Mission
The mission of the Translational Neuro-Engineering Research Laboratory is to generate and use novel advanced technologies to improve the treatment of neurological disorders. We focus in particular on a pipeline from clinical insights to conception through animal model testing, in preparation for early clinical feasibility testing. Our approach is to engage clinicians, basic scientists and engineers to focus on important clinical needs and treatment gaps in order to conceptualize, define and shepherd their technical insights towards the goal of novel treatment strategies for human neurological diseases.
Focus
Our current focus is on epilepsy and neuro-regeneration, leveraging our strengths in molecular engineering, biomedical engineering and neurophysiology. These studies presently involve gene therapy, cell therapy, invasive and non-invasive electrical stimulation, physiological biomarkers such as single-unit and local field potential recordings, optogenetics, luminopsins (bioluminescent optogenetic probes), closed-loop control algorithm design and computational modeling. Studies are performed in animal models of disease and patients undergoing sEEG monitoring.