Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Patrick Slade is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). His lab, the Slade Lab, focuses on developing assistive devices to enhance mobility through the integration of biomechanics, robotics, and human-centered artificial intelligence. Key research areas include exoskeletons, prosthetics, wearable sensors for health tracking, and navigation aids for visually impaired individuals. Research Interests: The lab emphasizes translating research into practical solutions, such as personalized exoskeletons and robotic systems to improve mobility. Recent work includes optimizing human-robot interaction algorithms and publishing in high-impact journals like Nature . Collaborations with labs like the Biodesign Lab and BIONICs Lab highlight cross-disciplinary efforts. Publications: Over 15 articles since 2017 span topics like exoskeleton design, energy expenditure modeling, and Bayesian reinforcement learning. Notable contributions include a 2022 Nature paper on personalized exoskeleton assistance and a 2021 study on navigation aids for impaired vision. Awards & Grants: Students in his group have received prestigious NSF GRFP fellowships and conference awards, reflecting the lab's emphasis on innovation. The lab actively engages in grant-funded projects to advance assistive technology. Lab & Team: The Slade Lab opened at Harvard in 2023 and includes PhD students and postdocs working on devices like robotic exoskeletons and health-tracking systems. Future work focuses on scalable solutions for mobility challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.
Professor Dario Farina is Chair in Neurorehabilitation Engineering at the Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London. He has previously served as Full Professor at Aalborg University, Denmark, and at the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany, where he founded and directed the Institute of Neurorehabilitation Systems. His research spans biomedical signal processing, neural control of movement, and neurorehabilitation technology, with extensive contributions to electromyography, motor unit analysis, and neural interfaces. Chair in Neurorehabilitation Engineering, Imperial College London Former Full Professor, Aalborg University and University Medical Center Göttingen Founder and Director, Institute of Neurorehabilitation Systems Key Affiliations: Centre for Neurotechnology, Artificial Intelligence Network, Robotics Forum, Neuromechanics and Rehabilitation Technology His research focuses on biomedical signal processing , neural control of movement , and neurorehabilitation technology . He investigates how neural signals control muscles, develops methods to decode motor unit activity from EMG, and designs neural interfaces for prosthetics and rehabilitation. His work integrates computational modeling, signal processing, and clinical applications to improve bionic systems and neurorehabilitation outcomes. The recent publications (2024–2025) show a strong emphasis on high-density EMG , real-time motor unit decomposition , peripheral and cortical neural interfacing , closed-loop control systems , and AI-driven biosignal analysis . Key themes include decoding spinal and cortical signals, improving prosthetic control, understanding tremor mechanisms, and developing open-source tools for motor unit analysis. The work bridges neuroscience, engineering, and clinical practice. Scientific awards and honors include: Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2016) IEEE EMBS Early Career Achievement Award (2010) Nightingale Prize for best paper in MBEC (2007) Elected Fellow of EAMBES (2016) Elected Fellow of AIMBE (2012) Professor Farina has advised numerous researchers and students in neuroengineering and rehabilitation technology. He has led major research grants in neural interfaces and neurorehabilitation. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology , an editor for IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering and The Journal of Physiology , and has held editorial roles in multiple journals. He was President of ISEK (2012–2014) and is a Senior Member of IEEE. He leads a research group focused on neuromechanics, neural decoding, and bionic systems. The team develops tools like I-Spin live and MUedit for real-time motor unit identification and contributes to open-source platforms such as NeuroMotion . The lab collaborates internationally on projects involving spinal cord stimulation, prosthetic control, and wearable robotics, aiming to translate neural engineering advances into clinical rehabilitation.
Levi J Hargrove is an Associate Professor at Northwestern University, holding dual appointments in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Feinberg School of Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering. He is also a Research Scientist at the Center for Bionic Medicine at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. His work focuses on developing neural control systems for prosthetic limbs, particularly in myoelectric control and pattern recognition, aiming to create clinically viable solutions for amputees. Education: BScE in Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, 2003 MScE in Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, 2005 PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, 2008 Research Interests: Signal processing, pattern recognition, myoelectric control of powered prostheses, and neural interfaces for bionic limbs. His lab translates research into clinical applications, such as the first thought-controlled bionic leg and Coapt LLC's pattern recognition systems for upper-limb prosthetics. Awards: 2017 American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Research Award 2014 Department of Defense Outstanding Research Team Award 2015 Collaboration Award from Chicago Innovation Grants: Manages a $25 million portfolio from federal, military, and philanthropic sources. Key projects include NSF-funded research on human-robot interaction and DoD grants for prosthetic innovation. Labs: Leads the Regenstein Foundation Center for Bionic Medicine and collaborates with the Neurorehabilitation and Neural Engineering Lab. His work emphasizes translational research, bridging engineering and clinical practice.
