Title

Neuroengineering

Connecting minds and machines to unlock the brain’s potential

Overview

Neuroengineering is a multidisciplinary field that integrates engineering, neuroscience, and computer science to understand, repair, and enhance the nervous system. With one in three people affected by a neurological condition, our researchers are pioneering innovative approaches to measure and manipulate neural activity. Our work explores the complexity of the nervous system and its interactions with therapeutics, devices, digital systems, and human behavior to restore and augment neurological function.

Research Focus

Our research spans the spectrum from fundamental science to applied technology, including:

  • Sensorimotor Processing and Control
  • Learning, Memory, and Neural Plasticity
  • Neural Circuit Function and Connectivity
  • Neurodegeneration and Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Computational Neuroscience and AI for Neural Systems

We are developing innovative methods to interact with the nervous system in real-time, such as:  

  • Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) powered by machine learning
  • Non-invasive neuromodulation for treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy
  • Stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases
  • Closed-loop deep brain stimulation to precisely control neural circuits  

Application Areas

Our research supports a wide range of clinical and technological advancements:  

  • Brain-Computer Interfaces: Enabling direct communication between brain and devices
  • Therapeutic Neuromodulation: Precision stimulation for neural disorders
  • Neurorehabilitation: Restoring function after injury through robotic and AI systems
  • Neuroimaging and Diagnostics: Visualizing brain and nervous system function
  • Neural Prosthetics: Implantable devices to replace lost sensory or motor function  
Sections
Research Facilities and Laboratories

These facilities support cutting-edge research in neural measurement, imaging, rehabilitation, and device development.

  • Neural Engineering Center
  • Center for Advanced Brain Imaging
  • Center for Visual and Cognitive Rehabilitation @ the VA
  • Emory Center for Rehabilitation
Photo of Leslie Chan and graduate student Vishal Manickam
Collaborative Partnerships

These partnerships foster interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical, academic, and industry sectors to accelerate neuroengineering innovation.

  • Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society
  • McCamish Parkinson's Disease Innovation Program
  • IUCRC BRAIN
  • Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
  • Emory University
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Students peering into a microscope
Student Opportunities

Students can engage in neuroengineering research and experiential learning through::  

  • INNS Seminar Series
  • Petit Scholar Undergraduate Research Program
  • President’s Undergraduate Research Awards (PURA)
  • GT/Emory Computational Neural-Engineering Training Program
  • Undergraduate and Graduate Research Positions through PairMe
Photo of Zhou Fang in lab standing next to laboratory equipment wearing PPE.

Our Faculty

Coulter BME faculty members are at the forefront of biomedical research and technology, contributing to transformative advancements in healthcare and science.
Photo of Rafael Davalos
Rafael V. Davalos
Margaret P. and John H. Weitnauer Jr. Chaired Professor
ASME, BMES, NAI & AIMBE Fellow
Photo of C. Ross Ethier
C. Ross Ethier
Professor
Georgia Research Alliance Lawrence L. Gellerstedt, Jr. Eminent Scholar in Bioengineering
Photo of Michael Fisher
Michael A Fisher
Director of Biomedical Innovation and Development (MBID) Program
Professor of the Practice
Jim Pope Create X Fellow
Photo of Michelle C. LaPlaca
Michelle C. LaPlaca
Associate Chair for Faculty Development
G.P. “Bud” Peterson and Valerie H. Peterson Professorship
Professor
Coulter BME logo as headshot placeholder for Robert C Liu
Robert C Liu
Professor
Winship Distinguished Research Professor (2014-2017)
Coulter BME logo as headshot placeholder for Hang Lu
Hang Lu
C.J. “Pete” Silas Endowed Chair and Professor
Director of the Bioengineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
Photo of Susan Margulies
Susan Margulies
Professor
Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Injury Biomechanics
Coulter BME logo as headshot placeholder for Greg Myer
Greg Myer
Professor
Director, Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC)
Photo of Garrett B. Stanley
Garrett B. Stanley
McCamish Foundation Distinguished Chair
Professor
Director, McCamish Parkinson's Disease Innovation Program
Co-Director, Georgia Tech/Emory Neural Engineering Center
Photo of Lena Ting
Lena H. Ting
McCamish Foundation Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Engineering
Professor
Co-Director, Neural Engineering Center
Photo of May Dongmei Wang
May Dongmei Wang
Professor
Wallace H. Coulter Distinguished Faculty Fellow
Kavli Fellow, GCC Distinguished Cancer Scholar
Photo of Younan Xia
Younan Xia
Professor
Brock Family Chair
GRA Eminent Scholar in Nanomedicine

Research News