Daniel Wagenaar is a Research Professor in the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), co-directing the Chen Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DataSAI). He leads the Wagenaar Lab and Neurotechnology Laboratory, focusing on neuronal basis of sensory processing, cross-modal integration in leeches, and neurotechnology. His work bridges experimental neuroscience, computational methods, and engineering, with contributions to voltage-sensitive dye imaging, multi-electrode array (MEA) techniques, and open-source software tools like VScope and MEABench. Education: M.S. degrees from University of Amsterdam (1997) and King's College London (1998), Ph.D. in Biology from Caltech (2006). Research emphasizes functional neural circuits, sensory-guided behavior, and neurotechnological innovations. His lab develops novel tools for neural activity recording and analysis, including double-sided microscopy and optogenetic technologies. Funding sources include NIH, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, and Caltech. Key contributions include elucidating leech neural circuits, hormone-activated courtship behaviors, and high-density neural recording in primates. Awards and recognition include sustained research excellence in systems neuroscience. Advising includes mentorship in neurobiology, engineering, and computational neuroscience. Ongoing work explores brain-wide neural dynamics and translational neurotechnologies.
Dr. David Tsai is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), jointly appointed between Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. He leads the Biomedical Microsystems Lab , focusing on miniature microelectronic devices for brain-machine interfaces and subcutaneous biosensing. His research has been continuously funded by the NHMRC since 2013, including an ongoing Ideas grant for soft brain-machine interfaces. He has secured >$3.8M in total funding, with support from the Kavli Foundation and ARC Linkage Infrastructure Grants . His work has appeared in Nature Communications , Nature Nanotechnology , and IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems . Scientific Recognition: IEEE EMBC Student Paper Award (twice) IEEE EMBC Best Papers Award NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship (2013-2017) Kavli Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2012-2013) Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2012), UNSW MBiomedE (2007), UNSW BE (Software, First Class Honours) (2007), UNSW Research Themes: Development of ultra-dense microelectrode arrays for cellular-resolution electrophysiology, computational modeling of retinal responses to electrical stimulation, and standardization of neurotechnology data formats. His lab collaborates with industry partners like LeafLabs LLC , BlackRock Microsystems , and Contactile .
Lora Cavuoto is a Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. She leads the Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory and the SurgE Surgery Ergonomics and Human Factors Laboratory, focusing on physical ergonomics, occupational safety, and surgical skill assessment. Her research integrates wearable technology, neuroimaging, and biomechanical analysis to improve workplace safety and healthcare training. Education: PhD in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech. She holds certifications as a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE). Research Interests: Physical ergonomics, biomechanics of obesity, aging and work capacity, surgical skill assessment using fNIRS and EEG, workplace injury prevention, and universal design implementation. Current projects include fatigue prediction in manufacturing workers, surgical training metrics, and evaluating the health impacts of universal design in hotels. Lab Members: Supervises a multidisciplinary team of graduate students and visiting scholars focusing on biomechanical analysis, neuroergonomics, and wearable sensor technology. Grants & Collaborations: Active funding from NIOSH for force-endurance modeling, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for obesity studies, and industry partnerships on surgical training systems. Collaborates with clinicians and engineers across medicine and engineering disciplines.
Dr. Thomas Hartmann is a Senior Scientist at the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCNS), Department of Psychology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Salzburg. His research focuses on cognitive neuroscience, auditory perception, and electrophysiological methods (M/EEG), particularly in the context of tinnitus and cochlear implants. He leads the Salzburg Brain Dynamics Lab and is a key contributor to open-source neuroscience software development. PhD in Psychology, University of Konstanz (2006–2012) Diploma in Psychology, University of Konstanz (2001–2006) His primary research interests include auditory perception, neural oscillations, neurofeedback, cognitive neuroscience, and psychophysics . He investigates how the brain processes sound, especially under conditions of hearing impairment, and develops computational tools to improve experimental rigor and reproducibility. Dr. Hartmann’s recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in multisensory integration, neural speech tracking, attention modulation, and open-source methodological development . His work often combines EEG/MEG with behavioral paradigms to uncover the neural mechanisms of perception and attention. A major contribution is the Objective Psychophysics Toolbox (o_ptb), which enhances experimental design in MATLAB by abstracting hardware complexity. Active contributor to open-source neuroscience tools Focus on reproducible and robust experimental paradigms Collaborative research with leading institutions in Europe He has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed studies in journals such as Frontiers in Psychology , NeuroImage , and Cortex , and has been involved in research on tinnitus, cochlear implants, and neural correlates of attention. Although no direct students are listed, his role as a senior scientist and publication mentor suggests advisory responsibilities. He is affiliated with the Salzburg Brain Dynamics Lab, where his team conducts cutting-edge research on brain dynamics using advanced electrophysiological techniques and computational modeling.
