Barak Reibman

I have always been curious about the brain and in particular how we create conscious visual experience. As my artistic practice grew from a COVID hobby to an avocation, I began to become more interested in the intersection of visual arts and neuroscience. When my mom recommended Your Brain on Art, by Dr. Susan Magsamen, I saw the stars align in front of me. I then had the amazing opportunity to take the first edition of the Neuroaesthetics class at Hopkins, taught by Dr. Magsamen. Since finishing the class, and re-re-reading YBOA, my passion for this field (or these fields) has only grown stronger. I imagine a future where, through art, we develop a deeper understanding of the brain and simultaneously unlock new and previously unthinkable ways of improving our lives.

I am currently a research scientist at the University of Washington, in the Neitz lab, in the department of ophthalmology. The lab studies the retinal circuits involved in color vision, myopia, and circadian training. Specifically, I study the mechanisms underlying the analgesic effect of light.