Lukas Hiendlmeier is a Researcher at the Technical University of Munich, affiliated with the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE) and the Associate Professorship of Neuroelectronics led by Prof. Bernhard Wolfrum. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from TUM. His research focuses on advanced fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, laser micromachining, and polymer material science, with applications in neuroelectronics and biomedical devices. Hiendlmeier’s work emphasizes developing self-folding bioelectronic interfaces, flexible electrodes, and implantable neural devices for peripheral nerve interfacing. His contributions include innovations in 4D printing techniques, thermoformed materials, and origami-inspired electrode designs. He collaborates on projects involving cell manipulation, microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, and closed-loop neural stimulation systems. Publications span topics like self-folding bioelectronics, flexible sensor arrays, and nanorobotics, showcasing expertise in materials science and biomedical engineering. His research bridges fundamental science and translational applications, addressing challenges in neural prosthetics, wearable diagnostics, and tissue engineering. Hiendlmeier is actively involved in the neuroTUM initiative and contributes to interdisciplinary teams at TUM, focusing on advancing neurotechnology through innovative fabrication methods and biomaterials.
Zhenhong Li is a Lecturer in Robotics and Control at the University of Manchester, holding an EPSRC Fellowship in physical human-robot interaction. He earned his B.Eng. from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (2013), and M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Control Engineering from the University of Manchester (2014 and 2019). Before joining Manchester in 2023, he was a Research Fellow in Rehabilitation Robotics at the University of Leeds (2019–2023). His research focuses on control technologies for human-robot systems, with applications in healthcare and industry. Key areas include physical human-robot interaction for rehabilitation, brain-computer interfaces, and neuromusculoskeletal modeling. He leads the Neurorobotics Lab (NRL) at Manchester and collaborates with healthcare professionals, industries, and designers via EPSRC/STFC/Wellcome Trust funding. Notable achievements include the 2019 Best Paper Award for Unmanned Systems and the 2020 EPS International Academic Pump-priming Award. In 2025, he was elected as a Senior Member of the IEEE. He actively organizes conferences and special issues, including the 2025 IEEE UK Robotics Conference and a Frontiers special issue on intelligent rehabilitation technology. Dr. Li supervises PhD candidates in robotics and control, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to human-robot interaction. His lab develops cutting-edge technologies like assistive exoskeletons and adaptive control systems for healthcare and industrial applications.
Pablo Perez-Pinera is an Associate Professor in Biomedical and Translational Sciences at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois. He leads the Genome Engineering and Transcriptional Regulation Laboratory, focusing on developing gene editing technologies for treating neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. His research integrates cutting-edge genome engineering tools with innovative delivery systems to address previously incurable conditions. Dr. Perez-Pinera's research interests center on developing CRISPR-based genome editing technologies for therapeutic applications. His laboratory specializes in base editing approaches for exon skipping, particularly targeting diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and ALS. His team develops novel delivery systems using AAV vectors to enable precise in vivo genome editing, with a particular focus on neurological and muscular disorders. The lab's work bridges fundamental molecular biology with translational applications, aiming to move promising technologies from bench to bedside. His laboratory has made significant contributions to the field of therapeutic genome editing, particularly in developing the SPLICER platform for efficient exon skipping through simultaneous splice site editing. His publications demonstrate expertise in base editing for neurodegenerative diseases, with multiple first-author and corresponding author papers in high-impact journals. His research has been supported by several NIH grants including R01 GM131272, UL1 TR001422, R01 GM141296, among others. Dr. Perez-Pinera actively mentors a diverse team of researchers including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates. His laboratory includes researchers such as Devyani Swami (Postdoctoral Fellow), Michael Gapinske, Jackson Winter, Shraddha Shirguppe, Angelo Miskalis, and others who contribute to various aspects of genome engineering research. His grant funding supports both basic research on genome editing mechanisms and translational work toward therapeutic applications. The Genome Engineering and Transcriptional Regulation Laboratory maintains state-of-the-art facilities for molecular biology, cell culture, and in vivo studies. The team collaborates extensively with clinicians and researchers across the University of Illinois campus to translate genome editing discoveries into potential therapies for patients suffering from neurodegenerative and neuromuscular conditions.
