Here at the UM Neural Engineering Lab, we work on neurotechnologies and cortical neuroprostheses. A cortical neuroprosthesis (or brain-machine interface) is a system whereby a direct connection to the brain is used to either control external machines or replace/augment sensory function. Specifically, we investigate the underlying physiology of neuroprostheses, using as a model system awake, behaving rats implanted with multi-channel silicon substrate microelectrodes. Our preparation is unique in that we apply traditional methods of systems neurophysiology and behavioral neuroscience to ask questions such as: What are the best decoding algorithms for populations of neurons involved in a brain-machine interface? What are the best training paradigms for learning a cortical control task? What is the best type of electrophysiological signal for cortical control? Neural Engineering and brain-machine interfaces are burgeoning fields, with many avenues open for investigation. We currently implant the motor cortex, auditory cortex, cingulate cortex, and medial forebrain bundle in our studies. Developing neural interface technologies is the second focus of my lab. As director of the Center for Neural Communication Technology, a significant part of my lab is devoted to continually improving the design of silicon substrate Michigan probes, including implantable devices for eventual medical use in humans. Our current aims include 1) improving the reliability of chronic probes 2) designing probes that will allow for drug delivery as well as electrophysiological recording 3) designing techniques to coat probes with growth factors and other agents so as to reduce the glial response to probe implantation. Our lab is a rather large group of twenty-five people with backgrounds in engineering, computer science, and biology. Interested students will have to be highly self-motivated, but computer/engineering backgrounds are not required for working in the lab. There is always room for talented, enthusiastic future scientists.

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