Shaun Cloherty is a Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at RMIT University's School of Engineering. He holds a BE (Hons) in Aerospace Avionics from Queensland University of Technology and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of New South Wales. His research focuses on systems neuroscience, integrating experimental and computational methods to understand neural coding, information processing in the brain, and the neural basis of perception and behavior. Cloherty has held research positions at UNSW, Australian National University, National Vision Research Institute, and Monash University. His teaching interests include undergraduate courses such as Image Processing, Computer Architecture, and Biomedical Signal Analysis, alongside postgraduate courses in Image Systems Engineering. He is open to supervising Masters and PhD students in areas like neural prosthetics, retinal implantation safety, and motor imagery recovery. Cloherty's research spans topics including retinal prosthesis safety, visual processing in primates, and the application of virtual reality in post-stroke rehabilitation. His work has been published in journals like *Progress in Biomedical Engineering* and *Journal of Neuroscience*. He actively contributes to collaborative projects and maintains a GitHub profile for software development related to mission control training and biomedical systems. His research projects include investigating motor imagery and VR for stroke recovery, developing chronic neural electrode arrays, and optimizing solar cell light-trapping designs. Cloherty's interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering and neuroscience, with a focus on translational applications in health technology.
Dr. Corrie daCosta is an Assistant Professor in Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on ligand-gated ion channel structure-function relationships, particularly their roles in physiological processes, disease, and drug interactions. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa (2006) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic’s Receptor Biology Laboratory (2009–2015). Research interests include chemical biology, ion channel pharmacology, neurophysiology, and evolutionary biochemistry. His lab employs single-molecule patch clamping and ancestral protein resurrection techniques to study molecular mechanisms and evolutionary origins of ion channel diversity. Key recent work explores activation mechanisms in uncoupled receptors, evolutionary substitution impacts, and structural analysis of ancient ion channels. Publications span Nature Chemical Biology , PNAS , and Journal of General Physiology , emphasizing biophysical and evolutionary perspectives. Current students include Adrian Samuel D’Costa and Christian Tessier, with notable alumni such as Blair Drummond and Johnathon Emlaw. The lab develops tools like the scbursts R package for single-channel data analysis. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned, though contributions to ion channel research are internationally recognized. Funding supports evolutionary studies and drug-target mechanisms.
Aaron D. Tward, M.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon and physician-scientist at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, specializing in disorders of the ear and skull base. His clinical expertise encompasses cochlear implantation, management of benign and malignant skull base tumors (including acoustic neuroma), chronic otitis media surgery, stapedectomy, superior semi-circular canal dehiscence repair, and endoscopic ear and skull base procedures. Appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, he maintains an active surgical practice while leading translational research initiatives. Education: B.S. and M.A. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from UCLA (1999), Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from UCSF School of Medicine (2005), M.D. from UCSF School of Medicine (2007), and General Surgery Internship at Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital (2008). Dr. Tward's research program integrates tumor biology, cancer genomics, and clinical outcomes to advance understanding of head and neck disorders. His work spans molecular oncology (particularly squamous cell carcinoma genomics), regenerative processes in the tympanic membrane, cochlear implant technology development, and microbiome analysis in oral dysplasia. The laboratory employs single-cell analysis, genome engineering of keratinocytes, and translational models to identify therapeutic targets and improve surgical interventions for ear and skull base pathologies. His publications consistently bridge basic science discoveries with clinical applications in otolaryngology. Analysis of Dr. Tward's 15 most recent publications (2021-2024) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) head and neck cancer genomics focusing on oncogenic drivers in squamous cell carcinoma, (2) regenerative mechanisms in tympanic membrane healing using murine models, and (3) cochlear implant technology optimization through auditory performance platforms. These areas demonstrate his commitment to translational research that addresses unmet clinical needs in otology and skull base surgery, with strong emphasis on molecular diagnostics and therapeutic innovation. National Merit Scholar (1995) UCLA Regents Scholar (1995) UCLA Stone Prize for Excellence in First Year Chemistry (1996) Departmental Scholar - UCLA Dept. of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (1997) Medical Scientist Training Program (1999) Student Delegate, Academy of Achievement (2006) Alpha Omega Alpha (2006) UCSF Medical School Homecoming Speaker (2007) J. P. Harris Award for Excellence in Resident Research, Harvard Otolaryngology Residency Program (2012) Dr. Tward actively mentors medical students, residents, and postdoctoral researchers through collaborative projects in his laboratory, with trainees frequently co-authoring publications in high-impact journals. His research