Stephen Macknik

Stephen Macknik CSICon 2018 Champions of Illusion - Super Crop

Stephen Macknik
Nationality	American
Alma mater	Harvard University, University College London
Known for	Research on visual perception and neural mechanisms of magic
Spouse(s)	Susana Martinez-Conde
Scientific career
Fields	Neuroscience
Institutions	SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Stephen Macknik is an American neuroscientist and science writer known for his research on visual perception and the neural mechanisms underlying magic and illusion. He is a professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Physiology and Pharmacology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Education

Stephen Macknik received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and completed his Ph.D. at University College London.

Career

Macknik's research focuses on the neural mechanisms of visual perception and how these mechanisms can be manipulated to create illusions. He has collaborated extensively with his wife, Susana Martinez-Conde, who is also a prominent neuroscientist. Together, they have explored the intersection of neuroscience and magic, studying how magicians exploit the brain's perceptual processes to create their illusions.

Research and Contributions

Macknik's work has significantly contributed to the understanding of how the brain processes visual information and how these processes can be deceived. His research has implications for various fields, including neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science. He has published numerous articles in scientific journals and has co-authored books on the subject of neuroscience and magic.

Publications

Macknik has co-authored several books, including:

• Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about Our Everyday Deceptions

Personal Life

Stephen Macknik is married to Susana Martinez-Conde, with whom he frequently collaborates on research projects.

See also

• Neuroscience
• Visual perception
• Magic (illusion)
• Susana Martinez-Conde