Max Opitz

Neuroscience Graduate from Reed College

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

About

Recent Neuroscience graduate from Reed college. The focus of my senior thesis and summer research has been an EEG experiment offering insight into neural correlates of consciousness. I have a background in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, cell and microbiology, and electrophysiology. Outside of neuroscience, I'm usually involved in acting, writing, or other creative communities, wherein I'm also open to new opportunities. I'm currently living in Minneapolis, and I'm excited to get involved and build community—let's connect!

Experience

  • Reed College (2 yrs 6 mos)
    • Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow & Associate at SCALP Lab
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

      Designing, executing a series of scalp EEG experiments for the ongoing Noise Bifurcation project, advised by Dr. Michael Pitts, achieving mechanistic insight into the neural correlates of conscious perceptual processing. I predominantly utilized MATLAB alongside topographic scalp activity visualization software to analyse data collected from over 100 recording sessions. Through a multiverse analysis approach, we quantified amplitude patterns of event-related potentials for stimuli above, below and at the threshold of what is consciously perceived. In addition to developing proficiency with EEG technology, analysis software and human research coordination, I had the privilege to thoroughly develop my science communication skills, conducting several presentations and acting as an educational resource for undergraduate volunteers. We presented our research at two international conferences in 2025: ASSC 28 in Greece and SfN 25 in San Diego.

    • Troupe Signator
      Sep 2024 - May 2025 · 9 mos

      Managed logistics for audition-based 8-member performance troupe. Expanded outreach to build campus presence, bringing previously unfunded club to a top-10 in student body support across 100+ college organizations. Handled budgeting requests and reimbursement in correspondence with college treasury. Booked event spaces for weekly meetings and monthly public shows, including main amphitheater productions during high engagement weekends

    • Volunteer Lab Assistant
      Jan 2024 - Aug 2024 · 8 mos

      Volunteer for the SCALP cognitive neuroscience lab, assisting seniors with EEG data collection to become familiar with equipment and software procedure. Attended weekly meetings and presentations to immerse myself in emerging field findings, theories and methods. Also began adaptation of previous lab research toward publication, which was ultimately accepted to Consciousness & Cognition in early 2026.

  • Big Bowl (Edina, MN)
    • Server
      Jun 2022 - Aug 2024 · 2 yrs 3 mos

      Worked summers and winters throughout college in a fast-paced, full service environment. Gained experience with bussing, hosting, carryout and table service, and shift lead responsibilities.

    • Carryout Host
      Jun 2022 - Jul 2022 · 2 mos

      Handled high volume Covid-era demand for carryout orders, serving as a point of contact for delivery couriers and customers alike. Involved steady multitasking between order software, over-the-phone and face-to-face customer service, and front-of-house team responsibilities.