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The Computer and the Brain: A Data Analytics Talk 4-Part Series
Format:
Each session is 60 minutes long, including a 45-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A period. Talks are accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences with an interest in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and human behavior.
Each session is 60 minutes long, including a 45-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A period. Talks are accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences with an interest in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and human behavior.
Overview:
The Computer and the Brain is an interdisciplinary talk series exploring the intersection of computational power and cognitive insight through the lens of data analytics. Each session features a distinguished speaker presenting a unique application of data analytics that bridges technology and human understanding. From neuroscience and healthcare to artificial intelligence and social behavior, this series highlights how data-driven approaches are transforming our ability to understand, model, and enhance both machines and minds.
The Computer and the Brain is an interdisciplinary talk series exploring the intersection of computational power and cognitive insight through the lens of data analytics. Each session features a distinguished speaker presenting a unique application of data analytics that bridges technology and human understanding. From neuroscience and healthcare to artificial intelligence and social behavior, this series highlights how data-driven approaches are transforming our ability to understand, model, and enhance both machines and minds.
Objectives:
- Showcase diverse, cutting-edge applications of data analytics.
- Foster discussion on ethical, scientific, and technological implications.
- Inspire innovation at the interface of computation and cognition.

Part 1: Can Smart Earbuds Serve as a Safe, Non-Invasive Alternative to Brain Implants for Device Control?
Exploration Points:
- Brain Computer Interface Myth vs. Reality
- Naqi – Bridging People and Devices
- Naqi in Action – Demonstration
Date: June 11, 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Speaker: Dave Segal (Founder, Chief Innovation Officer, Naqi Logix)

Part 2: Everyday Analytics: Harnessing Health Data and AI to Improve Healthcare and Your Well-being
Healthcare data is growing exponentially and becoming increasingly important. In this talk, I will be discussing the healthcare data landscape, current data challenges and how to overcome them, and how you can use healthcare data and AI to improve your organization and well-being.
Date: August 6, 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Teray Johnson (Director of Data Automation and Transformation, Lifepoint Health)

Part 3: AI Agents and All That Comes With It
Introduction to AI agents, what they are, why one should build, and how the industry is using it.
Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Sonam Gupta (Developer Advocate , aiXplain)

Part 4: Cognitive Architectures: How AI Systems and Human Minds Process Information Differently
This talk explores the fundamental differences and surprising parallels between human cognition and artificial intelligence systems. Drawing from both neuroscience and computer science, Dr. Ravula will examine how neural networks, large language models, and other AI architectures process information compared to the human brain.
The discussion will highlight key distinctions in pattern recognition, contextual understanding, and creative problem-solving, while exploring the implications for human-AI collaboration. Attendees will gain insights into the complementary strengths of human and artificial intelligence, and how this understanding can inform the development of more effective AI systems that augment rather than replace human capabilities.
Date: December 17, 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Sridhar Ravula (Adjunct Faculty, Columbia University)
Past Events
Click on the event below to find details, recordings, and slides presented.
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