Robert F. Kirsch

Robert F. Kirsch is the Allen H. and Constance T. Ford Professor and Chair of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, and Executive Director of the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation Center. He leads the Case-Coulter Translational Research partnership and holds roles in multiple national advisory boards. His research focuses on restoring arm function in individuals with spinal cord injuries using functional electrical stimulation (FES) and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).

Education

• BS in Electrical Engineering, University of Cincinnati (1982)
• MS and PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University (1986)
• Postdoctoral research at McGill University

Research Interests

Kirsch’s work integrates neural engineering and rehabilitation technologies to restore movement. Key areas include FES-based neuroprosthetics, BCI systems for prosthetic control, and advanced feedback algorithms for closed-loop systems. His team employs robotics, virtual reality, and machine learning to model human motor control.

Grants & Awards

• Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)
• National Institutes of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Coulter Foundation funding

Labs & Teams

He directs the Cleveland FES Center and collaborates with the BrainGate consortium. His lab develops implantable medical devices and advanced prosthetic interfaces.