Overview of Proposed Doctoral Program
 
 
 
1. State the field(s) in which you intend to earn the doctoral degree. You can propose doctoral study in established field(s) or in new, developing field(s). It may be useful to investigate how traditional doctoral programs define these matters.
 
From your current understanding, provide a definition of the field(s), including both scholarly and personal viewpoints.
 
What are the major bodies of knowledge that a degree in the field(s) should include?
 
 
I would like to earn a Parapsychology Ph.D..
 
As a brief definition, I would like to offer portions from the document supplied by Greenwich University. [They offer a parapsychology doctorate.]
 
"Parapsychology is the scientific and scholarly study of certain unusual events associated with human experience. We call such phenomena 'anomalous' because they are difficult to explain within current scientific models.
 
These anomalies fall into three general categories: ESP [extrasensory phenomena, such as telepathy and clairvoyance], PK [psychokinesis, or anomalous mind-matter relations], and phenomena suggestive of survival of bodily death, including near-death experiences, apparitions, and reincarnation."
 
Parapsychology is essentially new to this era. During the bygone days of Spiritualism, serious "psychic research" was undertaken by scientists in various specialties. As the popular interest waned, research has essentially ceased. The focus of what was to be investigated has also shifted, from robust [macro] phenomena (such as levitation), to the ephemeral seeming [micro] phenomena ( exemplified by 'card and dice' statistics).
 
Lacking theoretical underpinnings, the robust phenomena was usually dismissed as too unlikely, while the statistically based ones met a similar fate, dismissed as unproductive.
 
I would like to "re-invent" the enterprise of parapsychology. To accomplish this, I would like to pursue a degree program with multidisciplinary components. The main emphasis would be Neuroscience, while the second "social action" component would be anchored in Business. [Since the business component is unique to my circumstance, it will be detailed in an appropriate section, to follow.]
 
Perusing the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary we obtain the definition: Neuroscience is a branch (such as neurophysiology) of the life sciences that deals with the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, or molecular biology of nerves and nervous tissue and especially with their relation to behavior and learning.
 
From the above: I would like to abstract --- Anatomy. [Secondarily: Learning.]
 
For, until now, the methods employed in parapsychology were mostly passive and essentially non-instrumental. [Even if this lack did allow for some experimental design, and classification of variables.]
 
My premise is simple: If the "anatomical originator(s)" of anomalous events were locatable, "downstream" events could be elicited, controllably and on demand, by interacting with the "source(s)".
 
Hence, the prescription for the harnessing the tools of modern neuroanatomy, and in particular: Neuroimaging.
 
I hold that this skill should constitute part of the repertoire of a parapsychologist. (Since I am proposing a "paradigm shift", as to what should be included in the major body of knowledge, for my chosen vocation.)
 
Extending the neuroscience emphasis introduces the second defining characteristic, that I would include for a parapsychology curriculum. "Parapsychology specific" teaching should be conducted, instrumentally, using biofeedback. The aim: Voluntary use of these "anomalous" skills.
 
I would also like to comment on the components of parapsychology, that I am excluding from my own studies.
 
I am almost totally excluding personal survival issues, unless they should fortuitously arise in conjunction with the brain science studies. (Analogously to the imaginal disks in insects, that bear the genetic program [caterpillar ====> butterfly].)
 
Thus, [when and if], personal survival is proven without a doubt, then it will be proven. Meanwhile, somewhat easier problems are addressed.
 
Similarly, if the one were to investigate, in a reductionist manner the anomalies of parapsychology, the following [at the very least], might have to be produced:
 
Method(s) to:
a, generate, on demand, the energies involved.
b, store these energies.
c, transmit these energies.
d, measure/detect these energies.
e, to characterize these energies. (Expl.: Transduction, harmfulness, etc..)
Finally:
f, Theories (unified or disjoint) for the list above.
 
[Having limited resources (and a hopeful success in with the neuroscience front), I could try to achieve some of these goals after earning a Ph.D..]
 
The goals (a) ==> (f) are parapsychology specific. Less field specific, (but degree related) skills should still be part of doctorate type repertoire. Thus "data mining", (or library research in general), I hold to be as necessary adjunct to any Ph.D. endeavor. Search engines are no surrogate for laboratory or field research, but offer excellent guidance. Similarly, academically related vocational skills, such as "grant writing", can easily be put on the same footing, as are the requirement in some disciplines, to have exposure to a foreign language.
 
Continuing with the issues specific to parapsychology: Phenomena that are 'partially subjective'/'partially objective' are planned to be bypassed (for my own program). These subsume an other large collection of facts: premonition, telepathy, healing, etc.. [Essentially, these are linked to perceptual and cognitive psychology; at times to physiology, etc..]
 
Also, an other set of "perceptual" links: illusions and deceptions and placebo effects, are not planned to be intensively focused upon in my program. (Although they too are part of the "major body of knowledge", relevant to parapsychology.)
 
2. Describe the interdisciplinary nature of your doctoral degree plans.
 
How will your program engage the perspectives of several fields to help you achieve breadth of knowledge as well as appropriate focus in your program?
 
 
My goal is to produce a "defining experiment" for parapsychology, and to socially anchor the results. While it is somewhat ambitious to try for the impact of the first telescope or microscope, this is the result sought. In these cases, optics was brought to bear on astronomy and biology. The new optics is imaging, and the proposed application is parapsychology.
 
Making and/or operating instruments already blends knowledge from several fields: Mathematics, materials science and engineering predominate in the making and operation phase, while the object of observation and/or interaction is usually the sought for, independent area.
 
Fortunately, I do not have to design and build the instruments that I plan to use professionally. However, the imaging equipment is somewhat scarce and expensive. Yet, the theory needed for usage can be gleaned from books, while the actual practice can be achieved in (other) academic institutions.
 
To elaborate on imaging: The brain is posited to govern most human actions. Thus it is sought to be explored as parapsychological actions are observed. (These could be even the "standard" card guessing experiments.) For, *any* parapsychologically valid [and validated] brain state, that is linked to a neuroanatomic site, brings this discipline closer to a true hard science. Identifying receptors and effectors is a must for a sensory physiology.
 
Of course, parapsychology is not confined to card guessing. Hence, other brain states exhibiting relevance are also earmarked for neuroimaging. (Some of these other possibilities are listed at <http://neuro-kinetik.com>.)
 
The above delineated the neuroanatomy focus, for one third of the proposed program. [Where is the biological anchor?]
 
The next third of the program is "training/education" oriented. Any skill that is not replicated regularly, disappears. There are conservatories, law schools and the like, to maintain various action templates. It is hoped, that via biofeedback, aspects of parapsychology can be taught. [More specifics, relevant to biofeedback are supplied later.]
 
The last third blends these results into society, as a whole, via a business application. The questions "How is this phenomena produced, at all?" and "How can I do it?" are complemented by: "Is parapsychology viable in the marketplace?".
 
Describe how you hope to integrate these several fields into your program.
 
While there are numerous details that need to be addressed to achieve the above, the outline is fairly simple. It follows the tripartite division of the program, outlined above.
 
Learn neuroanatomy and neuroimaging. Use this knowledge, to locate "parapsychological" areas of the brain.
 
Then, for phase II, learn biofeedback. Demonstrate generic mastery, by training someone to control some physiological function, that previously was inaccessible to them, due to the lack of possible feedback: no reliable "state signallings" without measuring instruments. Expl.: Alpha wave modulation, body temperature regulation, blood pressure alteration, etc..
Next: Attempt to train a subject in a parapsychological skill. (Monitoring and displaying the brain states and/or anatomical sites, found earlier to be relevant to the phenomena.)
 
Finally, choose (with consultation from my committee) a business path, commensurate with the results obtained, as well as the potential displayed. Draw up a business plan. (A "social action" formula, that fulfills a portion of the PDE.) Execute this.
 
3. The Union Institute values doctoral study as a force for social change. It does not support research in a vacuum. It is the belief of the Union Institute that learners must identify and take responsibility for addressing societal needs. How do you think your doctoral work will relate to societal needs/problems?
 
 
I will address this section, a component at a time.
 
Hence: "a force for social change". Successful research in parapsychology would force social change. Societies have multitude of characteristics, from which we can select: Ability. In my undergraduate experience, I encountered a book, that traced the effect of available energy on societies. Thus: increased food calories; enhanced travel via horsepower; wind power for sail or windmills. Added examples: Steam, electricity, gunpowder, gasoline, atomics.The energies exploited by parapsychology could rival the effect of any of the increases in abilities.
 
Of course, ability implies control and/or choice. Social goals previously unattainable could now be chosen or declined. Norms would have to be formed (or re-interpreted) to provide the controlled usage of these new found abilities in a minimally disruptive manner.
 
To reiterate: Parapsychology --- "a force for social change".
 
Next: "societal needs". Some think, that there is a need to banish ignorance. Others are not so sure.
Everything (indirectly), has a price: ignorance or knowledge are no exceptions. In my MBA experience, we were trained to routinely look for, and recognize "threats and opportunities" , (albeit in a limited sphere).
 
Thus, on a larger scale, "societally": Man did not vaporize continents via World War III. Equally valid: One is currently stuck on a cosmic speck of dust, in an insignificant galaxy. Melodramatic, but real: Flight or fight, on a grand scale, produced via the ignorance/knowledge continuum. (With a strong "self development" component.)
 
Ordinarily, being mundane is a societal/personal need.
(This statement merely amplifies the distinction between maintenance and replacement. I.e.: What is "mundane"? Should an average beggar aspire to be an average millionaire, or to be an excellent beggar?)
 
The new is necessary.
Parapsychology, being yet an other unknown, would perturb the current social order, en route to being integrated. But then, days come and go: Change is a constant. However, the rate of change has been known to vary.
 
Leading one to the: "take responsibility". Earlier, I referred to the 'inevitable' aspects of both the past and the future. Obviously, the past is rather static. (Though, at minimum, reinterpreted occasionally.) Equally obviously, the unknown future has some "givens". Not only will the sun rise and set, but likely, the rich will get richer.
 
In the sphere of knowledge: New tools will be sought, while existing tools will be refined, or be given novel uses. (Of course tools can be concepts, or material realizations of concepts.)
In the paragraph about "energies available to societies", the book that was referred to, gave an example about ocean-going ships. To wit: As soon as the Horn of Africa was rounded, Australia and Hawaii were set to be discovered, by design or accident.
 
Between genetic mapping and neuroimaging, parapsychology is "around the bend". For if parapsychology is truly "out there", the new tools will uncover it. (Hence, the 'inevitability' of the future.)
But history hinges on the journalistic specifics: Who, what, where, when and why.
 
Thus, for the joint responsibility: Me and TUI. I.e.: "Let someone else explore parapsychology, eventually?"
 
4. Describe the specific areas in which you will need to do new and/or additional learning in order to attain doctoral level proficiency in your chosen field(s).
 
What do other Ph.D. programs in your field(s) of study offer?
 
Essentially Greenwich is the only Ph.D. program devoted to parapsychology. And, while they cover some history, and require a field experience, their mental "home base" is still the "statistical level validation".
 
(This has led me to TUI, which allows a custom made, multidisciplinary curriculum. Thus, seeking approval for a Neuroscience/Business mix, brought to bear on Parapsychology.)
 
 What aspects of other programs does it make sense to include? Which would you exclude and why?
 
From Neuroscience, I would like to include neuroanatomy and neuroimaging at a near doctoral level.
All else offered from this area is too far afield from parapsychology.
 
The "biofeedback training" component of my program (congruent with the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback), is around a Master's level. But they are professional, relevant and accessible.
 
The "social action" part (utilizing Business), is at a high MBA level.
 
The totality merits a Parapsychology Ph.D..
 
 If someone had the Ph.D. you seek, what would you expect her or him to know? What might that person be qualified to do professionally?
 
1;
a, "Generic Ph.D. skills": classroom teaching, grant & journal writing skills.
A network of relevant professionals. Some "partially developed" theories.
Also a pool of candidates (for validation), to have available for the neuroimaging studies.
b, Know the past: History of parapsychology. [Medium deeply, but also: geographically.]
c, Live the present (with the "new paradigm"): Neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, biofeedback.
d, Work on the future: "Fill in the blanks on the map of ignorance."
Hence, empiricism and theory building (via experimentation).
Thus, (expl.) the new paradigm applied to ESP, (to include social integration to some extent, [such as vision for the blind, via clairvoyance].)
Energetics and characterization experiments:
Method(s) to generate, on demand, the energies involved.
Method(s) to store these energies.
Method(s) to transmit these energies.
Method(s) to measure/detect these energies.
 
2; Professional activities:
 
Several paths are available:
(The "new paradigm" of neuroimaging guided biofeedback for parapsychology could be the core knowledge, on all three tracks.)
Coach/mentor track:
"One on one" relationship, such as in parapsychology training.
Big Business:
a, Government sector: ESP and anti-ESP for the intelligence community.
b, Private sector: Patent the energy generation. Educate investors. Etc. Model: Human Genome Sciences. (They work with patented human gene products for the pharmaceutical industry.) The concept transfers: The patented brain loci [or the energies produced from them]could only be
commercially used for parapsychology related effects, after royalties have been collected by Neuro-Kinetik. (The business entity, to be maintained by me, to further the commercial success of parapsychology.)
University: (Fundamental and/or applied research; Education.)
a, "Humanistic research": Vision for the blind.
b, "Social utility research": Teleportation and levitation.
c, "Reductionist research": Take the human out of the loop. ====> Mechanize.
d, Teach.
 
 If the connection between your previous academic and/or professional experiences and proposed field(s) of study is not explicitly clear, please describe any experiences that have prepared you for the pursuit of the doctoral degree. How will you eliminate any scholarly deficiencies that exist because of the change in academic field(s)?
 
"Past experiences, to prepare one for the doctoral degree": As this application shows, my aim is to structure the content of the PDE effort around the commercialization of parapsychology. The operational reasoning can be summed up in two maxims:
"If you first don't succeed, try, try and try again." and "Work smarter, instead of harder".
Thus, as described in the Autobiography section, I became interested in parapsychology while in high school. And, I have stuck with this "career anchor", essentially, ever since. (Like musicians and the 'day job'.)
To continue: I was in graduate school, studying physiology, when tachyons [theoretical faster-than-light particles] were posited by physicist. These constructs would have had space and time spanning properties, characteristic of parapsychological phenomena. This encouraged me to seek "extra eyes" in the brain, that would be a mechanistic correlate regarding clairvoyance. Having only access to animal brains, I sought to determine if the neuroanatomical structures of the substantia nigra and nucleus rubens could react to light. (And, if there were light sensitive molecules at this anatomical location, in case the tachyons collide with atoms, to generate light, secondarily.)
Logic: These neural objects resemble 'eyeballs'. Clairvoyance is almost sure not to be electromagnetic. The eye is, at least, electromagnetic. Photons interact with biological structures. Tachyons might. Usually, receptors are specialized, such as the ear. Clairvoyance is visual. Nerve cells however can be activated either by their special signal [tachyons? for clairvoyance], or by electrical, mechanical and chemical stimulation, etc..
So, I sought to stimulate the "extra eyes" (using a cat preparation), with light, measuring evoked nerve potentials. To look for retinene in this area of the brain, a bovine sample was used. The sought for chemicals were extracted, using standard methods, while the absorbtion spectra obtained from a random area of the brain was subtracted from the "substantia nigra"/"nucleus rubens" area. Both set of results seemed to be positive. To complete the set: A method for possibly generating tachyons was attempted. But with a minimal budget, merely a periodic magnetic field was measured in the apparatus, which was never brought up to its full capacity. [The Hilch vortex tube.] The results obtained above might have had a different explanation. But, the endeavor was structured and coherent.
The next try was at the business school Master's level: The corporate entity..... Neuro-Kinetik. This time, the effort was structured socially. If investors and customers were to be found, the laboratory efforts would be propelled to the quality control stage, past ambiguity. Also, a different venue was targeted, for the research.
Again, the idea of an electromagnetic spectrum analogue was mentioned. But this time, tachyons were shelved as a possible mechanism, in favor of "randolphsite". (An antique proposal: If amber will generate electricity, and a lodestone yet has other properties, there should be a mineral, that leads "directly" to the sought for other energies.) [The Neuro-Kinetik web site has more details. <http://newweb.wt.net/~bellco> ) But, just as tachyons were "ink on paper", randolphsite (the mineral), has this current status. [Although note the radium story: Invest years of active effort....].
 
Postponing the exploration of energies unique to the field of parapsychology, "off the shelf", available resources were hoped to resuscitate this endeavor. Therefore, the brainscanning equipment was recognized, as a key component for research. Simultaneously, several candidates emerged, whose brain might yield useful images, for commercial parapsychology. It was then realised, that the utilisation of putative "flashy" candidates, exhibiting strong, (but presumed) parapsychological skills is merely an option. The more bland approach, employing statistical "card guessing" also supplies brain images, related to the goal sought.
 