Gustavo Nader, Ph.D., is a Professor of Kinesiology at The Pennsylvania State University's College of Health and Human Development, where he holds the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Loyd Huck Endowed Chair in Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology. His research laboratory at 101 Noll Lab focuses on molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle adaptation, employing human, animal, and cellular models to investigate ribosome biogenesis, transcriptional regulation, and muscle growth control in contexts ranging from exercise hypertrophy to cancer cachexia. Dr. Nader's research examines fundamental processes including: Ribosome biogenesis and its role in muscle growth regulation Epigenetic control of RNA Polymerase I activity Molecular pathways in mechanical overload-induced hypertrophy Tumor-induced muscle wasting mechanisms Biomimicry approaches inspired by hibernator physiology His work spans exercise physiology, cancer biology, and environmental stress responses. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2015-2025) reveals predominant themes in muscle hypertrophy mechanisms, cancer cachexia pathophysiology, ribosomal function analysis, and environmental stress impacts on muscle. His work consistently integrates molecular techniques with physiological models across species. Notable scientific recognitions include: Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Loyd Huck Chair appointment (2024) Huck Institutes Leadership Fellowship (2025-2026) Dr. Nader leads an active research team investigating muscle plasticity, with current projects funded through the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. He collaborates extensively through Penn State's Integrative and Biomedical Physiology graduate program and Center for Cellular Dynamics.
Hyunglae Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), part of the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy. He leads the Neuromuscular Control and Human Robotics Laboratory at ASU, focusing on human-robot interaction and neurorehabilitation. His work bridges biomechanics, robotics, and control systems. Education: B.S. (1st in class, 2002) and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University (SNU) Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2013), advised by Prof. Neville Hogan Research interests include: - Design of assistive robots for neurorehabilitation - Human movement biomechanics - Adaptive control strategies for physical human-robot collaboration - Wearable robotic systems Awards highlight his contributions to innovation and teaching, including the NSF CAREER Award (2019) and multiple recognitions for excellence in education at ASU. Teaching and advising involve courses like System Dynamics and Control, Robotics Modeling, and supervision of graduate students through thesis/dissertation guidance programs. His academic service includes roles in research institutes like the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (postdoc) and industry experience at LG Electronics and Korea Institute of Science and Technology.
Patrick J. Cahill, MD, is a pediatric spine specialist and the Robert M. Campbell Jr. Endowed Chair in Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). His clinical expertise spans disorders of the pediatric spine, scoliosis, cervical spine conditions, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. He leads the Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome, collaborating with pulmonology, anesthesia, and physical therapy teams. Academic Role: Physician Scientist Leadership: Director of the Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome Research Focus: Spinal growth modulation, 3D surgical planning, and reducing anesthesia exposure in young patients His work emphasizes fusionless treatments like magnetically expandable growing rods and Mehta casting, alongside innovations in dynamic MRI for preoperative assessment. Recent publications highlight comparative studies on spinal fusion techniques, surgical complication classifications, and multidisciplinary approaches to complex cases. Awards: Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors (2022), SRS Travelling Fellowship (2015) Professional Memberships: Scoliosis Research Society, North American Spine Society, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America
Andrea Mason is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on motor control, particularly in autism spectrum disorder, aging, and virtual environments. She holds the Conway Professorship of Kinesiology (2021) and has received the NSF Career Award (2004). Education: Ph.D. in Human Motor Systems from Simon Fraser University (under Dr. Christine MacKenzie). Her work examines bimanual coordination, gait analysis, and balance training. She leads a lab (visit lab webpage) and collaborates on projects involving robotic-assisted motor assessments and VR feedback for clinical populations. Key research themes include: Motor control in autism Age-related changes in locomotion and grasping Virtual environment interaction Developmental coordination disorders Recent studies explore gait variability in dual-task scenarios, sensory feedback effects in VR, and biofeedback-based balance training for children with autism. Her work bridges kinesiology, neuroscience, and clinical applications. Awards: Conway Professorship (2021), Best Paper (2013), NSF Career (2004) Lab: Accessible via dedicated webpage CV: Downloadable from her portal
