From Music to Neuroscience: My Journey in Sensory Sensitivity

A silhouette of a human head is filled with colorful orbs and musical notes, set against a background of sheet music, symbolizing the interconnectedness of music, creativity, and the mind.

When people hear that I transitioned from being a GRAMMY-producer, engineer, and composer to a neuroscientist specializing in AI ethics and assistive technologies for neurodivergent individuals, their first reaction is often surprise. How does someone go from crafting music in world-class recording studios to developing patented wearable devices and apps that help people with sensory sensitivities, attention, and mental health? On the surface, these fields seem worlds apart. But when I reflect on my journey, I realize that the thread connecting them is my passion for precision, creativity, and empowerment—and, most importantly, my family.

The Early Days: Music as a Language of Connection

Music has always been more than just sound to me; it’s a language that bridges gaps between people. My early career was defined by this belief. As a producer and engineer, I had the privilege of working with artists who trusted me to bring their visions to life. Every note, every emotion, and every frequency mattered. Music production demands an acute sensitivity to detail—something I now recognize as foundational in both science and technology.

In the studio, I learned how to listen deeply—not just to the music but also to the people creating and enjoying it. This skill of listening became invaluable later in life as I transitioned into neuroscience. Whether collaborating with musicians or working with neurodivergent individuals, understanding someone’s unique perspective is key to creating something meaningful to them.

But music wasn’t just my profession; it was my identity. I thrived in the creative chaos of studios, where innovation met technical mastery. At the time, I couldn’t have imagined leaving this world behind. Yet life has a way of steering all of us toward paths we never anticipated.

A Life-Changing Catalyst: Our Daughter Phoebe

The turning point in my journey came when our daughter Phoebe was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and epilepsy at a young age. As parents, my wife and I were thrust into a whirlwind of therapies, interventions, and medical challenges. Phoebe’s drug-resistant epilepsy led her to undergo not one but two brain surgeries—experiences that profoundly shaped our family’s resilience.

As we navigated these challenges together, I began to notice patterns in Phoebe’s behavior that resonated with concepts I had encountered in audio engineering. Her struggles with sensory overload reminded me of how sound frequencies can clash or harmonize depending on their environment. Phoebe's difficulty focusing mirrored the challenges of isolating specific instruments in a crowded audio mix. These observations planted a seed: Could my expertise in sound and engineering be applied to help our daughter—and others like her—overcome sensory sensitivity, attention, anxiety, and fatigue?

Phoebe became more than just my daughter; she became my muse. Her courage inspired me to think beyond traditional therapies and explore how technology could provide accommodations tailored to her needs. It wasn’t about changing who she was—it was about empowering her to thrive in environments that often felt overwhelming.

The Transition: From Studios to Labs

Leaving behind a successful career in music wasn’t easy. The studio had been my sanctuary for years—a place where creativity flowed freely and collaboration sparked innovation. But as Phoebe’s needs became clearer, so did my purpose.

I decided to pursue neuroscience because it offered tools for understanding the brain—the very organ driving Phoebe’s challenges and triumphs. Enrolling at University College London (UCL) as a "later life" PhD researcher was both exhilarating and humbling. Here I was, surrounded by brilliant minds discussing philosophy, neural pathways, artificial intelligence, and cognitive processes while I was still learning the basics of academic research.

What surprised me most during this transition was how much my background in music production informed my approach to neuroscience. For instance:

• Attention to Detail: In music production, every sound matters; even the slightest imperfection can alter an entire composition. Similarly, neuroscience requires meticulous attention when analyzing data or designing experiments.

• Problem-Solving: Studios are filled with unpredictable challenges—broken equipment, creative blocks, or tight deadlines—that demand quick thinking and adaptability. These skills proved invaluable when troubleshooting research methodologies or developing prototypes for assistive technologies.

• Collaboration: Just as producing an album involves coordinating between artists, engineers, and managers, neuroscience thrives on interdisciplinary teamwork. My ability to foster collaboration became a strength as I worked alongside the neurodivergent community, psychologists, and AI experts.