program is supported by institutional funding from UCSF and competitive national grants focused on head and neck cancer genomics and regenerative otology, though specific grant details are not publicly enumerated. He maintains strong interdisciplinary collaborations with the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Institute for Human Genetics, and the Department of Bioengineering. The Tward Laboratory operates within UCSF's state-of-the-art research facilities, utilizing single-cell sequencing platforms, genome editing technologies (CRISPR), and translational models to investigate tumor evolution and regenerative pathways. His team includes molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, and clinical researchers working on projects ranging from squamous cell carcinoma driver identification to cochlear implant algorithm development. Current initiatives focus on developing novel cell therapies for hearing restoration and precision medicine approaches for skull base tumors.
Adrián Pérez del Olmo is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Salamanca, specializing in Psychobiology. He completed his PhD in 2024 with a thesis titled Analysis of the role of surface electromyography in swallowing disorders: a systematic review , supervised by four professionals including Dr. José Ignacio Calvo Arenillas and Dr. María Consuelo Sancho Sánchez. His research focuses on neurorehabilitation, voice analysis, and swallowing disorders, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. He has extensively studied the application of surface electromyography (sEMG) in dysphagia assessment and developed telepractice tools for voice pathology intervention. From 2022 to 2024, his publications demonstrate expertise in systematic reviews, clinical research, and educational technology applications in speech therapy. He explores intersections between speech therapy, legal accessibility for people with disabilities, and telemedicine implementation. His academic contributions include collaborations on Parkinson's disease rehabilitation, project-based learning for speech therapy materials, and evaluations of sEMG devices. He also investigates quality of life assessments and biomechanical voice parameters in neurological populations.
Dr. Frederick Shic is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a Principal Investigator at Seattle Children's Research Institute. He also holds adjunct appointments in Computer Science & Engineering and Psychology at UW. His research integrates computer science, engineering, and developmental science to create innovative tools for understanding and improving outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental conditions. Academic Affiliation: University of Washington (School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, General Pediatrics Division) Laboratory: Seattle Children's Innovative Technologies Laboratory (SCITL) Dr. Shic's expertise spans computational neuroscience, neuroengineering, and human-centered computing, with a focus on non-invasive technologies like eye tracking, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and social robots. His work has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Institute of Education Sciences (IES), Simons Foundation, and Autism Speaks. Key contributions include: Development of interactive eye-tracking methodologies for joint attention assessment Investigation of physiological biomarkers (e.g., heart rate-defined sustained attention) in neurodiverse populations Creation of novel computational models for analyzing eye-tracking data Exploration of genetic contributions to attention through twin studies Application of social robots for in-home ASD interventions Analysis of spatiotemporal eye movement patterns as potential ASD biomarkers His academic journey includes: B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science from Caltech Ph.D. in Computer Science from Yale University Postdoctoral training at Yale Child Study Center under NIMH T32 program Prior roles: Associate Research Scientist at Yale, Software Engineer at Sony Interactive Studios, MRS Researcher at Huntington Medical Research Institutes Current research directions include: Standardization of clinical eye-tracking protocols through the International Society for Clinical Eye Tracking (ISCET) Development of accessible, technology-enhanced behavioral paradigms Investigation of reward and motivation mechanisms in ASD attention patterns Translation of EEG and eye-tracking findings into clinical applications
Prof. Assaf Tal is a faculty member in the Department of Bio-Medical Engineering at The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University. His research focuses on developing advanced neuroimaging methodologies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and imaging (MRI) to investigate brain function and disease mechanisms. His primary research interests center on neuroimaging physics and brain disease monitoring , with specific emphasis on: Developing novel MRS/MRI techniques combining spin physics and signal processing Tracking neurochemical changes during cognitive processes Detecting and monitoring neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's Disease Understanding brain encoding mechanisms across neurochemical, electrophysiological, and structural levels His work bridges biomedical engineering with clinical neuroscience to create improved diagnostic and monitoring tools. Prof. Tal's recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate strong focus on functional MRS and advanced spectral-temporal analysis , with significant contributions to motion correction, uncertainty estimation, and microstructural modeling in neuroimaging. His research shows increasing integration of computational methods like Bayesian inference and machine learning for precision neuroimaging. His laboratory develops specialized software tools including the Visual Display Interface (VDI) for MRS data processing and simulation, supporting both preclinical and clinical neuroimaging research.
