At time8machine, we are redefining visual intelligence through the lens of physics—guided by nature, enriched by research, and driven by a mission to empower underrepresented voices in science. Founded by Patrick Drake, a physics student, researcher, and developer, our platform is a living testament to resilience, innovation, and inclusion. What began as a web journal is evolving into a visionary platform at the intersection of physics, artificial intelligence, and consciousness research.
time8machine Joins DARPAConnect
We’re proud to announce that time8machine is now an official member of DARPAConnect. Since 1958, DARPA has made pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. As the world—and the pace of change—evolves dramatically, DARPA seeks to engage the best minds across specialties, communities, and disciplines to tackle tomorrow’s most pressing security challenges. Launched in 2022, DARPAConnect broadens DARPA’s reach by stimulating growth and collaboration with small businesses and educational institutions new to the national security space. Through a partnership intermediary agreement with the Applied Research Institute (ARI), DARPAConnect facilitates pop-up events, educational workshops, and a mentor/ambassador program—breaking down barriers to entry and uncovering the next groundbreaking solutions.
Patrick Drake is more than a physics student—he’s a thinker at the frontiers of science, blending cosmology, neuroscience, and computational modeling to explore the mysteries of both the cosmos and the mind. His current research examines how integrated neurocomputational models—rooted in cosmological principles like dark matter and dark energy—can illuminate the emergent nature of consciousness. Through this interdisciplinary lens, he seeks to bridge the explanatory gap between neural activity and subjective experience, proposing that consciousness, like the universe, is shaped by hidden forces and emergent complexity. His academic journey has been marked by overcoming mathematical barriers, deepening his passion for physics, and fueling his commitment to inspiring Black and African American students to pursue careers in science.
At time8machine, physics is not just a field of study—it is the blueprint for understanding reality. By integrating principles such as light behavior, motion dynamics, and energy flow into the core of our visual intelligence algorithm, we’re building a platform that doesn’t just see, but understands. Now, through Patrick’s emerging research into the brain and cosmos, our mission is expanding—seeking to understand not only how we see, but how we perceive.
Building on this foundation, our research now delves into emergent sense perception. By investigating how multisensory integration might give rise to a novel “sixth sense,” we aim to push the boundaries of human perception and consciousness. This work involves developing precise, testable definitions and leveraging advanced neuroimaging and analytical techniques to uncover the neural signatures of this potential phenomenon. Through this research, we not only seek to advance scientific knowledge but also to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Originally launched as a journal chronicling Patrick’s educational journey, time8machine is now a research-driven initiative poised to innovate at the convergence of physics, artificial intelligence, and cognitive science. Our evolving algorithm reflects a unique blend of physical laws and brain-inspired models, making it capable of analyzing visual data in ways that echo the complexity of consciousness itself.
time8machine is a call to action—a catalyst for change. It is dedicated to making science more accessible and inclusive, especially for underrepresented communities in STEM. Through mentorship, storytelling, and real-world innovation, Patrick shows that anyone, regardless of background, can help shape the future of science.
The heart of time8machine lies in a bold research question: How can cosmological principles help explain the emergence of consciousness in the brain? Patrick’s thesis proposes that, just as dark matter and dark energy subtly sculpt the universe, unseen patterns of neural connectivity and integrated information may give rise to conscious awareness. This interdisciplinary project weaves together neuroimaging, computational theory, and cosmological insight to develop a framework that could transform how we understand the mind—and the universe.
Join Us in Shaping Tomorrow
time8machine is more than a platform. It’s a movement. It’s a metamorphosis. Like a butterfly shedding its cocoon—or a Transformer adapting to new missions—this site is in a state of continual evolution. Follow Patrick’s journey as he explores the cosmos, deciphers consciousness, and builds at the frontier of technology and thought. Together—with the support and collaborative spirit of DARPAConnect—we can reshape how science is done, who gets to do it, and what it means for the future.