Research Focus Categories
This cluster focuses on the software and algorithms that drive neurostimulation and neuromodulation devices. By manipulating neural codes, it aims to generate artificial sensations through feedback systems, closed-loop stimulation, and real-time neural data interpretation. The scope includes neurostimulation techniques, neuroplasticity promotion, and neuroprosthetic technologies designed to recreate sensory experiences, enhance perception, and improve patient outcomes.
Key Areas
- Neural Code Decoding and Encoding
- Closed-Loop Electrical StimulationSystems
- Real-Time Neural Data Processing and Feedback
- Brainwave and Brain Activity Mapping for Stimulation Protocols
- Advances in Personalized Neuromodulation Algorithms
- Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation
This cluster integrates research on neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS) and nervous system injuries (e.g., brain injuries, and spinal cord damage) with clinical innovations in neurosurgery and neurorehabilitation. It focuses on developing therapies to restore function and improve quality of life through molecular, cellular, and technological interventions. Key areas include neuroplasticity-driven recovery and neuroprosthetic technologies for treating neurodegenerative conditions. Emphasis is placed on integrating these approaches into rehabilitation and surgical strategies to enhance both immediate recovery and long-term neurological function.
Key Areas
- Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
- Neuroplasticity and Regenerative Rehabilitation
- Neurostimulation and Neuroprosthetic Integration
- Clinical Trials for Neurological Recovery
Focuses on the integration of advanced neuroimaging technologies, computational tools, and machine learning techniques to map and understand neural circuits, brain functions, and cognitive processes. This cluster leverages big data analytics, AI, and neurocomputational modeling to interpret neural dynamics, predict clinical outcomes, and guide personalized treatment strategies.
Key Areas
- Functional and Structural Neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI, PET, two-photon microscopy, optogenetics)
- Big Data Analytics in Neuroscience
- AI and Machine Learning for Neuroinformatics
- Neurocomputational Modeling and Simulation
- Predictive Analytics for Disease Progression, Neuroplasticity, and Treatment Outcomes
This cluster focuses on the engineering and development of neurotechnologies, including biomaterials, implantable devices, and neuroprosthetics, while also investigating the role of the immune system, neuroinflammation, and glial modulation in neurological diseases and recovery. Emphasizing both physical interfaces and biological interactions, research explores strategies to modulate immune responses, restore neural function, and develop therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.
Key Areas
- Neuroprosthetics, Neural Interfaces, and BCIs
- Implantable and Wearable Neurostimulation Devices
- Biocompatible Materials for Neural and Immune Modulation
- Neuroinflammation and Immune Interventions in Neurodegeneration, TBI, and Spinal Cord Injury
Focuses on the ethical, legal, and policy considerations surrounding neurotechnologies, ensuring their responsible development and use. The cluster also explores how Pitt’s expertise can address neurological health disparities and shape global policy on neurotechnologies
Key Areas
- Neuroethics in Neurotechnology Development
- Clinical & Regulatory Policy for Neuroprosthetics
- Global Health Initiatives in Neurology
- Health Equity in Access to Neurotechnologies
- Ethical Considerations in AI and Machine Learning for Neuroscience
| Name | Bio | Research Area |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Aaron Batista | Dr. Aaron Batista's research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms of motor control and motor learning. His work integrates neuroscience, engineering, and computational modeling to improve BCIs, explore how the brain learns new skills without disrupting old ones, and investigate how internal states impact sensory-motor behavior. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neuroethics, Training, Policy, & Global Health |
| Marco Capogrosso |
Marco Capogrosso's research focuses on the design of neurotechnologies to restore movement in people with spinal cord injury, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. His work combines the study of the biophysics of electrical stimulation of neurons with pre-clinical and human clinical trial research to advance our understanding of spinal motor circuits function and neurostimulation. |
Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neural Interface Development |
| Xing Chen | Xing Chen’s lab develops high-channel-count, chronically implantable devices to record from and stimulate the brain. We harness cutting-edge developments in electrode fabrication and microelectronics to improve probe durability and biocompatibility, generating fundamental neuroscientific knowledge and translating results from the lab to the clinic. Our applications include the restoration of life-enhancing vision in the blind. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neural Interface Development |
| Chengcheng Huang | Chengcheng Huang’s research focuses on neural dynamics and computation in neural network models. We develop theoretical approaches to understanding circuit dynamics and information processing in sensory systems. We are interested in how different task and stimulus contexts change neuronal responses and the implications on neural coding, with an emphasis on neural variability. | |
| Jennifer Collinger | Jennifer Collinger's research focuses on advancing brain-machine interfaces to restore motor and sensory functions in individuals with neurological impairments. Her work includes enabling precise control of prosthetic limbs or other assistive devices using advanced neural decoding strategies. | Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neuroethics, Training, Policy, & Global Health |
