions can be harnessed and manipulated via haptics (vibro/electrotactile) and peripheral nerve stimulation, and can be enhanced with neuromodulation of behavior and body ownership.

At Washington State University, I developed a strong interest in the capabilities and future of neuroprosthetics, specifically practical sensory feedback. In order to pursue that field, I obtained B.S. degrees in both Bioengineering and Neuroscience in 2010. Continuing, I earned my Biomedical Engineering Ph.D from the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering at Arizona State University in 2017. My dissertation, Gamma Band Oscillation Response to Somatosensory Feedback Stimulation Schemes Constructed on Basis of Biphasic Neural Touch Representation, uses work on psychophysics of movement perception, encoding somatosensory modalities, and cortical representations of mechanical and peripheral nerve stimulation. This culminates in support of complex temporally dynamic stimulation patterns to better mimic “natural” touch.

Every second, our brains use our senses to manage and error-check our perceptions. Over years of experience, we develop idiosyncratic understandings associating those inputs to meaningful concepts, allowing us to interact with our world in a personal way. My personal goals are (1) to advance practical sensory feedback through haptics and/or more invasive means as a way to restore and enhance peoples’ ability to experience their environment, (2) utilize neuromodulation to manipulate perceptions and optimize behavioral performance, (3) and apply my understanding of both to investigate the creative process.