Sneha Aenugu's Science Journey: Brains, Electricity, and Sci-Fi
July 11, 2024
Sneha Aenugu, a native of Hyderabad, India, is a detective of neural mysteries. Her path has led her to explore how humans learn, act, and make decisions in the real world. In the lab, Aenugu, a member of John O'Doherty's research group, designs experiments that set out to answer difficult questions using a familiar activity: video games. She shared her unique journey—and what she is learning along the way—with middle and high school students.
The questions and answers below have been edited for clarity and length.
What motivated you to study neuroscience?
The question of human intelligence and how we made it to the pinnacle of biological evolution always intrigued me. Working with artificial intelligence made me realize that maybe the answer is not that far from our understanding. Engineering tools enable us to look inside our brains and see what happens, while computational tools help us formulate theories on how what happens in the brain enables us to do the things we do.
When I heard about these tools, my mind was blown. I had been scared that studying the brain was just biology. But then I realized that the language of the brain is electricity. Since I had a background as an electrical engineer back then, neuroscience felt like something I could do. I could help figure out the biggest mystery of the human mind just doing what I love, which is math and physics.
How does art influence your work?
Art, music, and humor are a big part of being human, which adds so many colorful dimensions to our state of being. As a neuroscientist, I am curious about the neural correlates of creativity in artistic endeavors and why art is so transcendental to human experience. Personally, I write poetry, practice improvisational dancing, and I am learning to play the violin.
How did your childhood experiences shape the scientist you are today?
As a child, I never imagined being a scientist. I always knew I wanted to do some good in the world, but I thought I'd go into public service to do that. (My father wanted to be a civil servant but couldn't be, so I thought I would be one.) In middle school, I realized that I loved solving tricky math problems. They really stimulated me. In high school, my love transferred to physics. I really loved how humans came to explain the world around us through math, and I particularly enjoyed learning about scientists who made such groundbreaking innovations.
My love for physics enabled me to advance to the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad, a high school competition on astronomy. I attended a selection camp to get a spot in the international Olympiad, and although I didn't make the cut, I got to meet and hear from all the esteemed scientists of the country who do science for a living. That was where I had the first inkling that I wanted to be a scientist.
What are your favorite books and movies?
Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. I love sci-fi and fantasy because I think what science can do is make today's fiction become tomorrow's reality.
Maybe when we figure out why humans are so good at learning things, we can understand how to create genuine artificial intelligence, true intelligence, not the machines we see today. Like our own R2-D2 or C-3PO. And just as an engineer asks, "How does a TV work? How does an airplane work?" I want to ask, "How do humans work?" I feel like I've come a long way through my journey, but I also feel like I'm just beginning. And the journey goes on.
On, May 3, 2024, Aenugu presented her Science Journey to a group of approximately 350 students, teachers, parents, and Caltech and Pasadena community members. Watch the full presentation, including the student Q&A, below.
About the Series
In Science Journeys, Caltech graduate students and postdoctoral scholars discuss a range of scientific topics that spark students' curiosity and provide educators with supplemental resources to continue that exploration in the classroom.
Each one-hour field trip includes a presentation and Q&A. Programs are designed for middle and high school students. All events are free through the generosity of the Friends of Beckman Auditorium, but registration is required.
Visit the Science Journeys website to register yourself or your classroom for the 2024–25 season and to watch past presentations.
