Sebastian Marquez, a triple graduate of Florida International University (FIU), has become a key figure in Silicon Valley’s neurotechnology sector. As the new product development manager at Ceribell, Marquez leads hardware development for an artificial intelligence-powered EEG system designed to quickly detect and monitor seizures in emergency settings.
Reflecting on his career path, Marquez said, “My dad gave me advice that that has helped shape every career decision I’ve made. He told me to choose something I’d love so much that I’d do it for free, because in doing so I would become exceptional at it and people would compensate me well. So I always ask myself three questions: Will this work give me satisfaction? Is it challenging? And will it help others?”
Before joining Ceribell, Marquez worked at Alto Neuroscience, another startup focused on using brain-based biomarkers to develop targeted treatments for mental health conditions. Both companies have recently gone public, with Alto specializing in biopharmaceuticals and Ceribell focusing on medical devices.
Marquez was born in Medellín, Colombia, and immigrated to the United States as a political refugee when he was 12 years old. After initially enrolling as a biology major at the University of Central Florida, he transferred to FIU upon his father’s suggestion to explore biomedical engineering. At FIU’s College of Engineering & Computing, he earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering (2016), a master’s degree in electrical engineering (2017), and a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering (2020).
During his time at FIU, Marquez participated in organizations such as the Biomedical Engineering Society and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He also gained research experience across several university labs—including the Medical Photonics Laboratory led by Jessica Ramella-Roman; the Human Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory under Ou Bai; and the Adaptive Neural Systems Laboratory.
“These experiences were among the most valuable aspects of my time at FIU,” Marquez said. “They not only provided hands-on technical training, but also fostered a love for research, exploration and collaboration.”
He encourages current students to seek similar opportunities: “Go talk to people. Don’t be afraid to ask to work in a lab. You only need one person to say yes.”
His doctoral advisor Ou Bai noted Marquez’s initiative: “Sebastian was an outstanding student,” Bai said. “We provide opportunities, but he was always eager to learn. He is a great forward-thinking leader who inspires his colleagues and is a problem-solver.”
Marquez contributed significantly during his academic tenure by authoring or co-authoring 16 publications and receiving a patent related to Parkinson’s disease technology commercialization efforts.
Robert Hacker, director and co-founder of StartUP FIU who mentored Marquez on business skills during his studies added: “From the earliest days of working with Sebastian at FIU, he knew that he wanted to advance from researcher to inventor and then on to entrepreneur.” Hacker described Marquez’s move into Silicon Valley startups after earning his doctorate as “the next logical step” aligned with his goals.
In addition to his professional achievements, Marquez mentors students interested in STEM fields while pursuing personal interests such as restoring vintage cars.
