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
Recent Publications
Computational modeling of human vagus nerve stimulation with three-dimensional fascicular morphology.
Journal Article APL bioengineering · March 2026 Implanted vagus nerve stimulation is FDA-approved to treat epilepsy, depression, and stroke sequelae and is under development for other disorders such as heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis. Anatomically realistic computational models enable the design ... Full text CiteNeural mechanisms underlying intracortical microstimulation for sensory restoration.
Journal Article Nature biomedical engineering · February 2026 Sensation plays a pivotal role in the orchestration of our daily lives. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) can elicit artificial sensations in persons who have lost sensation due to neurological injury or disease. Despite ongoing clinical studies to ass ... Full text CiteElectrical stimulation of the vagus nerve improves amyloid pathology in delirium superimposed on dementia.
Journal Article Bioelectron Med · January 16, 2026 BACKGROUND: Delirium and delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) are common complications affecting patients suffering from ongoing neurodegenerative pathologies. Peripheral surgical trauma can trigger neuroinflammation and ensuing DSD via mechanisms that ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Neurobiology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2024 - 2029Duke KURe Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2013 - 2028Optimized Electrical Block of Peripheral Nerves
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2023 - 2027View All Grants