Neural Engineering

The Opri research lab focuses on the exploration of the neurophysiological activity in the basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits in humans affected by neurological disorders (such as Parkinson’s, Tourette, Essential Tremor, Epilepsy), while investigating how neuromodulation (Deep Brain Stimulation, cortical stimulation mapping) alters these networks to bring a therapeutic benefit. Our goal is to engineer novel methodologies for the automatization and enhancement of clinical procedures in the field of neuromodulation.

Bruns’ research group is developing microelectrode interfaces with the nervous system for functional control and investigating systems-level neurophysiology.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

Lempka’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.