New York Tech student Ryan Ahmed sitting at a desk looking at a computer part

Riding the Brain Wave

News Staff| September 4, 2024

When Ryan Ahmed’s father suffered a brain aneurysm, Ahmed sprang into action, developing earbuds that register brain activity. At New York Tech, he has taken his idea even further with the support of the Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center.

Attending New York Institute of Technology for the depth of knowledge, opportunity, and support beyond the classroom, Ryan Ahmed, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, is well on his way to bridging the worlds of technology, brain health, productivity, and entertainment.

During high school he and his friends, including fellow New York Tech student Pari Patel, set out to develop groundbreaking earbuds that could not only play music, but also provide information on brain health. Witnessing his father’s struggle after a brain aneurysm deeply impacted Ahmed. The sudden aneurysm developed into a brain bleed that continues to affect every facet of his father’s life.

Learning that most aneurysms occur without outward signs or symptoms before a traumatic rupture occurs, Ahmed began poring over the science behind brain health. Fueled by his interest in this, Ahmed and his friends discussed how health and wellness are increasingly connected to technology. After all, the Fitbit and Apple Watch have revolutionized the health industry, putting detailed information about heart health, blood oxygen levels, respiration rates, skin temperature, calories, and sleep patterns at our fingertips.

This article originally appeared in the spring/summer 2024 issue of New York Institute of Technology Magazine.

By Denice Rackley

More News

Portraits of Daniel Nasef and Kennette James Basco

Using AI to Detect ECG Abnormalities

Student-led research uses artificial intelligence (AI) models to interpret abnormalities in electrocardiogram (ECG) test results.

Student being hooded by professor

Hooding NYITCOM’s Class of 2025

At ceremonies in Old Westbury, N.Y., and Jonesboro, Ark., the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) ushered in more than 400 new physicians.

Portrait of Jared Littman

Charting a Path to R2 Status

Since joining New York Tech in 2023, Vice Provost for Research Jared Littman, Ph.D., has wasted no time in charting the path to move the university closer to Carnegie-classified Research 2 (R2) status.

Dean Babak Beheshti presents Michael Kohler with his degree

New York Tech’s First Engineering Ph.D. Candidate Graduates

Michael Kohler (M.S. ’22, Ph.D. ’25) earned a Ph.D. in Engineering, marking a pivotal moment for the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences.

Group of students and their professor

Vancouver Energy Management Students Light Up the Competition

April and May proved exciting for Vancouver-based energy management students, who earned awards in energy design and poster competitions.

Portrait of Theodore Flaum

A Legacy of Justice, Perseverance, and Healing

For Jewish American Heritage Month, Theodore Flaum, D.O., professor of osteopathic manipulative medicine, reflects on his heritage and how it has shaped how he teaches, practices medicine, and lives.