Designing a Pragmatic Metahuman
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Psychology
Advisor Information
Dr. Erik Garcia
Location
CEC RM #201/205/209
Presentation Type
Poster
Poster Size
48x36 or 36x24 (horizontal)
Start Date
22-3-2024 1:00 PM
End Date
22-3-2024 2:15 PM
Abstract
My final project for the J-term class Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs, and Droids, was the culmination of many thought experiments, assignments, and discussions based on unique applications of neuroscience to explain science fiction. Our task was to create a unique superhero, creating the character’s name, developing the background, and use neuroscience to explain the character’s distinct powers in a short story format. My creation was a superhero called Berzerker, Clint Hansen, who was enhanced by a eugenics-obsessed organization but was abandoned due to one of his powers being deemed uncontrollable. Luckily, he was found and raised by an organization dedicated to helping those orphaned due to superpowered circumstances. He boasts superhuman strength, with the bonus of boosted metabolism and speed, and enhanced visuospatial processing. His most unique ability is to enter what he calls “frenzy” where his physical capabilities drastically increase, and all pain is nullified but it comes with huge risks. Unfortunately, his nemesis The Sandman utilizes a sleep paralysis compound delivered via nanobots and sleeping gas making close combat a hazard when it would normally be a strength. Every part of the class helped build up my knowledge of neuroscience while simultaneously challenging me to merge science and science fiction. This class truly helped me to become passionate about a subject and apply that excitement in a useful and creative way. I would encourage any student regardless of major to entertain taking this class since it is both a wonderful introduction to neuroscience and experience overall.
Designing a Pragmatic Metahuman
CEC RM #201/205/209
My final project for the J-term class Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs, and Droids, was the culmination of many thought experiments, assignments, and discussions based on unique applications of neuroscience to explain science fiction. Our task was to create a unique superhero, creating the character’s name, developing the background, and use neuroscience to explain the character’s distinct powers in a short story format. My creation was a superhero called Berzerker, Clint Hansen, who was enhanced by a eugenics-obsessed organization but was abandoned due to one of his powers being deemed uncontrollable. Luckily, he was found and raised by an organization dedicated to helping those orphaned due to superpowered circumstances. He boasts superhuman strength, with the bonus of boosted metabolism and speed, and enhanced visuospatial processing. His most unique ability is to enter what he calls “frenzy” where his physical capabilities drastically increase, and all pain is nullified but it comes with huge risks. Unfortunately, his nemesis The Sandman utilizes a sleep paralysis compound delivered via nanobots and sleeping gas making close combat a hazard when it would normally be a strength. Every part of the class helped build up my knowledge of neuroscience while simultaneously challenging me to merge science and science fiction. This class truly helped me to become passionate about a subject and apply that excitement in a useful and creative way. I would encourage any student regardless of major to entertain taking this class since it is both a wonderful introduction to neuroscience and experience overall.
Additional Information (Optional)
Dr. Erik Garcia Superheroes and Neuroscience Course