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Goran Ivančić

Exploring human cognition through computational neuroscience. Playing CTFs and learning operating systems on the side.

Research interests: Local neural dynamics • Computer architecture • Spatial cognition • Cryptography
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Education

Bachelor of Computer Engineering

Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing

Zagreb, Croatia

2024 - 2028 (expected)
GPA: 4.62/5.00
184 ECTS
In Progress - 35%

Research focus: Computational mechanisms in neural networks and cybersecurity

Mathematical Analysis Computer Architecture Information Theory Competitive Cybersecurity Skills

Bachelor of Applied Psychology

DOBA Faculty

Maribor, Slovenia

2024 - 2028 (expected)
GPA: 9.00/10.00
180 ECTS
In Progress - 33%

Research focus: Spatial cognition and local neural dynamics

Clinical Psychology Cognitive and Neuroscience Decision-Making Cognition
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Current Research & Projects

Open-Source Low-Cost EEG System

Development of an accessible EEG system using 3D-printed parts and custom AD converters with signal processing and visualization using Python libraries like MNE-Python.

eeg biomedical python 3d-printing
[ONGOING] 2025-06-01
Collaborators: Independent Project

FPGA as an External Linux Computer

Adaptation of the ULX3S FPGA board to run a lightweight Linux OS via soft-core processor with integration of external devices such as ESP32 and 7-segment displays.

fpga linux embedded hardware
[ONGOING] 2025-05-01
Collaborators: Independent Project

Neural Computer Architecture

Implementation of basic cognitive mechanisms in a technically feasible system with focus on usability, inspired by biological networks including synaptic plasticity and content-addressable memory.

neural-computing architecture synaptic-plasticity memory
[ONGOING] 2025-02-15
Collaborators: University of Zagreb, Beijing Normal University

Impact of Dendritic Structures on Neural Processing

Analysis of dendritic morphology to understand complex cognitive functions at the single-neuron level

neuroscience dendrites biophysics cognition
[ONGOING] 2025-05-15
Collaborators: University of Zagreb, Columbia University

Spatial Cognition and Information Transfer

Analysis of population-level neural activity in spatial representation context, exploring possibilities of direct information transfer via simultaneous recording and stimulation.

spatial-cognition neural-recording information-transfer neuroscience
[ONGOING] 2024-07-01
Collaborators: Independent Project
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Publications & Awards

Publications & Conferences

Moore Machine Architecture on Multi-layer Hopfield Networks

A different perspective of sequential memory in humans

neural-networks memory cognitive-architecture
Conference: Sixth International Conference of Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI, 2025
Author: Goran Ivančić

Biological Neural Machines

Creating a Computer on Biologically Restrained Neural Networks

neural-computing biophysics computational-neuroscience
Course: IRCN and Chen Institute Joint Course on Neuro-inspired Computation, 2025
Author: Goran Ivančić

Awards & Recognition

Fifth Place - Cybersecurity Competition

Conference challenge

June 2025

Fourth Place - Hackultet

National Cybersecurity Competition

May 2025

Top 5% High School Graduate

Mathematics and Physics, Croatia

2024

First Prize - Informatics

First Lego League - Judges' Award

Academic Excellence

Skills & Expertise

Programming Languages

Python C/C++ MATLAB HTML/CSS/JS Java VHDL

Languages

Croatian: Native
English: C1
German: A1
Japanese: N4 (A2)