Who are you?

I am Maria! I act, sing, write code, design, analyze stuff, write poems and stories, and I have worked in the worlds of theatre/film, tech, and neuroscience research. I have recently worked at the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC. My research interests include the neuroscience of creativity. I have also acted and performed in numerous theater and film productions around the world. I am also the founder of The Magic Light Bulb, Inc., a tech and product consulting firm. Previously, I have taught and worked as a lecturer in the School of Gerontology at USC, worked at The MIND Research Network, as well as various roles in tech. I have received my first Master's degree in Information Systems and Technology from Claremont Graduate University, and my second Master's in Neuroimaging and Informatics from USC. I studied neuroscience and theatre as an undergraduate at University of New Mexico. I have also trained in theatre and performing arts with the faculty of the Moscow Art Theatre School and American Rep Theatre at Harvard University. I am a member of SAG-AFTRA, AEA, Society for Neuroscience and Women in Film.