Discovering Neurotechnology with Tom Budzynski

This article summarizes projects and experiences the author shared with Thomas Budzynski over two decades of friendship and collaboration. Examples include a variety of sound and light stimulation systems, including Budzynski's use of such devices in a clinical context; his Hemifield project; and subliminal audio techniques. The author discusses Budzynski's role as director of research for SynchroMed, LLC, a small Seattle-based neurotechnology research and development company. His work there culminated in a two-university study of the effects of light and sound stimulation and GSR biofeedback on the academic performance of college students. Finally, some of Budzynski's ongoing preliminary research ideas are described. These include high/low alpha ratios and their potential application to the enhancement of cognitive skills and Budzynski's “brain brightening” concept, which used multifrequency flicker stimulation intended to evoke broadband shifts in electroencephalogram spectral activation.