Building Bridges Between Disciplines

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been discovering unexpected parallels between music and neuroscience. Both fields explore patterns—whether it’s musical rhythms or neural oscillations—and seek ways to enhance human experiences.

Take sensory processing as an example. In audio engineering, we manipulate sound frequencies, dynamics, and locations to create harmony or evoke emotion; in neuroscience, we study how sensory inputs like sound or light affect cognition and behavior. This overlap inspired me to develop wearable devices and apps that provide real-time sensory accommodations for neurodivergent individuals.

These devices use principles akin to noise-canceling headphones but are tailored for broader sensory inputs—adjusting lighting intensity or filtering out specific distracting noises based on individual preferences. The goal isn’t to just comfort; it’s to enable autonomy so users can focus on their passions without being hindered by environmental challenges, stigma, or worry.

AI Ethics: Safeguarding Neurodivergent Communities

As my work progressed, I became increasingly aware of the ethical implications surrounding AI-driven technologies for neurodivergent individuals. While AI offers immense potential for personalization and support, it also poses tremendous hyperbole and risks —such as data privacy breaches or biased algorithms that fail to account for neurodiverse perspectives.

This concern led me to specialize in AI ethics alongside neuroscience. My patented wearable devices incorporate ethical safeguards designed specifically for vulnerable populations like those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD. For example:

• Privacy Protections: Ensuring user data remains secure and anonymized is absolutely critical, particularly in high-sensory, challenging environments .

• Bias Mitigation: Training algorithms using diverse datasets that include neurodivergent voices ensures that all voices, emotions, and preferences are accounted for.

• Transparency: Making device functionality clear so users understand how accommodations are provided, to whom, and when they are deleted to safeguard privacy.

AI ethics isn’t just about technology—it’s about trust. As both a scientist and parent advocate, I feel a profound responsibility to ensure these tools empower rather than exploit neurodivergent individuals.

A New Mission: Empowerment Through Innovation

Today, my work is driven by a singular mission: empowering neurodivergent individuals through innovative technologies designed with empathy and ethics at their core. Whether it’s helping someone manage sensory sensitivities or advocating for inclusive AI policies, every project is rooted in lived experience—my own as a father and Phoebe’s as an autistic young woman navigating her early life now through adulthood.

My mission extends beyond research labs or product development; it’s about fostering community connections that amplify neurodivergent voices and those with invisible differences. By collaborating with families like ours and listening deeply to their stories, and importantly to people like Phoebe and those who support her, we can create solutions that truly make a difference.

Looking Ahead: The Intersection of Creativity and Science

As I reflect on this journey—from crafting albums in recording studios to designing assistive technologies and apps—I am reminded that creativity knows no boundaries. Whether expressed through music or science, creativity is ultimately about solving problems in ways that uplift others.

For me personally—and professionally—the transition from music producer to neuroscientist has been transformative but deeply fulfilling because it allowed me not only to reinvent myself but also to contribute meaningfully toward improving lives around me, especially those marginalized by society.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation. By combining insights from music, neuroscience, and AI, we can create solutions that are not just technologically advanced but also emotionally resonant with people whose voice matters. The future of assistive technologies and apps holds immense promise, with AI-driven devices capable of adapting to individual needs in real-time, providing personalized support that enhances autonomy and quality of life.

Moreover, this journey has taught me the importance of empathy and community. As I continue to work with neurodivergent individuals and families, I am reminded that our work is not just about technology; it's about building bridges between different worlds—between science and art, between technology and humanity.

In the years to come, I envision a world where neurodivergent individuals are not just supported but celebrated for their unique contributions. A world where AI ethics ensures that technologies empower rather than exploit vulnerable populations. And a world where creativity, whether expressed through music or science, continues to inspire us toward a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Ultimately, my journey from music to neuroscience has shown me that the most profound innovations often arise at the intersection of seemingly disparate fields. By embracing this intersectionality and fostering collaboration across disciplines, we can unlock new possibilities for human empowerment and create a brighter future for all.