Ana Cristina Manso serves as Associate Professor, Vice-Rector, and Member of the Scientific Council at Egas Moniz University Institute. She directs multiple Preventive and Community Dentistry courses within the Integrated Master's Degree in Dentistry program and serves as a researcher at the Egas Moniz Interdisciplinary Research Center. Her clinical practice includes work at the Oral Health Unit - Clinical Center at the Bankers' Union of the South and Islands. Her educational background includes a PhD in Research in Stomatology (2008) from the University of Granada and a Dentistry Degree (1993) from the Higher Institute of Health Sciences South. She has completed numerous specialized trainings including Pedagogical Training, Quality Assurance Systems, and Social Responsibility seminars at Egas Moniz. Manso's research focuses on geriatric oral health, preventive dentistry, and community-based dental care. Her work examines self-perception of oral health among elderly populations using tools like GOHAI, investigates halitosis treatments including cinnamon-based solutions, and studies caries prevention through remineralization techniques. She has published extensively on dental erosion, temporomandibular disorders, and socioeconomic factors affecting oral health outcomes in Portuguese populations. Her recent publications reveal strong trends in geriatric dentistry and health disparities research, with significant focus on oral health literacy, socioeconomic determinants of oral health, and interdisciplinary approaches to managing conditions like xerostomia and temporomandibular disorders. Methodologically, her work combines clinical trials, cross-sectional analyses, and systematic reviews. Manso has supervised 57 master's dissertations (co-supervising 20), 1 doctoral thesis (co-supervised), and 2 undergraduate theses. Her research projects include ADAPTAR - Projeto EduCom and the Egas Moniz Interdisciplinary Research Center (UID/BIM/04585/2019). She actively participates in quality assurance initiatives as a Member of the Quality Assurance Commission for Egas Moniz Teaching. As Director of the Egas Moniz Interdisciplinary Research Center, she leads research on community dentistry and oral health promotion. Her work extends to social responsibility initiatives including oral health programs for prison populations and elderly community outreach through the 'Primeiro Dente, Primeira escovagem' program.
Prof. Stephan J. Sigrist is a Full Professor of Genetics at the Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin. His lab focuses on synaptic active zone architecture, neuroplasticity, and aging-related neurodegeneration. He leads the Collaborative Research Center 958 on Membrane Scaffolding and co-directs NeuroCure, a DFG Cluster of Excellence at Charité. Education: PhD in Molecular Genetics (1997) and Habilitation (2005) from the University of Göttingen. Positions: Einstein Professor (2014–present), Spokesperson CRC 958 (2012–present), and Co-Director NeuroCure (2009–present). Research explores presynaptic mechanisms using Drosophila and mouse models, combined with STED microscopy. Key contributions include discoveries of Bruchpilot's role in active zones and spermidine's protective effects against age-related synapse decline. Grants: Over €6 million in funding, including DFG CRCs, Einstein Foundation, and ERC Advanced Grant (2025). Awards: Einstein Professorship, Best Habilitation Award, EMBO/HFSP Fellowships. Collaborations span structural biology (e.g., Stefan Hell), neurophysiology (David DiGregorio), and aging research (Frank Madeo).
Stephen Cobb is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His research focuses on ankle and foot mechanics during gait, particularly in relation to lower extremity injuries and rehabilitation. PhD in Sport Science, Georgia State University, 2005 MS in Sports Medicine, Georgia State University, 1999 BA in Sports Medicine, Messiah College, 1994 Cobb investigates pathoetiological factors and abnormal gait mechanics linked to foot and ankle pathologies such as plantar heel pain, chronic instability, and foot pain in older adults. His work aims to identify modifiable factors for injury prevention and treatment. Key publication trends include aging, injury rehabilitation, and kinematic analysis in clinical and sports contexts. Selected articles examine fall risk, running injury mechanics, and foot modeling. KIN 220 - Anatomical Kinesiology KIN 320 - Biomechanics KIN 520 - Introduction to Biomechanics Research KIN 590 - Biomechanics of Aging KIN 720 - Advanced Biomechanics Research Stephen Cobb leads the Neuromechanics Lab, advancing research on mobility and rehabilitation. No specific awards or advisees are detailed in the provided text.