Cagdas Onal is an Associate Professor of Robotics Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He holds a BS and MS from Sabanci University (2003, 2005) and a PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University (2009). His research focuses on soft robotics, bio-inspired systems, and control theory , emphasizing the development of flexible robotic components for healthcare, industry, and sustainable applications. He leads the Soft Robotics Lab and the Future of Robots in the Workplace (FORW-RD) initiative, advancing human-centric robotics solutions. Research interests include designing bio-inspired soft robots (e.g., origami-inspired snake robots), developing modular actuation systems with embedded sensors, and exploring applications in medical devices and assistive technology. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in healthcare access (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and innovation (SDG 9). Recent projects include origami-based robotic arms for wheelchair users , self-contained underwater robots, and haptic interfaces for teleoperation. His lab collaborates on国家级 grants like the NSF-funded NRT Program and has secured patents for actuator designs (e.g., Hydro Muscle). Labs/Teams: Soft Robotics Lab, FORW-RD, NRT Program. Notable media coverage includes Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Spectrum News for innovations in human-friendly robotics.
Aaron Young is an Associate Professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and a program faculty member in the Biomedical Engineering School. He serves as Director of the Exoskeleton and Prosthetic Intelligent Controls (EPIC) Lab, focusing on robotic human augmentation through advanced control systems for prosthetics and exoskeletons. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan (2014-2016) Ph.D., Northwestern University (2014) M.S., Northwestern University (2011) B.S., Purdue University (2009) Dr. Young's research addresses clinically viable control systems for wearable robotic devices, emphasizing intent recognition , EMG signal processing , and machine learning integration. His work targets mobility impairments from stroke, amputation, cerebral palsy, and neurological injuries, aiming to reduce metabolic costs, restore natural biomechanics, and enhance community ambulation. Key innovations include data-driven control frameworks , biomechanical terrain adaptation , and anthropometry-based personalization . His recent publications highlight advancements in deep learning for real-time biomechanics , EMG-informed joint estimation , and adaptive assistance systems . The EPIC Lab's facilities feature a terrain park with force plates , motion capture systems , and HumoTech simulation platforms for device testing. Scientific Awards: New Faces of Engineering (IEEE USA, 2017) Military Health System Team Award (2015) NSF Graduate Fellowship (2010) NDSEG Fellowship (2010) IEEE EMBC 3rd Place (2013) Projects include NSF-funded hip exoskeletons for stroke survivors, DoD-powered prostheses for amputees, and Pediatric knee exoskeletons for cerebral palsy. The lab cultivates interdisciplinary expertise in robotics , biomedical engineering , and human-machine interaction .
Kaitlyn Crawford is an Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Central Florida, with a secondary appointment in Chemistry. She directs the Functional Materials and Sensors Lab, focusing on sustainable soft materials for flexible electronics and biomedical applications. Her research integrates polymer science and engineering to develop wearable sensors for health monitoring, biodegradable materials to reduce e-waste, and natural polymer composites. Current projects include a $1.5M DHS-funded wearable for firefighter heat-stress monitoring and NASA-funded space applications. Her recent publications emphasize sustainable polymers, bionic devices, and AI-driven diagnostics. Awards include the 2024 ACS PMSE Early Investigator Award and a Jewish National Fund fellowship. She leads multiple graduate students in biomedical and materials research. Awards: 2024 ACS PMSE Early Investigator Award Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel, Jewish National Fund Faculty Excellence Honoree, Women’s History Month (UCF)
Cameron Taylor is an Assistant Professor in the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC Chapel Hill and NC State University . His research focuses on neuromuscular sensing and stimulation , electromagnetics , and computational science . He teaches BMME 385 - Bioinstrumentation and leads the Hi-PHI Lab , which develops transformative human interfacing technologies to restore ability in persons with movement disorders. His work integrates magnetoquasistatics , neural interfacing , and muscle physiology . Ph.D. in Media Arts and Sciences (Biomechatronics) MIT, 2020 M.S. in Media Arts and Sciences (Biomechatronics) MIT, 2016 B.S. in Electrical Engineering Brigham Young University, 2014 A.S. Mesa Community College, 2012 His research interests include novel electromagnetic strategies for sensing and imaging the human body, with applications in wearable technologies and clinical interventions. His lab’s innovations include magnetomicrometry —a first-of-its-kind technology for real-time muscle tissue tracking in humans. Awards : - 2023 Promising Investigator Award from the Rocky Mountain Muscle Symposium Lab and Team : The Hi-PHI Lab, launching Fall 2025, seeks graduate students and postdocs with expertise in electromagnetics , algorithm development , or signal processing . Current advisees include Mahavir Prasad (PhD candidate focused on affordable human interfacing technologies) and John Goebel (PhD candidate working on bioelectronic equipment for tissue measurements). His work has been featured in Physics World , MIT Technology Review , and Electronic Design .
