Neural Engineering

Research Focus | Neural Engineering

The central focus of the group is the development of novel implantable interfaces to the brain and peripheral nervous system to advance fundamental science and improve human lives through therapeutic neuromodulation.

Major problems we are trying to solve:

Develop microfabrication methods for brain and nerve interfaces. Existing implantable systems suffer from poor integration with the central and peripheral nervous system. Through the development of high resolution microfabrication methods we seek to provide interfaces that record and stimulate neural circuits with high precision and with a high degree of longevity.
Develop new interfaces and therapies involving engineered biomaterials that promote regeneration of tissue damaged during device implant or damaged as a result of disease.
Develop algorithms for effective use of long-term implants. These machine learning algorithms interpret signals from the central and peripheral nervous system and control closed loop therapeutic stimulation.

Participating Research Groups

Microfabrication methods for brain and nerve interfaces (Gardner, Taylor, Dalton, Aleman, Deku).
Sensory-motor learning and neural signal processing (Gardner, Murray, Mazzucato, Smear).
Calcium imaging methods development (Niell, Gardner, McCormick, Smear).
Biomaterials and genetic constructs for CNS repair and bioactive implants (Dalton, Gardner, Ambati, Hettiaratchi, Deku).