Gil Serrancoli Masferrer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering of East Barcelona (EEBE), part of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). He is affiliated with the InSup - Research Group in Surface Interaction in Bioengineering and Materials Science and the LAM - Multimedia Applications and ICT Laboratory. His work focuses on biomechanics, computational modeling, and telerehabilitation systems development for clinical applications. Dr. Serrancoli's research spans multisolid dynamics, dynamic optimization, movement simulation, and telerehabilitation systems. His expertise lies in applying computational techniques to solve complex problems in orthopedics, gait analysis, and rehabilitation engineering. His work bridges mechanical engineering with biomedical applications, particularly in musculoskeletal modeling and simulation of orthopedic procedures. He has developed novel computational frameworks for estimating internal musculoskeletal loading and muscle adaptation in various conditions, including hypogravity environments. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on in-silico modeling of orthopedic procedures, particularly knee osteotomies (proximal fibular osteotomy versus high tibial osteotomy), with detailed analysis of joint pressure redistribution. He has also pioneered the application of machine learning techniques, particularly recurrent neural networks, to biomechanical problems including cycling biomechanics and running dynamics prediction. His work consistently integrates computational efficiency with clinical relevance. Technical Award - OpenSim+ Advanced Workshop March 2024 Accésit del XLV Congreso de la Sociedad Ibérica de Biomecánica y Biomateriales European Society of Biomechanics Travel Award OpenSim Virtual Workshop - Technical Award OpenSim Visiting Scholar 2017 Enginyers BCN 2018 Dr. Serrancoli leads several competitive R&D projects including 'Muvity: a novel physical telerehabilitation system' for vulnerable populations and 'Simulaciones predictivas in silico para cirugías ortopédicas' (Predictive in-silico simulations for orthopedic surgeries). He collaborates extensively with researchers across Europe, particularly with Jordi Torner, Josep Maria Font Llagunes, and Joan Carles Monllau, and has secured funding from national and regional programs including Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica y Técnica y de Innovación. He is actively involved in the BIOMEC - Biomechanical Engineering Lab and the TecSalut - Research Group in Health Technologies, where he contributes to the development of innovative solutions for healthcare challenges, particularly in the areas of telerehabilitation and computational biomechanics for orthopedic applications.
Dr. Su Ryon Shin is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Engineering in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Cambridge, MA. She leads an active research laboratory focused on bioengineering, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, with particular expertise in 3D bioprinting, biomaterials, and organ-on-a-chip technology. Her research interests span biohybrid robotics, decellularized extracellular matrix, stem cell-based tissue engineering, and volumetric muscle regeneration . Dr. Shin's work integrates advanced biomaterials with cellular systems to create innovative solutions for tissue regeneration and disease modeling. She has pioneered approaches using human stem cell-derived materials for volumetric tissue regeneration and developed biohybrid neuromuscular robots powered by living cardiac muscle cells. Her publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with over 180 publications, including numerous first/senior author papers in high-impact journals like Science Robotics, Advanced Materials, and Nature Reviews Bioengineering . Her work shows a clear progression from fundamental biomaterials development to increasingly complex tissue engineering applications and translational research. Dr. Shin has received significant recognition including being named a 2025 BWH Health & Technology Innovation Awardee , Highly Cited Researcher 2024 by Web of Science, and multiple Stepping Strong Innovator Awards (2015, 2018, 2020). Her research has been featured in Nature Reviews Bioengineering for breakthrough work on biohybrid robots. She actively mentors students and postdocs, with former lab members accepted to prestigious programs like MIT's PhD program in Chemical Engineering. Her collaborative approach is evident through numerous interdisciplinary projects with researchers across Harvard Medical School, BWH, and international institutions.
