ESP Biography



ANNA IVANOVA, I want to figure out how humans think




Major: BCS /CSAIL

College/Employer: MIT

Year of Graduation: Not available.

Picture of Anna Ivanova

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I am a young scientist interested in language, thought, and the brain. Recently I've also been thinking a lot about artificial intelligence and how clever (or not) machines really are. I am passionate about knowledge and am excited to spread it around whenever I get a chance!



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

S15490: The Neuroscience of Memory and Intelligence in HSSP Spring 2023 (Feb. 25, 2023)
Ever wonder what's going on in your brain? How do we form memories? Why do we dream? Is mind control really possible? In this course, we will go over cool topics in neuroscience in an easy-to-digest way. We'll talk about neurons, false memories, artificial and human intelligence, and much, much more! The classes will mainly be interactive lessons, with a number of hands-on activities and demonstrations mixed in. During the last class we will tour real neuroscience labs at MIT! We're excited to explore the brain with you!


S13737: The Biological Basis of Neurological Disorders in HSSP Spring 2020 (Feb. 29, 2020)
Neurological disorders are one of the greatest threats to public health, affecting as many as one billion people worldwide. In this course, we will learn about how biological and neural abnormalities contribute to different neurological disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and many more. Just as importantly, we will learn about treatments for these disorders, with a focus on both current and future therapies.


S13110: The Biological Basis of Neurological Disorders in HSSP Summer 2019 (Jul. 07, 2019)
Neurological disorders are one of the greatest threats to public health, affecting as many as one billion people worldwide. In this course, we will learn about how biological and neural abnormalities contribute to different neurological disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and many more. Just as importantly, we will learn about treatments for these disorders, with a focus on both current and future therapies.


X12896: How to Win an Argument in Spark 2019 (Mar. 16 - 17, 2019)
Every day we try to persuade others. Which restaurant should you pick for dinner? Do you deserve an A for this class? Should you be allowed to play an extra hour of video games? As we get older, we need to evaluate bigger arguments too: who should be president? can we solve poverty? is climate change real? This class will teach you the skills required to construct & evaluate an argument - and make it fun! You will get to describe your favorite activities, debate which movie is the *absolute best*, and more.


S12500: Talking Brains: Neuroscience of Language and Thought in Splash 2018 (Nov. 17 - 18, 2018)
What happens in your brain as you read this sentence? Does the language you speak affect the way you think? How are some people capable of learning dozens of languages while others can't go beyond one? Come ponder these questions with us as we discuss the neuroscience of language and human thought.


S12077: Memory and Mind Control: An Introduction to Neuroscience in HSSP Spring 2018 (Feb. 24, 2018)
Ever wonder what's going on in your brain? How do we form memories? Why do we dream? Is mind control really possible? In this course, we will go over cool topics in neuroscience in an easy-to-digest way. We'll talk about neurons, false memories, brain technology, and much, much more! The classes will mainly be interactive lessons, with a number of hands-on activities and demonstrations mixed in. During the last class we will tour real neuroscience labs at MIT! We're excited to explore the brain with you!