DR. STEPHANIE BALTERS

Welcome!

A Stanford neuroscientist, educator, and innovator advancing team flourishing and purpose-driven innovation.

About Me

My Background

During my PhD in Engineering Design, I collaborated with innovators at Stanford University’s Center for Design Research, applying design thinking to realize how trust, connection, and authenticity fuel bold, breakthrough ideas in teams.

My Work

As the Director of the Empowerment Neuroscience Lab at Stanford University, I integrate neuroscience, innovation, and self-growth to uncover how teams build trust, align with purpose, and generate transformative ideas—translating neuroscience insights into actionable strategies for lasting impact.

My Purpose and Vision

Humanity is at a breaking point. To achieve sustainable progress, we must overcome limiting societal norms and unlock untapped human innovation potential. By embracing authenticity, shared purpose, and deep connection, we can drive the bold, high-impact ideas our world urgently needs. My mission is to turn concepts like self-growth and team flourishing into neuroscience-backed evidence, proving their ROI and transformative power to reshape the future of leadership, business, and society.

Why Neuroscience?

Neuroscience reveals the invisible forces that shape collaboration—how trust, connection, and purpose fuel high-impact teams. By decoding the hidden patterns that influence behavior, we can identify barriers to collaboration and unlock the conditions for team flourishing. Advanced neuroimaging methods allow us to uncover these patterns and provide evidence and actionable strategies to design environments where bold, purpose-driven ideas thrive.

Advanced Neuroimaging Methods

At Stanford University, I lead a multidisciplinary research group using advanced neuroimaging and computational methods to study team dynamics in real-world settings.

Naturalistic Studies: Using portable fNIRS neuroimaging, we study teams in real-world settings for actionable, scalable insights.

Single-Brain Imaging: We uncover emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors shaping team interactions.

Multi-Brain Imaging: We examine inter-brain function to identify collaboration barriers and facilitators.

High-Density Data: We capture rich datasets to reveal key mechanisms driving team performance.

Computational Modeling & Prediction: We apply advanced modeling and machine learning to decode team dynamics and success factors.

Tangible Outcomes: We deliver evidence-based strategies to enhance team flourishing and purpose-driven innovation.

How It Works

A Collaborative Research Journey

Align on Goals: We start with a focused call to define your key objectives.
Design the Study: Together, we develop a customized neuroscience research plan.
Data Collection: Using single- and multi-brain fNIRS, we gather high-density data in real-world settings.
Advanced Analysis: With our computational models, we extract clear, data-driven insights.
Deliver Results: You receive a science-backed report with measurable findings and actionable strategies.

The ROI of Our Collaboration

Scientific Validation: Rigorous, objective evidence confirming the effectiveness of your product or intervention.
Team Insights: Data-driven understanding of trust, alignment, and collaboration.
Credibility: Research-backed proof to secure buy-in from investors, leaders, and stakeholders.
Targeted Strategies: Research-backed interventions designed for measurable impact.
Sustainable Impact: Lasting, scalable gains in team innovation and effectiveness.