Polina O. Anikeeva

Polina O. Anikeeva is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Associate Director of the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE) at MIT. She leads the Bioelectronics Group, focusing on developing minimally invasive neural interfaces and neuroprosthetics using advanced materials. Her work integrates materials chemistry, nanotechnology, and microfabrication to enhance biocompatibility and signal quality in neural devices for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and major depressive disorder.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Physics, St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University (2003)
• PhD in Materials Science, MIT (2009)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Bioengineering, Stanford University

Her research emphasizes hybrid organic-inorganic materials and optoelectronic systems for neural recording/stimulation. Key innovations include magnetically actuated sensors, wireless neuromodulation, and flexible optoelectronic fibers. Notable achievements include the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (2021) and collaborations with the Fashion Institute of Technology on smart textiles.

Lab Focus: Bioelectronics Group at RLE develops next-generation neural interfaces, with applications in brain-machine interfaces and paralysis treatment. Recent advances include magnetoelectric nanodiscs for transgene-free neuromodulation and remotely controlled chemomagnetic neural circuits.