CYBOTAGE: Veterans’ Perspectives on Neuroenhancement

CYBOTAGE is a voluntary research and art project led by Arizona State University professor Zeina Barakeh, inviting veterans to share their views on new brain technologies being developed for military use. These technologies, called Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), are devices that connect the brain directly to computers to help with things like communication, focus, and controlling machines hands-free.

We want to hear from veterans about what these technologies mean to you after your service. You can take part in one or more activities below. Each includes its own registration and consent forms so you can decide what feels right.

Contributions shared with your permission may be featured on CYBOTAGE’s public digital archive website, including perspectives, artworks, and other creative expressions.

You must be 18 years or older and a veteran or active-duty military member to join.

Get more details on each activity and register at the CYBOTAGE landing page.

Share your thoughts on brain tech (BCIs) and what it might mean for identity, autonomy, and life after service.

→ Complete an online survey with multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

→ Prefer talking to writing? Opt for a recorded one-on-one interview with the project lead via Zoom, phone, or in-person – you can do both.
→ With your permission, excerpts may be shared—credited, anonymous, or under a pseudonym—on a future project website serving as a digital archive.
 

Location 01: Arizona Artists Guild, 18411 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85023. Free parking is available onsite. Dates: Thursday, 17 September, 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, lunch included); Thursday, 1 October, 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, lunch included), and Saturday, 3 October, 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, lunch included).

And/Or

Location 02: ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 249 E. Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225. Free parking is available onsite. Dates: Friday, 11 September 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, lunch included); Saturday, 19 September 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, lunch included); and Saturday, 26 September, 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, lunch included). 

This workshop offers a relaxed, supportive environment where you can create freely and connect with other veterans. You’ll imagine “enhanced” or “healed” bodies through 2D artwork using collage, drawing, painting, and traditional materials. 
→ No art skills required — just bring your ideas.
→ Create 2D artwork imagining what a life-size enhanced/healed body might look like.
→ Attend as many sessions as you like and stay as long as you wish.
→ Your artwork may be featured in a public exhibition or on the project’s digital archive website(pending consent and selection).

Registration is ongoing. Participants will be confirmed on a rolling basis.
→ Can’t attend the full day (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)? Join a half-day session instead: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM or 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
 
 

Additional CYBOTAGE educational webinars may be offered during Fall 2026. Details will be announced when available. Previous webinars have featured experts in neurotechnology, military ethics, and emerging technologies, including:

• Dr. James Giordano — Director, Center for Disruptive Technology and Future Warfare, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University; Professor Emeritus of Neurology, Biochemistry, and Ethics, Georgetown University Medical Center.
• Dr. Anika Binnendijk — Professor of Practice, Arizona State University MAGS Program; former Political Scientist, RAND Corporation; former policy advisor, U.S. Department of State, National Security Council, and Office of the Secretary of Defense.
• Dr. Tim Marler — Senior Space Enterprise Optimization Leader, The Aerospace Corporation; Professor of Policy Analysis, RAND School of Public Policy.

→ RSVP and consent required to attend.