Device Development & Biological Testing

Developing and testing interventions that improve mobility and prevent secondary complications after neural injury or disease

3D hydrogel culture for testing impact-induced injury and device biocompatibility

Development, design and prototyping techniques applied to Micro and Nano-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS/NEMS) and applying it in sensors used in remote Structural Health Monitoring of critical systems such as pipelines, civil transportation systems, automotive and aerospace systems

Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) is micro-device for restoring standing and walking in people with paralysis due to spinal cord injury

Implanted in the spinal cord below the level of an injury and minute levels of current are delivered to activate remaining locomotor-like networks that then activate muscles in the legs ​in a coordinated manner

Developing the device for long-term testing in persons with spinal cord injury

Advancing the development of models and instrumentation to study the biomechanics of injuryand protection devices

Developing miniature stimulators and sensors for wearable devices for biomedical applicationsand biomechanical assessment of human motion

Miniature stimulators for devices such as the SOCC (Smart Ongoing Circulatory Compressions) for preventing the formation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Experience with polymer and standard micromachining technologies with applications in the field of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), microfluidics, soft robotics, nerve injury and bioinspired systemslecular ramification of injury

Developed a functional electrical stimulation (FES)-assisted arm and leg cycling paradigm that has resulted in larger improvements in over-ground walking capacity than those produced by paradigms focused on training the legs alone

Developing methods to combine the use of FES and exoskeletons to improve mobility in people with paralysis

Combining FES for active contraction of muscles with exoskeletons, which passively move the legs, to produce longer walking distances than currently

Developing slimmer and lighter exoskeletons with batteries that can last for longer durations than currently possible

Developing interventions to prevent secondary complications associated with neural injury or disease

Developing surface electrical stimulation and training paradigms that would reduce spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury and stroke

Validating and implementing wearable devices and digital solutions in the treatment of respiratory diseases

Investigation of the physiological, cellular and moDeveloping new strategies and therapeutics to improve device compatibility and integration with ​the central nervous system

Studying the relationship between inflammation and psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative disorders and implanted device biocompatibility

Studying the bidirectional relationship between inflammation and neuropathology

Identifying, targeting and modulating specific microglial phenotypes to promote recovery or repair of injured tissue

Studying injury biomechanics and instrumentation such as impact exposure in athletes

Developing methods to enhance neuroplasticity to improve the effects of rehabilitation and functional outcomes

Work in restoring the gut microbiome resulting in improvements in anxiety (mental health) in rodents with spinal cord injury

Research investigations involving persons with spinal cord injury

Investigating factors leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)