Isuru Godage is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University's College of Engineering. He holds affiliated faculty positions in Mechanical Engineering and Multidisciplinary Engineering. His work focuses on advanced robotics systems, particularly soft robots, continuum arms, and their applications in surgery and blockchain-based collaboration. He earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (2007), and a Ph.D. in Robotics, Cognition, and Interaction Technologies from the University of Genova – Italian Institute of Technology, Italy (2013). Research Interests: Soft robots and continuum robots Modular robotic systems MRI-compatible surgical robotics for intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation Motion planning and control of underactuated systems Blockchain-enabled trustless collaboration between humans and robots His publications emphasize dynamic control of soft robotic arms, kinematic modeling of continuum systems, and bio-inspired designs for medical and industrial applications. Recent work explores locomotion strategies for soft quadrupeds and snake-like robots, alongside innovations in decentralized robotic data frameworks. Dr. Godage has secured grants such as the NSF CAREER Award (2021) focused on transformable soft robots and collaborative projects with the National Robotics Initiative (NRI). His research bridges robotics mechanics, control theory, and emerging technologies like blockchain for swarm robotics.
Carolynn Patten is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior at the University of California, Davis, with affiliations in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Her work bridges neuroscience, biomechanics, and clinical rehabilitation to advance neurorehabilitation for individuals with motor impairments. Research Interests: Dr. Patten's research investigates the neural basis of human movement, focusing on motor dysfunction in aging and neurological conditions such as stroke. She employs transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), EEG, EMG, biomechanical analysis, and clinical assessments to study motor recovery mechanisms and neuroplasticity. Her work aims to develop biomarkers of recovery and improve rehabilitation efficacy. Publication Trends: Recent publications emphasize computational modeling of musculoskeletal systems, gait analysis post-stroke, and assessment tools for locomotor efficacy. These works reflect a strong trend toward integrating engineering, neuroscience, and clinical practice to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While specific students and grants are not mentioned, her active publication record suggests ongoing mentorship and externally funded research in neurorehabilitation and translational neuroscience. Labs and Teams: Her research involves interdisciplinary collaboration across neuroscience, bioengineering, and rehabilitation medicine, likely within UC Davis research centers focused on movement disorders and neurorecovery.
Kuo-Fen Lee, PhD is a Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, holding the prestigious Helen McLoraine Chair of Molecular Neurobiology. He leads the Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, where his research focuses on nerve regeneration, spinal cord injury, and molecular mechanisms underlying neural development and neurodegenerative diseases. His work bridges basic neuroscience with potential therapeutic applications for conditions like ALS, paralysis, and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Lee received his educational training from multiple prestigious institutions: a degree in Plant Pathology from National Taiwan University; an MS in Cancer Enzymology and Cell Differentiation from National Yang-Ming Medical College, Taiwan; a PhD in Endocrinology from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and completed his postdoctoral training at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. His primary research interests center on understanding why humans cannot regenerate damaged nerves while many other animals can. Dr. Lee has made significant discoveries regarding the p45 protein, which promotes nerve regrowth in mice but is absent in humans (who instead have p75, which inhibits nerve growth). His laboratory also studies neuregulin signaling, neuromuscular synapse formation, and the role of various proteins like nestin in neural development and maintenance. His work often employs mouse models to investigate spinal cord injury, pain pathways, and neurodegenerative conditions. Analysis of Dr. Lee's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on molecular neurobiology with particular emphasis on neural signaling pathways, synaptic maintenance, and nerve regeneration mechanisms. His research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications, with increasing attention to pain pathways, Alzheimer's disease models, and the intersection of neuroscience with immunology and metabolism in recent years. As holder of the Helen McLoraine Chair of Molecular Neurobiology, Dr. Lee has received significant institutional recognition for his contributions to neuroscience. While specific awards aren't detailed in the provided text, his sustained funding and leadership position indicate substantial peer recognition in his field. Dr. Lee's research program involves extensive collaboration with other neuroscience laboratories, as evidenced by his numerous co-authored publications across various neuroscience subdisciplines. His work has been consistently funded, allowing for the maintenance of an active research laboratory focused on nerve regeneration and molecular neurobiology. The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology serves as the primary research environment for Dr. Lee's team, where they investigate molecular mechanisms of nerve development, regeneration, and degeneration using advanced genetic, molecular, and cellular approaches. The laboratory maintains active research programs in multiple areas of neural signaling and development.