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Tomás Vega
Co-Founder at Augmental Tech
Professional Background
Tomás Vega is an innovative technologist dedicated to enhancing human capabilities through the development of assistive technologies. With extensive experience in implementing cutting-edge solutions at the intersection of cognitive sciences and computer technology, Tomás has actively contributed to a variety of projects focused on augmenting human performance beyond natural limitations. He began his career at a young age, grounding himself in the essentials of computer science during his secondary education at Markham College in Lima, Peru. Learning the fundamentals of computing set the stage for his future pursuits in technology and cognitive neuroscience.
Tomás earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in Computer Science and Cognitive Science from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. His academic rigor and passion for exploring human cognition led him to further his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he obtained a Master's degree in Media Arts and Sciences. At MIT, Tomás not only expanded his technical prowess but also delved into research that bridged the gap between human cognition and technological interfaces.
Professionally, Tomás has worn many hats in the tech industry, beginning as a Software Development Intern at Universidad De San Martin De Porres, where he gained insight into practical applications of computer science. He subsequently became a Web Developer for Cracking your Creativity Code, which provided him a platform to hone his programming skills and creativity.
At UC Berkeley, Tomás took on roles including Research Assistant at the Tactical Hybrid Ecologies Lab and Teaching Assistant for CS 198, where he nurtured future talent in his field. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found the Cognitive Technology Group, where he became the Lead Developer, driving innovative projects that harness new technologies to enhance cognitive functions. He also co-founded Vibrotact, which was focused on developing sensory augmentation tools.
Tomás furthered his technical acumen as an Inventioneer at the CITRIS Invention Lab. His journey then took him to Apple, where he worked as a Siri Advanced Development Intern. This experience was instrumental in understanding how advanced technologies can better interface with user needs, informing his overarching goal of creating seamless connections between humans and machines. His work at Augmental Tech as a Human-Computer Interface Engineer marks a significant chapter in his career, where he focuses on developing new input and output interfaces to enable enhanced human sensory and cognitive abilities.
Education and Achievements
Tomás Vega's educational journey reflects his commitment to becoming a leader in the field of technology driven by an understanding of human cognition. His studies at UC Berkeley provided him with a strong foundation in computer science principles while simultaneously developing his understanding of cognitive processes, leading to a unique perspective on technology development that prioritizes user experience and cognitive effectiveness.
At MIT's Media Lab, Tomás participated in interdisciplinary work that seamlessly integrated media arts and sciences with innovative technology solutions aimed at expanding human capabilities. His projects during this time exemplified the creative potential of technology when applied thoughtfully to cognitive enhancement.
Throughout his career, Tomás has demonstrated a keen ability to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. His work towards understanding and utilizing neural plasticity showcases his dedication to not only designing technologies but also to understanding the underlying mechanics of how humans interact with these systems. This knowledge equips him with the tools necessary to engineer perceptual experiences that can change how people engage with their environments, both consciously and subconsciously.
Notable Achievements
- Co-Founder and Engineer at Augmental Tech: In this role, Tomás has been pivotal in developing assistive technologies that redefine how users interact with devices, significantly benefitting individuals with sensory and motor impairments.
- Research Contributions: Tomás's research at both UC Berkeley and the MIT Media Lab has led to groundbreaking insights into cognitive technology, particularly in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication systems.
- Cognitive Technology Group: As co-founder and lead developer, he played a critical role in projects aimed at enhancing cognitive abilities through technology, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving human-computer interaction.
- Siri Advanced Development Intern at Apple: His internship at one of the world's leading technology companies allowed him to work on voice recognition and personal assistant technologies, enhancing his understanding of human interface design.
- Award-Winning Projects: While at MIT, he was involved in projects that received accolades for their innovative approach to assistive technology, validating his approach to merging technology and cognitive science to improve user experience.
Tomás Vega continues to forge his path as a leader in the realm of assistive technology. Constantly pushing the envelope on how technology can be leveraged to augment human abilities, he is guided by a passion for understanding the intricacies of the human brain and how synthetic interfaces can enrich our lives. In his pursuit to ultimately design the 'human of the future,' Tomás represents an inspiring blend of vision, innovation, and a commitment to enhancing the human experience through technology.
Highlights
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