Dr. Memo Akten

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Memo Akten is an artist and researcher based in Istanbul, Turkey, specializing in the use of emerging technologies as a medium for creating moving images and large-scale responsive installations and performances. His work explores the intersection of biological and artificial intelligence, computational creativity, perception, consciousness, information theory, neuroscience, fundamental physics, cosmology, spirituality, and ritual. With a PhD from Goldsmiths, University of London, he is considered one of the world's leading pioneers in expressive human-machine interaction. Akten received the prestigious Prix Ars Electronica Golden Nica award for Media Art in 2013 for his work 'Forms'. He has exhibited and performed internationally at renowned venues like the Grand Palais in Paris, the Barbican in London, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. In addition to his artistic practice, Akten is currently pursuing his PhD at Goldsmiths and has founded Mega Super Awesome Visuals Company, a creative studio that previously evolved into Marshmallow Laser Feast. His collaborations span across celebrities and major brands, and he frequently speaks on topics that bridge art, science, and technology.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).