OBTAIN (Optimizing Brains with Technologies, AI, and Neuroscience)
What if integrating breakthroughs from developmental neuroscience, sensors of learning physiology, assessment tools, and AI could unlock solutions that close the poverty-opportunity gap?
OBTAIN aims to integrate neuroscience, sensor technology, and AI and data science to disrupt the lasting impact of poverty on brain development, mental health, and student success. By integrating advancements in AI and assessment science with safe, unobtrusive classroom and wearable sensors, OBTAIN seeks to tailor instruction strategies according to the stage of each student’s brain development. By monitoring measures of engagement, social interaction, and the physiology of learning–like arousal and anxiety–OBTAIN can provide instructional opportunities that enhance the joy and effectiveness of learning in real-time.
Dr. Giedd is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and educator. A prominent theme of his research has been to explore the path, mechanisms, and influences on brain development in health and illness across the lifespan – first as Chief of Brain Imaging at the Child Psychiatry Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health (1991-2014) and then as a Co-Principal Investigator of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study at the University of California San Diego. His over 500 scientific works have had a transformative impact on psychiatry, neuroscience, public policy, the judicial system, and education making him one of the most cited child psychiatrists in the world [https://www.adscientificindex.com/scientist/jay-giedd/1771446); 500+ papers, 100,000+ citations, citations per paper = 200+, Google Scholar h-index 138)].
Dr. Giedd has a longstanding interest in the science of learning having served as Chief Editor of the International Journal of Brain, Mind, and Education (2014-16) and Chief Editor (NS and Psych) Frontiers for Young Minds (2014-20) – HS students peer review science articles to engage young people’s interest at a time when they are forming career aspirations. He received the Society for Neuroscience Science Educator Award (2012) for effectively communicating science to a broad audience and serves in leadership positions in several national and international education organizations.
Stephan Leeds is an innovator dedicated to deploying science and evidence to ensure every young person leaves PK-12 schooling on a pathway to success. Stephan brings over a decade of commitment to reimagining education to prepare students for purpose, well-being, and a rapidly changing economy.
He recently founded PurposefulEDU, helping schools, districts, and states with EdTech planning, selection, and deployment. In addition, Stephan helps to run the Enfranchisement Foundation and sits on the Executive Committee for the Global Science of Learning Education Network (GSoLEN), an organization representing hundreds of leading researchers, scientists, and practitioners.
Through these organizations, he works to bridge the gap between research and practice to empower students and educators. Previously, Stephan co-founded CareerGenie and Radius Group, two active organizations advancing pathways from education to employment.