How do you fix the most complex machine in the known universe?

Before scientists can treat the brain, they first have to understand how it works. In this episode of Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, host Angela Gill Nelms talks with Dr. Garrett Stanley, a professor of biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, about the search to decode the electrical signals that drive movement, memory, perception, and decision-making, and how that knowledge could transform the future of medicine.

One of the most striking ideas is that future treatments for neurological disorders may combine medicine, brain implants, and intelligent software that can adapt as a person's brain changes over time. Garrett Stanley explains how technologies like deep brain stimulation are already changing lives and why understanding the brain's signals is the key to making these treatments even more effective.

You'll also hear why many of science's biggest breakthroughs begin with unexpected results, and how recognizing the significance of a surprising finding can change the course of research.

Although Garrett Stanley fainted the first time seeing a real human brain, the experience left him fascinated by the complexity of the organ that stores our memories, dreams, and sense of self, inspiring a career devoted to understanding how it works.

Learn More About Garrett Stanley:

• Garrett Stanley's Website
• Garrett Stanley's Linkedin

Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• https://parkinsons.gatech.edu/

Support Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs – Donate Today:

If you want to support the research you heard about on today’s episode, consider a donation to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. Every contribution—big or small— supports ongoing work and fuels future innovations.

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new

• Select "Designation"
• Choose "Make a Special Gift to Georgia Tech (write in your preference)"
• In the open field, write: "BME Fund for Excellence (555788)

Connect!

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About The Host: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in transforming bold ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. She serves as the Director of Biolocity, accelerating the commercialization of early-stage medical technologies developed at Emory University and Georgia Tech. She is also the Founder and CEO of The AGN Group, and the host of the Badass Leaders Podcast, where she champions courageous, compassionate leadership. Learn more at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.

Meet The HolyShift! Team:

• Produced by: Erin Buckley and Zachary Danziger
• Filming & Editing: Vani Sridar, Katie Hart
• Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy