Applied Neuroscience for People and Organizations
Dr. Ty McKinney is a neuroscientist, mental health researcher, and the CEO & co‑founder of 8 Bit Cortex. He earned his PhD from the University of Utah, where he pioneered smartphone- and brainwave-based tools to measure cognitive and emotional well-being. Prior to founding 8 Bit Cortex, Ty spent over a decade as Research Director at the Branch Out Neurological Foundation, leading peer-reviewed grant programs and making brain science accessible to the public.
Ty’s work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and mental wellness. From developing gamified burnout screening tools to decoding how music, nature, and personality shape brain health, he brings evidence-based insights to audiences across sectors. His engaging style—rooted in data, compassion, and real-world relevance—resonates with HR leaders, educators, community groups, and innovators alike.
Speaking & Workshop Formats
Dr. Ty McKinney offers a range of speaking and workshop formats designed to educate, inspire, and equip audiences with science-backed tools for mental wellness and innovation.
Organizations can engage Ty for:
Keynote Presentations – Insightful, research-informed talks ideal for conferences, leadership summits, and public forums. These sessions are designed to spark new thinking and set the tone for meaningful dialogue.
Interactive Workshops – Engaging, hands-on sessions that translate neuroscience into actionable strategies. Workshops are tailored to the needs of each group, with a focus on burnout prevention, cognitive performance, and psychological well-being.
Panel Contributions & Guest Lectures – Expert participation in multidisciplinary discussions or academic programming, offering clarity on complex topics like mental health data, human behavior, and innovation in wellness.
Custom Engagements – Ty collaborates with hosts to design sessions that align with their goals, whether for internal teams, public audiences, or sector-specific challenges.
All offerings are available in-person or virtually and are customized for corporate, nonprofit, educational, and community-based organizations.
Interactive Workshops
Each interactive workshop includes an exclusive themed Wellness Sprint to engage and challenge your team to build better brain health habits over the next 7 days. Custom topics are available upon request or select from the following list to create a corporate culture of mental wellness.
Recovery is a crucial component of brain health, and the best kind of recovery is our sleep. At this workshop, learn about how sleep impacts both physical and mental health, featuring research conducted by Dr. Ty McKinney.
The first several years of our life are critical for brain development. At this workshop, learn about the impact of early childhood adversity and a framework for providing the workplace support these people need to live their best lives.
Everyone loves to receive gifts and support, but did you know that your brain gets benefits from the act of giving as well? At this workshop, learn why charitable activities improve your mental health and are great team-building activities.
Why do twice as many students with ADHD go on to pursue entrepreneurship? At this workshop, you will learn about how the cognitive challenges experienced by people with ADHD can actually be superpowers when these people go to start up their own businesses.
While anxiety is a normal emotion that we will all inevitably experience, burnout can be avoided. At this workshop, learn some brain hacks for managing both burnout and anxiety to achieve optimal mental wellness.
There is strength in diversity, but only if you understand the people on your team who think differently thank you. This interactive workshop teaches you about your own strengths and how to complement the strengths of other people on your team.
When depression strikes, quality of life and productivity suffer. This workshop will help you understand why we experience depression and develop a strategy for managing when (not if) it happens on your team.
This workshop is designed to promote empathy and understanding of the role of trauma in substance abuse and addiction. Attendees will learn about substance use can be a coping mechanism for ADHD, anxiety, and depression, as well as how neuroscience can help us support these people toward recovery.
Executive Development Packages
Interactive Workshops
Create a culture of inclusion and performance with your team
- 60 - 90 minutes session
- Customizable Workshop
- Actionable Team Building Activities
- Free Consultation to co-design learning objectives
- For Curious & Collaborative Teams
- ***10% of proceeds donated to Branch Out Neurological Foundation
Burnout Risk Assessment
Fully Customizable Base Risk Assessment
- [ 60 - 90 minutes ] + 10min/day for 7 days
- Includes Kick-Off Workshop, Report, Feedback Session
- Follow-Up Assessment
- For Progressive Companies Looking To Retain Talent
Executive Coaching
Discover your brain's superpowers
- 30 - 60 minutes session
- Coaching Call
- Individual Report
- Proprietary Neurodiversity Assessment
- For Growth Oriented Leaders
- *Small Team Pricing Available
- ***20% of proceeds donated to Branch Out Neurological Foundation