In any event, the time tested and academically approved MBA methodology, coupled with an initial $100,000 could have achieved the business results sought. Expl.: Use half the moneys for advertising/"fund raising". Mass e-mail can reach ten million recipients for $20,000. At a "one percent response rate", around a 100,000 persons might have displayed preliminary interest. Two things become immediately evident: The clerical load would be sizeable. And since one would be dealing with the public, large amounts might have to be spent on legal readiness, to prove that all formalities were acceded to in the advertising campaign. Yet, public interest would have been engaged, and the research [financed by distributed ownership in the enterprise], could have been initiated.
 
But, I only had $2000. So I merely incorporated. Printed a brochure to mail. Established a web presence. Sought out venture capital, from this base. Screened some possible employees, sought out some eventual customers. Un-incorporated.
 
Now, of course, trying for the doctorate.
 
2, "Scholarly deficiencies": Deficiencies imply remedial action needed, before "real" learning can commence.
 
I'm not too facile in math. (Expl.: Eigenvectors, calculus with curls, or differential equations; then again,I might not need these tools.). Also, I and am fairly weak in physics. I have surveyed neuroanatomy, in parallel to completing this application. However, a survey is not mastery.
 
Scanning the tutorials available in various areas of knowledge somewhat seriously (Question #5 below), would both build a learning plan/path, and point out insufficiencies. At that time, I would tackle the defined lacunae.
 
3, "How to remedy" the identified deficiencies also hinges on finances. Thus, immediately after TUI advised me about tuition costs, I have started on a track to become a trained with the Oracle computer software corporation products. While I have completed the manuals designed to attain certification as an application developer, (as well as a database administrator),  I have so far only taken one of the 'unit' tests. [This, due to time constraints, at my present employment. At the moment, I am unsure as to how to resolve this difficulty. The computer track is now on 'hold'.] Implying that I will not have the resources to matriculate right away, if admitted. Yet, this hurdle also would be cleared, eventually.
 
5. Detail the methods you expect to use to obtain new learning.
What learning methods might you employ to gain proficiency in your field(s)?
 
Textbooks are an easy first choice. The internet, directly or indirectly offers a plethora of choices.
 
(Some of these resources have been preliminarily surveyed, and are being sent along with the extra supplementary documentation, supporting the doctoral application.)
 
Multimedia is available. (However, workshops or seminars are more desirable.) Tutorials abound. (Although the exploratory scanning, required to produce a final chosen set, to be used for learning, is a chore.) And, of course, lab or internship experience is a necessity, especially for the machinery related segment of the program. Some mentoring (or a similar review opportunity) might be advisable during the business/"social action" process phase.
 
 How might you demonstrate your accomplishments?
 
* Neuroanatomy: Standard tests, mostly with 'second order' material.
(I.e.: Diagrams and the like, rather than actual human brains.)
* For the ancillary math and statistics, necessary to neuroimaging: Standard tests.
* Biofeedback (surface sensors): Certification.
* Operation of imaging equipment in obtaining results from human subjects: Competency validated by instructor.
* Production of a viable business plan, for modalities selected: Critique.
*Execution of business plan: Milestone reviews/evaluations.
 
 What research experience/learning have you had, and what ideas do you have for deepening your knowledge about research methods?
 
With the previous (physiology) Master's, I had some small animal surgery experience, histology and cytology, microbiology and some analytic chemistry. (And a limited exposure to neuroanatomy.) While almost none of this activity was directly used in research, they are tools that could have been so employed.
 
Similarly, for the MBA, I was exposed to probability and statistics, in addition to decision theory. (Also basic finance and economics, with some risk related programming.) Again, none of this was not used in a formal research venue.
 
I envisage the various tutorials to give me competency; especially to use the machinery relevant to brain scans. My current knowledge in this area is minimal. (And my research is predicated on demonstrable expertise with this equipment.)
 
The biofeedback technologies (2D) have a standardized certification program for basic competency. To engage in research experimentation, one would have to progress past the novice stage.
 
