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Seeing song through the ears of a synesthete

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About this talk

Kaitlyn Hova is not only a professional violinist, composer, full stack web developer, designer, neuroscientist, and core team member of Women Who Code, but she is also a synesthete. Watch Kaitlyn’s 2016 TEDMED talk to get a sense of what it’s like to hear color and see music.

About Kaitlyn Hova

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Kaitlyn Hova is a professional violinist, neuroscientist, and technologist known for her ability to fuse music and science. She has a rare neurological condition called synesthesia, which allows her to “see” sounds as colors, shapes, and textures. This unique ability inspired her to co-found the Synesthesia Network, a community for people with the same condition to share their experiences and connect with researchers. As a professional violinist, Kaitlyn has performed with numerous famous artists, including Michael Bublé and Mary J. Blige. With her husband, Matt, she created the Hovalin, an open-source, 3D-printable violin. This creative project provides a fun and affordable way for schools to start or grow their music programs and helps inspire students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). A core team member of Women Who Code, Kaitlyn is a passionate advocate for diversity in technology. She is a true innovator who uses her wide range of talents to create, educate, and inspire in both the arts and sciences.

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