Enzo Mastinu is an electronic engineer specialized in embedded systems for biomedical applications, holding an Associate Professor qualification in Bioengineering. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in electronic engineering from the University of Cagliari and a PhD in biomedical signals and systems from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. His research focuses on advanced prosthetics and neuroprostheses for upper limb amputations, incorporating embedded systems design, control algorithms, sensory feedback, signal processing, AI, and osseointegration. Key projects include the HAND and HAND2 initiatives, funded by the EU and the Italian Ministry of Research, aiming to develop semi-autonomous prosthetic hands. He has published 25 journal articles (75% in Q1) and 21 conference papers, contributing to a PCT patent. Mastinu is a Senior Member of IEEE EMBS and RAS, reviews for ~90 journals/conferences, and edits Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics (IEEE) and Scientific Data (Nature). He has supervised ~40 students across PhD, master's, internships, and postdocs, and teaches courses in biomedical engineering and STEM education. His scientific awards include the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (2021), National Qualification as Associate Professor (2024), and a Young Researcher Grant (2025). Research emphasizes clinical implementation of prosthetics with neural feedback and intuitive control, as highlighted in high-impact journals like the New England Journal of Medicine.
Qiushi Fu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida, focusing on neuromuscular control, human-robot interaction, and biomechanics. His work leverages assistive and rehabilitation technologies to improve motor function and performance. Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering – Arizona State University M.S. in Mechanical Engineering – State University of New York at Buffalo B.S. in Automation – Tsinghua University Research interests include sensorimotor learning, bioinspired robotics, and rehabilitation prosthetics, integrating neuroscience, robotics, and machine learning. His recent publications emphasize adaptive control in dexterous manipulation, haptic communication, and wearable rehabilitation devices. Fu leads a multidisciplinary lab advancing human movement through technology, with applications in stroke recovery and prosthetic design. His work demonstrates trends in machine learning integration for neural decoding, bioinspired exoskeletons, and collaborative human-robot systems. Though no specific awards are listed, his research has been published in high-impact journals like Frontiers in Neurorobotics and Journal of Neuroscience .
Giacomo Valle serves as an Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Signals and Systems department within the School of Electrical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. His research profile indicates strong international collaboration, particularly with institutions including the University of Chicago where he maintains research affiliations. Dr. Valle's research focuses on developing advanced neural interfaces that restore somatosensory function through intracortical microstimulation. His work bridges neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and clinical applications, with particular emphasis on creating biomimetic tactile sensations for users of brain-controlled prosthetic limbs. His innovative approaches to patterned microstimulation enable the perception of edges and motion across the skin, significantly improving manual dexterity and user experience with bionic hands. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward clinical translation of neuroprosthetic technologies, with increasing attention to ethical considerations and practical implementation challenges. His work spans fundamental neuroscience investigations through to clinical applications, demonstrating both theoretical depth and practical relevance in the field. While specific awards and honors aren't detailed in the available information, his publication record in high-impact journals like Science indicates significant recognition within the neuroscience and neuroengineering communities. His collaborative research network includes leading institutions across the United States and Europe, suggesting substantial grant funding and research leadership. Dr. Valle's work contributes to multidisciplinary research teams focused on neural engineering and rehabilitation technologies, particularly those developing next-generation brain-computer interfaces with integrated sensory feedback capabilities.
Auke Jan Ijspeert is a full professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he serves as head of the Biorobotics Laboratory (BioRob). He holds a primary affiliation with the Institute of Bioengineering and a secondary affiliation with the Institute of Mechanical Engineering. His academic leadership and research excellence have established him as a leading figure in bio-inspired robotics and computational neuroscience. B.Sc./M.Sc. in Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1995 Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, University of Edinburgh, 1999 Postdoctoral research at IDSIA/EPFL and University of Southern California (USC) SNF Assistant Professor at EPFL, 2002 Promoted to Associate Professor, October 2009 Promoted to Full Professor, April 2016 His research lies at the intersection of robotics, computational neuroscience, nonlinear dynamical systems, and applied machine learning. He investigates animal locomotion and movement control using numerical simulations and robotic platforms, aiming to understand biological principles and apply them to novel robot designs and controllers. His work has led to groundbreaking robots like the salamander-inspired Pleurobot and amphibious robotic systems. He also explores applications in assistive technologies such as exoskeletons and smart furniture for people with limited mobility. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in bio-inspired robotics, neuromechanical modeling, and the use of robots to understand biological locomotion. Key themes include spinal cord modeling for gait control, amphibious and aquatic locomotion, central pattern generators, and the evolutionary transition from swimming to walking. His work integrates neuroscience, biomechanics, and robotics to create physical models that serve both engineering and scientific discovery purposes. Scientific Awards and Honors: IEEE Fellow (2020) Best Paper Prize, CLAWAR 2019 Best Conference Paper Award, SAB 2018 Best Paper Award, IEEE RO-MAN 2014 Best Paper Award, IEEE Humanoids 2007 Overall Best Paper Award, IEEE ICRA 2002 Young Professorship Award, Swiss National Science Foundation Marie Curie Scholarship, European Commission Auke Ijspeert has been actively involved in academic service, serving as an associate editor for IEEE Transactions on Robotics (2009–2013) and Soft Robotics (2018–2021), and as an associate editor for IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics and the International Journal of Humanoid Robotics. He has secured major funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, Human Frontier Science Program, European Commission (FP7, H2020), Human Brain Project, and other international agencies. He has organized seven major international conferences and served on over 50 program committees. His laboratory, BioRob, is a hub for interdisciplinary research, training students and researchers in biorobotics, and fostering collaboration across neuroscience, robotics, and biomechanics.
