SCOTT IMBRIE

We are honored to present Scott Imbrie, Dare 2 Care’s Second Annual Commemoration Keynote Speaker.

Imbrie was pronounced quadriplegic at the age of 22 after a car accident broke his neck. After years of physical therapy and healing allowed him to regain movement again, he underwent surgery in October 2020 at the University of Chicago to add four specialized electrodes into his brain. Now he spends 3 days a week at the University of Chicago participating in a study called Brain Computer Interface (BCI). Imbrie controls a robotic arm and hand with sensory feedback using only the thoughts in his brain. The study aims to both understand how the motor cortex sends and in turn receives sensory data. Beyond being able to trigger grasping or pinching movements in a robotic hand by concentrating on motor imagery, Imbrie has had the experience of feeling true-to-life sensations communicated back to him through the robotic hand. He will share his perception of sensations, motor functions and movement after his life-changing surgery and his thoughts and unique experiences as a participant of BCI studies. As he assists in exploring the frontiers of neurological research, Imbrie encourages researchers to envision the potential of science to transform lives in ways we have to imagine, as well as highlight where traditional research has blind spots.

Scott Imbrie’s story will inspire you, exemplifying, why animal research and their researchers are important. His story is a testimonial to all your hard work!

Watch Imbrie’s Brain Computer Interface video where he shares his experience being part of a study on spinal cord injuries and the use of brain computer interfaces. These important components were developed with academic researchers who first created the technology working with non-human primates. **Please note, this video contains content that includes photos of living brain and surgical appliances.