Michael Kihanya is a neuroscientist and auditory explorer. His studies at Western Washington University intersect Behavioral Neuroscience and Audio Technology. In graduate school and beyond, Michael’s objective is to combine artistic and empirical work to explore our brain’s interactions with sound, while implementing discoveries into clinical and therapeutic settings. He hopes to use neuroscience in engaging with the currently-unknown qualities of sound to promote healing in human brains. Michael believes the questions we have about the brain can be intentionally approached through both art and science.

​

            As a musician and creative, Michael plays saxophone, piano, and drums. He has extensive experience in DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) such as FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools. Moreover, his studies in audio technology have prepared Michael to step into any professional studio with confidence. His musical influences include Scott Mescudi, Kay Gardner, Laraaji, Bob Dylan, Thebe Kgositsile, The Ramones, and Rick Rubin.

​

           As an undergraduate, Michael’s research experience includes recording ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in C57BL/6J and BTBR T+tf/J mice to assess sociability. He developed protocols linking bioacoustics and convolution neural network processing.

​

           When Michael is not studying for his next midterm, he enjoys running, reading, writing poetry, and playing lacrosse.