Sarina Rao's Backstory

Sarina Rao's story is one of ambition, resilience, and a relentless quest to bridge the gap between human cognition and technology. Born in the bustling city of Bangalore, India, in 1995, Sarina grew up in a world juxtaposed between the rich heritage of Indian tradition and the relentless march of technology. Her parents, both software engineers, were part of India's booming technology sector. They provided Sarina with an environment rich in learning, always emphasizing education and the pursuit of one's passions as the pinnacle of personal achievement.

As a young girl, Sarina was fascinated by the capabilities of the human mind. Her grandfather, once a prominent physician in their community, suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Witnessing his cognitive decline had a profound impact on Sarina. She became determined to understand the intricacies of the human brain, hoping one day to find solutions that could enhance and perhaps restore cognitive function.

After excelling in her studies with a particular interest in biology and computer science, Sarina set her sights on the United States, known for its cutting-edge research facilities and academic opportunities. She enrolled at Skidmore College, where she undertook a degree in Neuroscience. The liberal arts environment at Skidmore allowed Sarina to explore interdisciplinary studies, where she began seeing the connections between human biology, psychology, and technological augmentation.

Completing her undergraduate studies with high honors, Sarina entered RPI's Ph.D. program in Biological Neurosciences. Here, she delved into neural engineering, inspired by the potential of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to transform lives. She was particularly influenced by pioneering neuroengineer Ted Mathews, who encouraged her to think beyond conventional boundaries and focus on innovative, scalable solutions.

Sarina's research at RPI focused on the application of deep learning technicals in the development of advanced brain/computer interfaces. She published groundbreaking research on how specific modulations in neural interfaces could potentially be used to reroute neural pathways, repair damaged synapses, and restore or enhance cognitive functions.

In 2029, Sarina entered the StartFast Venture Accelerator. This is her pitch letter.