George McConnell

George McConnell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, affiliated with the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science. His research focuses on neural engineering, neural interfaces, and deep brain stimulation, particularly targeting Parkinson’s disease and neurodegenerative mechanisms. He holds a PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology and BS/MS degrees from Drexel University.

Research Interests: McConnell’s work centers on optimizing neural interface technologies, improving deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting accuracy, and understanding neural circuitry in movement disorders. His lab investigates cerebellar activity in Parkinsonian models and explores neuroinflammatory responses to implanted electrodes. Recent studies include analyzing gamma stimulation effects on tissue-electrode interfaces and dopaminergic/cholinergic correlations in gait disturbances.

Publications Overview: His 2024 work includes breakthroughs in neuroinflammation mitigation and cerebellar activity mapping in rodent models. Earlier research (2005-2009) pioneered anti-inflammatory coatings for neural implants, addressing chronic inflammation challenges. His 2023 editorial on Sherrington/Adrian’s Nobel Prize legacy highlights his engagement in neuroscience historiography.

• Grants: Branfman Family Foundation Award (2016-)
• Patents: Technique improving DBS targeting via intraoperative recordings (US Patent 11,529,519)

Awards: NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2010), NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2015), Drexel Magazine’s “40 under 40” (2019).

Service & Teaching: Serves on BME curriculum committees, IACUC, and editorial boards (e.g., Frontiers in Neuroscience). Teaches courses like Engineering Physiology and Brain-Machine Interfaces.