Name: Kyle O’Sullivan
Hometown: Freehold, NJ
Previous Degrees, Institutions: BS in Neuroscience from Allegheny College, PA
Research Interests/Project: The interaction between brains and machines, specifically the improvement of foreign body response and brain-computer interface longevity. My project focuses on minimizing the tissue damage caused by the insertion and subsequent movement of the electrode.
Honors/Awards:
- Psi Chi psychology honor society (2017)
- Phi Delta Tau philosophy honor society (2017)
- National Technology Honor Society (2012)
- Allegheny College Alden Scholar (2014-2017)
Interests outside of Research: I really enjoy writing, especially poetry and philosophy essays. I also enjoy cooking, gaming, and long road trips.
Tell us something about yourself that otherwise we wouldn’t know or guess: I come across shy at first, but I can be very talkative and social once you get to know me.
15 Minutes of fame: In high school I won the 2010 New Jersey TSA state competition for rubber band plane flight endurance, and I placed first the following year in AutoCAD design.
What can’t you live without: Olives, especially green ones. I go through a jar of them every few days.
Favorite place to eat in SLC or surrounding area: “The Rest” speakeasy
Favorite activity in SLC or surrounding area: I love visiting national parks, and some of the best ones are around Salt Lake!
I’ve always wanted to: Be the captain of a ship!
Favorite quote: “Not all those who wander are lost”- JRR Tolkien
Best kept hidden secret about Utah: I originally thought Salt Lake was a “dry” city, but the speakeasies and bars here are more interesting and fun than many other cities I’ve been to.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received or given: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” – Winston Churchill
If there is one thing you could tell your lab mates, what would it be? Thanks for all the help you’ve given me! Since my background is more bio than engineering, I sometimes have a bit of catching up to do.
What is your favorite movie? Dr. Strangelove