Who We Are

Phyo Thuta Aung
Software Developer

Mr. Aung is our Software Engineer and works with the neurotechnology research and development teams along with clinical staff to identify and develop all necessary software suites. In addition, he works collaboratively to integrate existing technologies into the project workflow such as signal acquisition sensors and motion capture systems, into our custom software.

Erica Jones
Research Coordinator

Ms. Jones assists in the facilitation of  the daily research operations of the Center. Alongside other leadership members, she focuses on short-term goals to achieve our mission and vision for the Center. She trains research staff, supervises staff, and oversees clinical trials from start-up to close-out developing and contributing to standard operating procedures and processes.

Mehdi Khantan, MSc
PhD Candidate

Mr. Khantan is pursuing a PhD in electrical engineering with a concentration in bioengineering, signal processing, and data science. He designs, develops, and implements innovative neurotechnology for clinical applications. He is researching organoid intelligence, brain-computer interface, exoskeleton design, and the in vitro recapitulation of brain circuitry by developing virtual white matter technology. Formerly, he led a research and development team that developed innovative laboratory and IoT-based hydroclimatology measurement systems.

James Lim 
Graduate Student

Mr. Lim is pursuing a PhD in neuroscience and is focused on recreating brain circuitry in vitro to investigate the computational properties of neural tissues with preserved cytoarchitecture. His prior work involved generating human brain organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells for brain repair and elucidating its developing microcircuitry. In particular, he aims to utilize bioengineering and neuroscience techniques to develop an in vitro visual circuit to study experience-dependent plasticity.

Shirin Madarshahian, PhD
Data Scientist

Dr. Madarshahian develops innovative technologies for rehabilitation purposes. Her work involves designing novel tasks that aim to investigate motor control, neurophysiological enhancements, and advancements in movement patterns following the implementation of innovative assistive technologies. In addition, they analyze collected data to help guide evidence-based decision making and the development of tailored rehabilitation approaches. 

Nabila Shawki
Biomedical Technology Developer

Ms. Shawki research area is digital pattern identification, and hardware development. In the center she is looking at the correlation of EEG (brain signals) and kinematics (limb movement) data. With this data they will be creating clinical care tools to help clinicians decide the best intervention for the patient. 

Michael Trakhtorchuk, DPT, ACSM-CEP
Biomedical Technology Developer

Michael has a background in exercise physiology and physical therapy as well as experience with wearable sensors, firmware programming, and technology development.  His combined clinical and technical skills enable him to collaborate with team therapists and engineers to design and implement novel customized devices in rehabilitation research.

Anne-Marie Pearson
Graduate Student

Ms. Pearson is pursuing a PhD in biomedical science and is focused on developing quantitative biomarkers of autonomic state and trait in people with conditions such as joint hypermobility, small fiber neuropathy, and spinal cord injury. She seeks to quantify how posture, stressors and skin-surface stimulation can modulate autonomic state towards creating novel therapeutic devices to improve everyday function and wellbeing. 

Mikael Avery, MArch, MS, OT/L
Lead Industrial Designer

Mike Avery is a designer, educator, maker, and licensed occupational therapist. He works and teaches at the intersection of architecture, product design, and health. He holds degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Occupational Therapy. He believes that the true measure of a project’s success is evaluated by how well it aligns with the desires, needs, and goals of those who will engage with the objects, spaces, and experiences we create.  As an occupational therapist, he works to create client-centered care plans that support an individual’s participatory goals while residing in their local community.