Indre Viskontas

Indre Viskontas is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco with a cross-appointment at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she directs the Creative Brain Lab. A cognitive neuroscientist and operatic performer, her pioneering work examines intersections between music, neuroscience, and creativity. Viskontas holds a PhD in cognitive neuroscience from UCLA and MM in vocal performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Her research explores neural mechanisms of memory, creative cognition, and music perception, with over 50 scientific publications. Viskontas directs Pasadena Opera and has performed internationally. She authored How Music Can Make You Better and created multiple Great Courses series on scientific concepts. Awards include UCLA's Dissertation Prize and Germanacos Foundation Grant for music and empathy research.

Viskontas maintains an active performance career while researching how musical training affects cognitive processes. Her interdisciplinary approach connects artistic practice with neuroscientific investigation, particularly in understanding how musical engagement influences emotional processing, learning, and neuroplasticity across the lifespan.