I completed my PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Coimbra in January 2026.
My thesis explored the integration of music as a feedback modality in real-time fMRI neurofeedback systems. Building on years of work at the intersection of neuroscience, music, and technology, the research systematically reviewed music-based BCIs, advanced fMRI acquisition techniques, decoded musical emotions using MVPA, and validated a novel connectivity-based music neurofeedback interface.
Thesis details
- Title: Listen to your brain: exploring music as an interface for real-time fMRI neurofeedback intervention
- Year: January 2026
- Institution: University of Coimbra (Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia)
- Supervisors: Bruno Direito, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Teresa Sousa
Key contributions
- • Systematic review of music in neurofeedback and BCIs
- • Advanced multiband fMRI for improved temporal resolution
- • MVPA decoding of musical valence and arousal
- • Novel music-based neurofeedback interface using connectivity
- • Public release of data and code for reproducibility
The work demonstrates that music can serve as an intuitive, emotionally engaging, and effective feedback modality for real-time brain self-regulation.