Emily Nakamura
Stage 4 Ambassador • Decoding Music Through the Lens of Neuroscience
S4 Feature
The Science of Artistry
Emily doesn't just practice piano—she studies what practicing does to her brain. This feature follows her from the lab to the bench, revealing how neuroscience research and musical discipline became two sides of the same coin. Her ISEF-winning research started with a simple question: Why does this work?
"I wanted to understand why practice changes the brain. So I designed experiments to find out."
Vouch Record
3 mentors have vouched for Emily Nakamura
Board Review
Annual defense sessions where Emily Nakamura presents their growth, process, and impact to a panel of verified adults.
Competency Scorecard
Review Panel
Retrospectives
Honest reflections on setbacks, pivots, and lessons learned. The unfiltered truth about what it takes to grow.
Mentorship Tree
Leadership measured not by title, but by the growth of those mentored.
Impact Vector
Work Experience
Piano Instructor
Teach 10 students weekly. Specialize in evidence-based practice techniques grounded in cognitive science research.
Research Intern
Contributed to fMRI study on musical training and executive function. First-author on methodology section.
Science Writer
Write accessible articles translating music cognition research for parents and educators. Published in EdWeek and Psychology Today.
Projects
Education
Hamilton High School
2021 - 2025GPA: 4.3, AP Music Theory (5), AP Psychology (5), AP Statistics (5)
Oclef Online Piano School
2022 - Present700+ daily micro-lessons, Research methodology contributor
Colburn School Pre-College
2018 - 2022Studied under Dr. Robert Chen
Certifications & Courses
CITI Research Ethics Certification
AP Psychology
AP Statistics
ABRSM Grade 8 Piano
Honors & Awards
ISEF Finalist
California State Science Fair - 1st Place
National Merit Semifinalist
Presentations
Music, Memory, and the Teenage Brain
May 2024Presented original research on piano practice and memory consolidation to international judges.
Evidence-Based Music Education
February 2024Workshop for music teachers on incorporating cognitive science into pedagogy.
Music & Performances
Publications
Media Features
Media coverage, interviews, and features from news outlets.