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Warren M. Grill

James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Box 90281, Dept Biomedical Engineering, Durham, NC 27708-0281
Fitzpatrick CIEMAS 1139, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0281

Overview


Our research employs engineering approaches to understand and control neural function. We work on fundamental questions and applied development in electrical stimulation of the nervous system to restore function to individuals with neurological impairment or injury.

Current projects include:
• understanding the mechanisms of and developing advanced approaches to deep brain stimulation to treat movement disorders,
• developing novel approaches to peripheral nerve electrical stimulation for restoration of bladder function, 
• understanding the mechanisms of and developing advanced approaches to spinal cord stimulation to treat chronic pain,
• understanding and controlling the cellular effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation, and
• design of novel electrodes and waveforms for selective stimulation of the nervous system.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering · 2025 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Bass Fellow · 2014 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Professor in Neurobiology · 2010 - Present Neurobiology, Basic Science Departments
Professor in Neurosurgery · 2017 - Present Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences · 2008 - Present Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2018 - Present Duke Science & Society, University Initiatives & Academic Support Units
Professor of Biomedical Engineering · 2008 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering

In the News


Published March 7, 2024
New Brain Stimulation Treatment for Parkinson’s
Published December 14, 2022
Three Duke Engineers Elected to National Academy of Inventors
Published April 28, 2020
Light-Based Deep Brain Stimulation Relieves Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

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Recent Publications


Mechanisms mediating dynamic changes in neural responses during deep brain stimulation.

Journal Article Brain Stimul · December 10, 2025 BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) generates local evoked potentials (DLEPs). DLEPs reflect neural activation by DBS, but the mechanisms underlying the dynamic changes in DLEPs during ... Full text Link to item Cite

Effect of frequency on dual target deep brain stimulation.

Journal Article Clin Neurophysiol · December 1, 2025 BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation reduces the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Dual target deep brain stimulation (DT DBS) may better reduce symptoms and minimize side effects than single target, but the optimal parameters of DT DBS are unknown ... Full text Link to item Cite

PyFibers: An open-source NEURON-Python package to simulate responses of model nerve fibers to electrical stimulation.

Journal Article PLoS computational biology · December 2025 Computational modeling of peripheral nerve fibers is a key tool for designing improved neuromodulation therapies. The NEURON software is commonly used to create biophysical simulations of nerve fibers, often in the outdated HOC language. Whether written in ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Neurobiology Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2024 - 2029

Duke KURe Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2013 - 2028

Optimized Electrical Block of Peripheral Nerves

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2023 - 2027

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Education, Training & Certifications


Case Western Reserve University · 1995 Ph.D.
Case Western Reserve University · 1992 M.S.
Boston University · 1989 B.S.