After5NewYork - Neuroscience of the Supernatural: Haunted or Hallucinating?

Are paranormal experiences truly supernatural or simply the brain playing fascinating tricks on our perception, memory, and senses? A Conversation on Ghosts, Hallucinations, and How the Brain Makes Sense of the Unknown Join a neuroscientist and researcher for The Neuroscience of the Supernatural: Haunted or Hallucinating?, a fascinating exploration of what happens in the brain when we experience things we can't easily explain. From seeing shadows and hearing unexplained sounds to feeling a presence when no one is there, paranormal experiences can feel incredibly real. Together, we'll uncover how the brain processes perception, creates patterns, fills in gaps, and can sometimes produce vivid experiences that challenge our understanding of reality. What We'll Cover: • Why the brain can make the supernatural feel real - Explore how our brains interpret sensory information and how fear, expectations, memory, and our environment can influence what we see, hear, and feel. • The neuroscience behind unexplained experiences - Discover the science behind sleep paralysis, hallucinations, déjà vu, false memories, and the eerie sensation of feeling that someone or something is nearby. • Where perception meets reality - Examine why our brains sometimes create experiences that feel completely real and explore whether these moments point to something supernatural or reveal just how powerful and complex the human brain can be. Whether you're fascinated by ghosts, paranormal experiences, psychology, or neuroscience, you'll leave with a new perspective on the mysterious experiences that make us question what is real and a deeper appreciation for the incredible brain behind it all. Don’t miss this chance to connect with your After5Society. About The Speaker: Sophia Faisal is a neuroscience and computer science researcher whose work explores the fascinating connections between the brain, behavior, perception, and decision-making. A Barnard College graduate with research experience at Columbia University’s Kellendonk Molecular Psychiatry Lab and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, she has studied behavioral processes, psychiatric disorders, and decision-making through experiments, data analysis, and computational modeling. Sophia is also passionate about making science accessible and engaging, having served as Editor-in-Chief of the Columbia Science Review. She brings together neuroscience, psychology, and scientific curiosity to explore why experiences can feel completely real and what they reveal about the remarkable complexity of the human brain. Good to know before you come: • Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email • Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled • The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward • This is a participatory event • Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate