Michael Chorost

Michael Chorost is a leading expert on human/machine integration. In 2001, he went completely deaf and had a computer implanted in his head to let him hear again. This transformative experience not only restored his hearing but also provided the foundation for his book, "Rebuilt: How Becoming Part Computer Made Me More Human." The book details how mastering his cochlear implant enabled him to reach his full creative potential. "Rebuilt" was critically acclaimed and received the PEN/USA Book Award for Creative Nonfiction in 2006.

Chorost holds a PhD with a diverse background that includes computer programming, Renaissance literature, and cultural theory. He studied at Brown University and has not limited himself to one academic field, viewing programming, science, writing, and art as interconnected creative human endeavors. This perspective is also evident in his subsequent work, "World Wide Mind: The Coming Integration of Humans and Machines," where he explores the potential for human-computer integration to enhance community and creativity. Chorost has contributed to numerous prestigious publications, including Wired, The Washington Post, and Technology Review, and penned the screenplay for "The 22nd Century," a TV special on brain implants that aired on PBS in January 2007.

Chorost has an extensive record of media appearances, including features in The New York Times and interviews on NPR programs like "Weekend Edition." He serves in advisory roles for neuroscience research at Northwestern and Brown universities. His speaking credentials include over 80 talks at venues such as Google, MIT, and Stanford, and appearances on television programs like BBC Breakfast TV and C-SPAN’s BookTV. With over 15 years of teaching experience at institutions like Duke and the University of Texas-Austin, Chorost is known for his engaging, thoughtful, and wryly humorous speaking style. His ability to interact effectively with audiences is enhanced by his cochlear implants, which allow him to handle live questions with ease.