Neural Engineering
This cluster focuses on the development of methods to probe the nervous system and to generate novel neural interfaces.
Through a combination of expertise from biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and neuroscience, this cluster aims at understanding the nervous system. The ongoing research within the neural engineering cluster spans the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system using computational as well as in-vivo models in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Research topics include electrode and prosthesis development, big data analysis of EEG, neuromodulation approaches.
Recent Publications
Overview of Brain Machine Interface research happening at BI
Related Press Releases & Articles
- October 8 @ 12:00 pm
Neuroregeneration and Cognition Challenge Save The Date
Save the Date for a joint Biointerfaces Institute and Michigan Neuroscience Institute Joint Challenge on “Neuroregeneration and Cognition” on October 8 and 9, 2021.
- July 20, 2021 / Article
Newly developed implantable carbon fiber electrode developed by Chestek and Bruns labs
The tiny, implantable carbon fiber electrode developed jointly by Cindy Chestek and Tim Bruns shows promise as a long-term brain-computer interface.
- July 9 @ 9:00 am
PhD Defense – Hans Zander
Title: Computational Modeling of Spinal Cord Stimulation for Inspiratory Muscle Activation and Chronic Pain Management
Chair: Scott Lempka
- May 17, 2021 / Award
2021 BI Innovator Awardees
Congratulations to the 2020 BI Innovator Award Recipients. BI Innovator awards recognize members of the BI research community who are active participants in the research, innovation and translational ecosystem at BI and making a difference in our community.
- April 1, 2021 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in March
- March 1, 2021 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in February
- February 1, 2021 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in January
- December 1, 2020 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in November
- November 5, 2020 / Article
Scott Lempka discusses mathematical models to study neurotechnologies
Scott Lempka discusses mathematical models to study neurotechnologies
- October 30, 2020 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in October
- October 13, 2020 / Award
Chestek Receives Frankel Innovation Initiative Award
Cynthia Chestek and collaborator Paul Cederna received funding from the inaugural round of the Frankel Innovation Initiative for their project on Peripheral Nerve Interfaces for Prosthetic Hand Control.
- September 30, 2020 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in September
- July 31, 2020 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in July
- July 23, 2020 / Article
The Stacey Lab reports on new Approaches to Study Seizures and Understand Epilepsy
William (Bill) Stacey is part of the team proposing new approaches to study seizures and understand epilepsy.
- June 30, 2020 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in June
- May 29, 2020 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in May
- April 30, 2020 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in April
- April 14, 2020 / Article
Neural interfaces to enable intuitive, finger-level control of a robotic hand
Cindy Chestek and collaborator Paul Cederna report on their approach to advance mind-controlled prosthetic devices for amputees
- March 31, 2020 / Article
Recent BI Publications
Publications from BI Research Groups in March
- March 2, 2020 / Award
2020 BI Innovator Awardees
Congratulations to the 2020 BI Innovator Award Recipients. BI Innovator awards recognize members of the BI research community who are active participants in the research, innovation and translational ecosystem at BI.
The 2020 awardees will be featured speakers at the BI Research Day on March 18.
Our Neural Engineering Researchers
Neural Engineering Publications
Cell and Tissue Engineering
Learn MoreAdvanced Materials and Drug Delivery
Learn MoreSingle Cell Technologies
Learn MoreBioInnovations in Brain Cancer
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James Weiland
Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Research Focus: Neural Engineering Contact Information:weiland@umich.eduThe mission of Dr. Weiland and the BioElectronic Vision Lab (BEVL) is to create and translate technological solutions for visual dysfunction. We investigate the fundamental mechanisms through which implantable and wearable electronic systems interact with the visual system and other sensory modalities, and the long term consequences of such systems on the functional and anatomical organization of the visual system. Based on this understanding, we create and optimize medical devices designed to improve the quality of life for the visually impaired.
Scott Lempka
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Anesthesiology Research Focus: Neural Engineering Contact Information:lempka@umich.eduLempka’s Neuromodulation Lab uses computational models combined with experimental measurements to characterize clinical neurostimulation therapies for chronic pain management. Particular research areas include spinal cord stimulation and deep brain stimulation.
Tim Bruns
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Research Focus: Neural Engineering Contact Information:bruns@umich.eduBruns’ research group is developing microelectrode interfaces with the nervous system for functional control and investigating systems-level neurophysiology.
Cindy Chestek
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Research Focus: Neural Engineering Contact Information:cchestek@umich.eduThe Chestek lab focuses on brain machine interface (BMI) systems using 100 channel arrays implanted in motor and pre-motor cortex. The goal is to eventually develop clinically viable systems to enable paralyzed individuals to control prosthetic limbs, as well as their own limbs using functional electrical stimulation and assistive exoskeletons.
William Stacey
Associate Professor of Neurology and Biomedical Engineering Research Focus: Neural Engineering Contact Information:wstacey@umich.eduThe Stacey lab is dedicated to developing better implantable devices to control epilepsy. The lab uses a combination of electrophysiology, machine learning, signal processing, and computational modeling. Data for these projects are acquired from a large database of human patients, an ongoing pilot clinical trial in patients undergoing surgical implantation of electrodes, and from rodent models of epilepsy. The lab is specifically researching the relationship of high frequency oscillations with seizure mechanisms, and developing methods to target and stimulate the brain to stop seizures.