| Xinyan Tracy Cui | Xinyan Tracy Cui's research focuses on advancing neural interfaces through improved electrode designs and materials. Her work includes developing brain-controlled interfaces to restore movement and communication for individuals with disabilities and enhancing the interface between neural microelectrodes and tissue. She employs techniques like electrochemical polymerization to optimize electrode surfaces with conductive polymers and bioactive materials, improving signal recording, reducing impedance, and enhancing electrochemical stability for more effective neural prosthetics and brain-computer interfaces. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neural Interface Development |
| Dr. Lee Fisher | Dr. Lee Fisher's research focuses on developing advanced neuroprostheses to restore sensory and motor functions lost due to neural damage or disease. He also investigates the role of somatosensation in maintaining balance during standing, aiming to enhance the stability and functionality of prosthetic devices. His work integrates these elements to improve outcomes for individuals with neural injuries or disorders. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neural Interface Development; Neuroethics, Training, Policy, & Global Health |
| Neeraj Gandhi | Neeraj Gandhi's research at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying saccadic eye movements, particularly the role of the superior colliculus (SC) and frontal eye fields (FEF) in integrating sensory inputs and motor commands in the same population of neurons. His work also examines how recipient neural ensembles can differentiate among the multiple dimensions of information encoded by the transmitting neural population. Gandhi's studies contribute to advancements in neuroprosthetics and the treatment of oculomotor and neuropsychiatric disorders. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation |
| Omar Gharbawie | Omar Gharbawie's research seeks to understand how the non-human primate brain controls skilled movements. To that end, he investigates how the spatiotemporal pattern of neural activity in sensorimotor cortex drives coordinated activity of the arm and hand. He also investigates the organizational principles of the connectivity of sensorimotor cortex. The lab uses a rich toolbox including large scale electrophysiological recordings, intrinsic signal optical imaging, intracortical microstimulation, and tract tracing. | Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation |
| Robert A. Gaunt | Robert A. Gaunt's research focuses on advancing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neuroprosthetic systems, particularly through intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) and electrocorticography (ECoG), to restore sensory and motor functions in individuals with severe impairments. His work has demonstrated that ICMS can evoke naturalistic tactile sensations and that ECoG can effectively provide spatially distinguishable sensations even in chronic paralysis. Additionally, Gaunt's integration of tactile feedback with BCIs has significantly improved prosthetic limb performance, highlighting the potential for more intuitive and effective neuroprosthetic technologies. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation |
| Bryan (Mac) Hooks | Bryan (Mac) Hooks’s research addresses the neural circuits of the motor cortex and basal ganglia, focusing on how inhibitory and excitatory pathways connect in normal brain and how they adapt during motor learning and skill acquisition. His research investigates the role of interneurons, particularly PV+ and SOM+ cells, in shaping motor cortex activity, and explores plasticity mechanisms relevant to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. His work aims to uncover how changes in synaptic connectivity can be leveraged to improve motor control and develop therapies for motor disorders. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation |
| Bistra Iordanova | Bistra Iordanova's research investigates the impact of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on cognitive decline, particularly in the context of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Her work focuses on identifying sex-specific risk factors for WMH and exploring the relationship between glycemic control, as indicated by HbA1c levels, and WMH progression over time. Additionally, she employs advanced imaging techniques to study vascular dynamics and their role in neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to a better understanding of the interplay between cerebrovascular health and cognitive function | Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation |
| Takashi D.Y. Kozai | Takashi D.Y. Kozai's (TK Kozai) research focuses on improving neural interfaces and brain-neurotechnology communication. His work investigates how non-neuronal cells drive neurodegeneration and regeneration in conditions like Alzheimer's and Multiple Sclerosis while exploring their manipulation to modulate neuronal activity. Using techniques such as two-photon imaging, electrophysiology, and neural stimulation, his lab examines cellular and network interactions to develop durable, effective neural prosthetics. By enhancing bidirectional communication between the nervous system and neural interfaces, Kozai aims to advance neurotechnological applications and therapies for neurological disorders. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neural Interface Development |
| J. Patrick Mayo | J. Patrick Mayo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in eye movement dynamics, cognition, and interhemispheric brain connectivity. His research explores the interplay between visual perception and eye movements in both controlled and naturalistic settings, using these dynamics to reveal fundamental insights about brain function. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation |
| Lisa S. Parker | Lisa S. Parker is Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote Professor of Bioethics and Director of the Center for Bioethics & Health Law at the University of Pittsburgh. She brings experience in the ethical design and conduct of research to training grants, research collaborations, directing the University’s Research, Ethics and Society Initiative, and national bodies such as the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research, the NHGRI Genomics and Society Working Group, and the Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Network. Her scholarship focuses on genetic/genomic research, return of research results and incidental findings, and issues in mental health research. Her research collaborations include developing a framework for involving healthcare workers as subjects of research and a paradigm for investigating real-world social behavior and its neural underpinnings. Informed consent, privacy protection, and equitable distribution of risks and potential benefits of research are long-standing issues in her research. | Neuroethics, Training, Policy, & Global Health |
| Dr. Elvira Pirondini | Dr. Elvira Pirondini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in neuroengineering and clinical applications. Her research has demonstrated that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can significantly improve speech and swallowing functions in patients with dysarthria and dysphagia, while also developing an innovative MRI-compatible stereotactic system to enhance neurosurgical targeting in nonhuman primates. Additionally, she investigates the effects of anesthesia on brain network dynamics, contributing to a deeper understanding of the neurobiological basis of consciousness. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neural Interface Development |
| Srivatsun Sadagopan | Srivatsun Sadagopan's research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying real-world auditory perception. His work employs computational modeling combined with large-scale electrophysiological recordings from behaving animals to determine the cortical mechanisms that enable robust perception of complex sounds such as speech in naturalistic listening conditions. Insights from this work could lead to better understanding of circuit dysfunction in hearing impairment and communication disorders, as well as the development of efficient algorithms for sound recognition that could power future hearing prostheses. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation |
| Dr. Siamak Salavatian | Dr. Siamak Salavatian focuses on developing neuromodulation therapies for cardiac diseases, employing techniques such as spinal cord stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation to improve cardiac function and mitigate arrhythmias. His research includes pioneering in vivo glutamate sensing through advanced electrochemical biosensors, achieving significant enhancements in sensitivity and stability. By integrating neural signal analysis and autonomic nervous system modulation, Dr. Salavatian aims to advance therapeutic strategies for managing cardiac conditions. | |
| Andrew Schwartz | Andrew Schwartz's research integrates action and cognition, emphasizing the dynamic role of neural communication in facilitating interaction with the environment. He develops methods for analyzing neuronal spike trains to enhance understanding of neural coding and explores applications in robotics, education, and neuroprosthetics. His work addresses the societal implications of this action-oriented perspective, aiming to improve human well-being and address psychological disorders. | Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation |
| Helen Schwerdt | Helen Schwerdt is an assistant professor in the Bioengineering Department at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in chronic neurochemical recording techniques in nonhuman primates. Her research focuses on developing and optimizing implantable probes for recording dopamine and other neurotransmitters, and applying these tools to characterize the function of these neurotransmitters and their interactive relationship with electrical neural signals in health and in disease. | Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neural Interface Development |
| Tobias Teichert, PhD | Tobias Teichert, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he investigates auditory function in the non-human primate to better understand the neurobiology of auditory function and auditory deficits in schizophrenia. He has developed advanced neuro-technologies like mesoscopic electrophysiology an imaging modality that combines the millisecond temporal resolution of electrophysiology with the large field of view and millimeter spatial resolution of fMRI. | Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neural Interface Development |
| Gelsey Torres-Oviedo | Gelsey Torres-Oviedo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in the neural control of balance and motor learning. She earned her Ph.D. at The Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, focusing on muscle activity's role in locomotion, and completed postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University, where she studied motor learning and gait rehabilitation. Her recent work investigates how motor memory adapts to environmental changes, contributing to a deeper understanding of movement flexibility and the underlying cerebral mechanisms involved | Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neuroethics, Training, Policy, & Global Health |
| Alberto Vazquez | Alberto Vazquez is an Associate Professor of Radiology and Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on the mechanisms of neurovascular coupling that link neuronal activity to blood supply. His research is pivotal for improving functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques and has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. By unraveling these complex relationships, Vazquez aims to enhance imaging methodologies and advance treatments for various neurological conditions. | Artificial Sensation, Neurostimulation & Neuromodulation; Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation; Neuroethics, Training, Policy, & Global Health |
| Dr. George F. Wittenberg | Dr. George F. Wittenberg is a Neurologist at the University of Pittsburgh, serving as the Director of the Laboratory for Research on Arm Function and Therapy (RAFT). His research focuses on the rehabilitation of upper limb impairments in stroke patients, particularly through the use of the MyoPro® myoelectric arm orthosis, which has shown promising outcomes in enhancing functional abilities. Dr. Wittenberg aims to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors by developing and evaluating advanced neurorehabilitation technologies | Neuroimaging & Neurocomputation; Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neurological Rehabilitation |