Mark S. Humayun is a University Professor at the University of Southern California (USC), holding joint appointments in the Keck School of Medicine and the Viterbi School of Engineering. He serves as Director of the USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics and Co-Director of the USC Roski Eye Institute. His expertise lies at the intersection of ophthalmology, biomedical engineering, and stem cell biology. Humayun earned his MD from Duke University and PhD from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He pioneered the Argus II retinal implant, the first FDA-approved bionic eye for restoring vision in the blind, for which he received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2016). His research focuses on retinal prosthetics, stem cell therapies, and non-invasive neurostimulation techniques. Key contributions include advancements in ultrasound-based vision restoration and bioengineered retinal implants. Humayun has over 300 publications and 140 patents, with awards such as the IEEE Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology (2020) and ARVO Fellow (2022). His work bridges clinical practice and engineering, addressing retinal degeneration and macular diseases through innovative technologies. Notable achievements include leading the development of the Argus II, which has restored partial vision to patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Current research explores next-generation implants, stem cell-derived RPE therapies, and ultrasonic stimulation for broader vision restoration. His interdisciplinary teams collaborate across engineering, computer science, and medicine to tackle complex ophthalmic challenges.
Professor Gregg Suaning is a leading academic in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney Nano Institute, and the Brain and Mind Centre. He holds a PhD from UNSW and has over 25 years of experience in implantable neuroprosthetics, focusing on restoring sensory functions for the blind and deaf. His work spans academic and industry roles, including contributions to Cochlear's cochlear implant innovations and pioneering visual prosthetic research. Education: PhD (UNSW, 2003), MSc and BSc (California State University, 1986-1988). Research interests center on developing implantable bionics to restore vision and hearing. Notable projects include the Phoenix 99 suprachoroidal visual prosthesis and facial nerve paralysis interventions. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed papers and secured $60M+ in research funding. Awards include the Bartimaeus Award for contributions to the blind community and multiple innovation awards. He leads IEEE's Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society committees and holds senior IEEE membership. Current projects focus on facial nerve paralysis treatments, high-density micro-electrode arrays, and improving cochlear implant efficacy. His lab collaborates with clinical partners to advance biocompatible neural interfaces and prosthetic systems.
Calogero Maria Oddo is an Associate Professor at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, affiliated with the BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. He leads the Neuro-Robotic Touch Laboratory, coordinating a team of 25+ researchers. His work bridges neuroscience and engineering, focusing on tactile sensing, neuroprosthetics, and biomedical robotics. He holds a national qualification as Full Professor of Bioengineering and serves in academic governance roles, including Vice-Coordinator of the BioRobotics PhD program and President of the University Committee for Equal Opportunities. His research has been featured in top journals like Nature Machine Intelligence and recognized by prestigious awards such as the Feltrinelli Prize under 40 (2023). Education BSc in Electronic Engineering (University of Pisa, 2005, 1st in cohort) MSc in Electronic Engineering (University of Pisa, 2007, Excellence Track) PhD in Innovative Technologies (Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, 2011) Graduate of Sant’Anna Honours College (2008, 2006) Research Interests His lab develops tactile sensors inspired by human neurophysiology, with applications in bionic prostheses, robotic surgery, and healthcare. Key areas include neuromorphic engineering, mechanotransduction, and sensory feedback systems. Collaborations span institutions like the National Research Council, University of Pisa, and international partners such as École Normale Supérieure. Grants & Awards Coordinator of €10M+ in research funding from EU, Italian ministries, and private foundations Contributions to technology transfer via RoboIT and the ARTES 4.0 Competence Center Labs & Teams Leads the Neuro-Robotic Touch Lab and collaborates with the N2Lab (National Research Council), focusing on clinical translation of tactile technologies.