Kelly Bijanki, Ph.D. , is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine with primary affiliation in Neurosurgery and joint appointments in Psychiatry and Neuroscience. Her research focuses on intracranial mapping of affective neural circuits and developing neuromodulation therapies for psychiatric disorders. Baylor College of Medicine (2016-present) Director of Intracranial Monitoring Research Research Platforms: Stereotactic EEG-informed DBS, Human Electrophysiology Research Expertise : Investigates neural substrates of mood disorders using invasive brain recordings Specializes in cingulum bundle, amygdala, and salience network stimulation Develops translational models for affective dysfunction treatment Integrates advanced neuroimaging with electrophysiological data Studies autonomic and facial motor correlates of emotional states Publication Trends : Focus on socio-affective processing networks Emphasizes brain stimulation for psychiatric conditions Combines imaging and electrophysiology in depression research Explores temporal dynamics of neural circuits Develops novel analytical methods for neurostimulation data Scientific Recognition : NIH R01 MH127006 (2021-2026) - $3.6M NIH K01 MH116364 - NIMH Mentored Career Development NIH R21 NS104953 - Exploratory Brain Stimulation Research Caroline Wiess Law Fund Support Collaborative grants with institutions like Duke, UCLA, and University of Iowa Collaborative Network : Key collaborators: Dr. Sarah Heilbronner, Dr. Nader Pouratian, Dr. Nanthia Suthana Multi-institutional partnerships in biophysics and biomedical engineering Leadership in stereotactic EEG-augmented DBS for psychiatric disorders
Jlenia Toppi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome. With a background in Biomedical Engineering (B.Sc. and M.Sc. summa cum laude from University of Rome, Ph.D. from University of Bologna), she leads research at the Neuroelectrical Imaging and BCI Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, focusing on EEG signal processing, brain connectivity modeling, and graph theory applications in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Education: B.Sc. Clinical Engineering (2006), M.Sc. Biomedical Engineering (2009), Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering (2013) Awards: IEEE EMBC Student Paper Finalist (2012), Young Bioingegneria Award (2012), IEEE EMBS Best Poster (2011) Her research develops advanced EEG methodologies for brain mapping and dynamic connectivity estimation , applied to disorders of consciousness, stroke rehabilitation, and social neuroscience. She pioneered hyperscanning EEG for interpersonal brain-to-brain analysis and contributed to BCI systems like RECOM and The Promotoer. Recent publications highlight her work on hybrid BCI rehabilitation , muscle synergy extraction , and multi-modal assessment of therapeutic interventions . She serves as editor for Computation and Mathematical Methods in Medicine and collaborates with international projects including Horizon 2020.
