Posted by Alumni from MIT
October 15, 2025
Computational neuroscientist and singer/songwriter Kimaya (Kimy) Lecamwasam, who also plays electric bass and guitar, says music has been a core part of her life for as long as she can remember. She grew up in a musical family and played in bands all through high school. 'For most of my life, writing and playing music was the clearest way I had to express myself,' says Lecamwasam. 'I was a really shy and anxious kid, and I struggled with speaking up for myself. Over time, composing and performing music became central to both how I communicated and to how I managed my own mental health.' 'I got to see firsthand not only the ways that audiences reacted to music, but also how much value music had for musicians,' she says. 'That close connection between making music and feeling well is what first pushed me to ask why music has such a powerful hold on us, and eventually led me to study the science behind it.' Lecamwasam earned a bachelor's degree in 2021 from Wellesley College, where she... learn more