Research Summary
Neural Engineering is a new discipline at the interface between engineering and neuroscience. Neural Engineering research in my laboratory
combines computational neuroscience, engineering and electrophysiology to solve problems in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
In the CNS, the mechanisms of synchronization of neuronal activity during epilepsy are investigated using in- vitro brain slice preparations,
in-vivo multiple electrode recording and computer models. The interaction between applied currents and neuronal tissue are studied to determine
the feasibility of controlling seizures in patients with epilepsy.
In the peripheral nervous system, novel nerve electrodes are being developed capable of stimulating and recording neuronal
activity selectively. This neural interfacing methodology is applied to the hypoglossal nerve to restore patency in the airways in
patients with obstructive sleep apnea and to design neural prostheses for patients with spinal cord injury and stroke. Computer
simulations of both neurons and volume conductors are used in conjunction with the experiments for the quantitative analysis of
neural systems and to design new electrodes for interfacing with the nervous system.
The mechanisms underlying the non-invasive magnetic stimulation of the nervous system are studied with a combination of
theoretical and experimental approaches.
Research Papers
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