Clemens Brunner is a Researcher at the Institute of Psychology within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Graz. His work bridges electrical/biomedical engineering and cognitive neuroscience, specializing in the neural mechanisms of arithmetic processing and numerical cognition. He actively develops open-source neuroimaging tools used globally in EEG research and sleep analysis. His research focuses on EEG oscillations, biosignal processing, and machine learning applications in cognitive neuroscience. Key interests include arithmetic fact learning, neural correlates of numerical order processing, and non-invasive brain stimulation effects on mathematical cognition. His expertise spans Python programming, statistical analysis, and contributions to major scientific libraries like scikit-learn and SciPy. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on electrophysiological signatures of arithmetic processing, with growing integration of computational methods and neuromodulation techniques. His work demonstrates strong methodological innovation through open-source software development for EEG analysis and sleep staging. Brunner contributes to the University of Graz's "Brain and behavior" research network, developing tools like MNELAB, SleepECG, and XDF.jl that enhance reproducibility in neuroscience. His collaborations extend to major projects including MNE-Python and BNCI Horizon 2020, advancing brain-computer interface methodologies and neuroimaging standards.
Maolin Qiu, PhD, is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Qiu is a key member of the Bioimaging Sciences division and works within the Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC), where he contributes to cutting-edge neuroimaging and MR physics research. His work spans multiple collaborative projects across Yale's imaging facilities, including the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute. Dr. Qiu holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision from the Institute of Automation (1996) and an MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous System Control from Beijing Institute of Technology (1993). His educational background in computer vision and AI provides a strong foundation for his current work in medical imaging physics and analysis. Dr. Qiu's research focuses on MR physics and applications, with particular expertise in functional MRI, cerebral blood flow measurement, anesthesia effects on brain function, and cardiac imaging techniques. His work bridges engineering principles with clinical applications, developing novel imaging methods to better understand brain function under various conditions including anesthesia. He has made significant contributions to understanding how anesthetic agents like sevoflurane affect regional cerebral blood flow, BOLD responses, and functional connectivity in the human brain. Analysis of Dr. Qiu's publication record reveals a strong focus on neuroimaging techniques, particularly fMRI methodology development and applications. His work spans multiple disciplines including neuroscience, anesthesiology, cardiology, and sports medicine. A consistent theme throughout his career has been the development and application of advanced MRI techniques to measure physiological parameters like blood flow and oxygenation in various tissues. Collaborates extensively with Todd Constable (5 publications) Works closely with Nallakkandi Rajeevan (5 publications) Partners with D. S. Fahmeed Hyder (3 publications) Collaborates with Michelle Hampson and Xenophon Papademetris (2 publications each) Has published with Albert Sinusas in cardiovascular applications Dr. Qiu's research has resulted in numerous publications spanning from 2004 to 2023, with recent work focusing on cardiac MRI techniques, ketamine effects on brain function, and software tools for improving MRI acquisition. His most recent publications demonstrate continued innovation in MR physics and applications across multiple organ systems. His work on HALO (a real-time head alignment tool) exemplifies his focus on practical solutions to improve MRI data quality through software development.
Niccolò Bonacchi is an Assistant Professor at ISPA - Instituto Universitário, where he teaches graduate-level courses in experimental programming and neurobiology. He is an Integrated Member of the Social Cognitive and Applied Neuroscience Team and maintains strong connections with the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme in Lisbon. Education: Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Nova University of Lisbon (UNL) M.Sc. in Psychobiology from the Higher Institute of Applied Psychology (ISPA) Bonacchi's research focuses on bridging mechanistic explanations of brain processes with emergent cognitive constructs. His doctoral work at the Champalimaud Center for the Unknown examined how brains represent spatial objectives, olfactory cues, and anticipated results. He has concentrated on developing precise approaches to behavioral quantification and data analysis, believing these are critical for contextualizing experimental measurements. His expertise spans cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, neurobiology, electrophysiology, and Python programming, with a strong commitment to open science practices. His publication record demonstrates significant contributions to collaborative neuroscience initiatives. He developed the Bonsai-RX programming language now used worldwide, served as Data Architect for the International Brain Laboratory, and currently contributes to the COGITATE consortium researching consciousness. His work emphasizes standardized protocols, data architecture, and FAIR data-sharing practices to improve reproducibility across neuroscience laboratories. Bonacchi actively participates in major international collaborations and maintains profiles across scientific platforms including ResearchGate, Google Scholar, ORCID, and Twitter (@nbonacchi). His personal website (https://bonacchilab.github.io/) showcases his ongoing work in experimental programming and neurobiology.