Should the "social action" phase entail specifics about intellectual property valuation, patents and the like: Tutorials or texts could further educate. (These modes of learning can be employed for any path that the eventual "business proliferation" might take. I think that corporate 'internship rotations' through various departments would be productive, but are probably unattainable, as a practical measure. Already, a lot is attempted, in a limited time.)
 
6. Propose an internship that will integrate theory and practice in your program. It should be equivalent to three months full-time in duration. (it can be distributed over a longer period of time), and it should represent a new learning experience for you. You should not make the actual arrangements this time.
 Give an idea of the type of internship you might undertake and how it might fit into your program.
 
One component of the internship should address the training/certification in biofeedback, using surface sensor technologies. [Easy to arrange.] (This skill would later be attempted to be transferred to the 3D sensory modalities.)
 
However, the 'high tech' neuroimaging internship is paramount.
 
Thus a neuroimaging lab, with multi-instrument capabilities is preferred. [fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), EEG (electroencephalograph) and MEG (magnetoencephalograph).] In any event, I should have localized at least two biological actions, on two separate instruments each. (Expl.: finger movement, right hand; heat perception, left foot. Implying, in passing, statistical validity: Data aggregated from one subject 10 times and/ or ten subjects, one time.)
 
[If circumstances permit: Check to see if parapsychological functioning in a specific mode degrades responses from specific instruments, thus limiting some experimental approaches.]
 
 Name some specific resources that you would ideally like to be able to engage in your internship.
 
Low tech: A biofeedback suite, with various sensors: Myograph (measures muscle related variables), thermal sensors, EEG [a few channels only], EKG (electrocardiogram). Then, the display monitor with the attendant computer program(s), to shape the subject's responses.
High tech: fMRI, EEG [100+ channels], MRI, MEG. [defined previously]
The even more exotic and/or expensive equipment, expl.: TM (Transcranial Magnetic stimulation), PET (Positron Emission Tomography) are somewhat superfluous.)
 
7. At this point, what do you envision for a Project Demonstrating Excellence (PDE)? For example, among many possibilities your project may take the form of a social action project; an artistic/creative project; a scientific investigation; a philosophical and theoretical contribution; a biography; a case study; a historical, critical or analytical inquiry; or a traditional research dissertation. Please note that the Admission Committee does not expect a fully developed PDE proposal at the application stage. However, because of the nature of the university's program, the committee must be able to discern that you have the potential to conceptualize and plan a doctoral- level project that will result in the development of new knowledge in your field(s).
 
What form do you think your PDE might take?
   
Scientific investigation coupled with a social action project.
 
Comment on the overall objective, intent, or purpose of your proposed PDE.
 
My goal is to produce a "defining experiment" for parapsychology, and to socially anchor the results.
 
What method(s) do you envision to carry out the research? Please describe your ideas.
 
The list below is a chronological ordering of the stages necessary to achieve the final results sought.
 
It might be, that complexity and time limitations would preclude the completion of all the proposed steps. Thus, the PDE might become item (iii) listed below, although item (iv) is hoped for.
 
i, Obtain a solid grounding in neuroanatomy. Master the theory and practice of several types of brain scanning modalities. (Since a preliminary screen might be needed to establish an effective [and affordable] modality to employ for neuroimaging of psychics: EEG/MEG?, fMRI?) Then, pinpoint relevant neural centers.
 
ii, Similarly: Obtain proficiency in biofeedback. (First with 2D, then 3D sensors.)
 
iii, Link the above listed skills, to specifically train "de novo", or amplify psychic abilities in experimental subjects. The results should be repeatable, controllable, and easily observable.
 
iv, Business as "social action": Explore the alternatives for the possible sustainable business, that would capitalize on the results of the biological research. Effect the realization of this plan.
 
(As mentioned earlier, the likely goals are: The "Trainer"; Start on the "Big Business" route; And, the "University" model. While the radio/TV "publicity generating mode" is being avoided, it might be a springboard for the action/education for investors or the lay public.)
 
Comment on the contribution you think the project might make in your field(s).
 
Essentially, proven localization of parapsychological faculties would engage the attention of the (scientific) community through the proof/replicability dialogue. Eventuating in the much needed manpower being actually applied to these interesting human capacities. Further, developing this aptitude in naive subjects [biofeedback coupled to the anatomical sources, via voluntarism], will make the subject matter accessible and relevant. Finally, the "social action" component would launch me on a professional path, that would serve as a model for those, who would enter the field.