Computer Hardware & NeuroAI

Drew
Di Donna

Neuroscientist, hardware expert, and STEM community leader.

▼

01 · About

I'm a research neuroscientist and computer hardware expert with an M.S. in Integrative Neuroscience from Georgetown University School of Medicine. In the lab, I build and maintain the high-performance workstations behind my fMRI, EEG, and neuromorphic research.

My research interests include the relationship of consciousness and connectomics, brain–computer interfaces, neuromorphic computing, the neuroscience of language, NeuroAI, the intersection of cybersecurity and the brain, and the adversarial testing of large language models.

I'm a graduate researcher in Georgetown's Laboratory for Computational Cognitive Neuroscience and a member of OpenAI's invite-only Forum for AI/ML researchers.

Languages: Python · MATLAB · R · TypeScript · Bash · Kotlin · C# · LaTeX
Research: Consciousness & connectomics · BCIs · Neuromorphic computing · Neuroscience of language · NeuroAI · Adversarial LLM testing
Hardware: Lab workstations · FPGAs · Data recovery · Procurement · Custom builds · Laptop & desktop repair
Education: M.S. Neuroscience,
Georgetown University B.S. Neuroscience,
George Mason University
Experience: 3 research labs · 5+ years active

02 · Experience & Leadership

Graduate Research Assistant
Georgetown University Medical Center 2025 – Present

I conduct representational similarity analyses on 7T fMRI and high-density EEG data to uncover how the brain learns novel concepts, using MATLAB, SPM, CoSMoMVPA, and MRIcroGL. I help implement auditory EEG and behavioral experiments, and I worked with Technical University of Munich researchers to qualify breakthrough dry EEG electrodes. Advisor: Dr. Maximilian Riesenhuber.
- 7T fMRI
- High-density EEG
- RSA
- MATLAB · SPM
Research Assistant
NeuroMorpho.Org · Krasnow Institute 2023 – 2025

I curated the world's largest collection of peer-reviewed neural and glial reconstructions and metadata, drawn from over 1,000 international lab submissions. I trained eight interns on reconstruction and visualization software (Cvapp, Neuromantic, Neurolucida), presented a research poster, and budgeted and upgraded 20+ lab workstations. Advisors: Dr. Giorgio Ascoli & Dr. Carolina Tecuatl.
- Neuroinformatics
- Data curation
- Mentorship
- Lab infrastructure
Research Assistant
Parsa Research Lab 2021 – 2023

I researched and presented on FPGAs, spiking neural networks, and neuromorphic computing at weekly graduate roundtables. I tuned hyperparameters for a simulated event-based camera for self-driving cars on the BDD100k dataset (with USC and Northwestern), and debugged neuromorphic architectures alongside Oak Ridge National Lab. Advisor: Dr. Maryam Parsa.
- Spiking neural nets
- FPGAs
- Event cameras
- SLURM / HPC
OpenAI Forum Member
OpenAI 2024 – Present

I'm a member of OpenAI's invite-only Forum for AI/ML researchers, where I take part in sessions on the future of math with AI, AI red-teaming, neuroscience with AI, and AI in education.
- AI red-teaming
- NeuroAI
- Research community
Co-Organizer & Web Designer
TEDxGeorgeMasonU 2024 – 2025

I co-organized and designed the web presence for TEDxGeorgeMasonU, handling speaker outreach, interviews, and publishing talks to the TEDx YouTube channel, where one earned a TEDx Editor's Pick.
- Event production
- Web design
- Community
Neuroscience Media Lead
Center for Neuroengineering 2025 – Present

I'm the media lead for Georgetown's Center for Neuroengineering, where I drive the dissemination of science and find new avenues for funding through brand growth, content strategy, and promoting open science.
- Science communication
- Content strategy
- Open science