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PhD Research on Neuromodulation and Human Motor Control Using Spinal Cord Stimulation and HD-EMG

Lehigh University Department of Bioengineering
Self-funded 🎓 Bioengineering 🎓 Neuroscience signal processing neuromodulation spinal cord stimulation high-density electromyography hd-emg movement analysis motor control neurological rehabilitation

Explore neuromodulation and spinal cord stimulation techniques to advance human motor control understanding. Develop innovative therapies using high-density EMG and movement analysis at Lehigh University with an interdisciplinary research team.

AI-generated overview

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Why This Research Matters

This research tackles critical challenges in neurological rehabilitation by developing new stimulation and diagnostic technologies that could restore motor function in individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The outcomes have direct potential to improve therapeutic approaches and patient quality of life.

Data-Driven Neuromodulation and Rehabilitation Non-invasive electrical stimulation Biometric development for tracking neurophysiological change Motor Control and Neurophysiology Synergistic control and coordination in healthy and neurologically impaired populations High-density EMG and IMU-based motion capture for quantitative Assessment Artificial Intelligence in Neurorehabilitation AI-driven personalization of neuromodulatory interventions

Project Description

Project Overview

This PhD project focuses on understanding neuromodulation and human motor control, emphasizing spinal cord stimulation, high-density electromyography (HD-EMG), and human movement analysis. The work aims to uncover mechanisms behind neurological disorders affecting movement such as spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, using an integration of engineering, neuroscience, and data science.

What You Will Do

As a PhD student in Dr. Shirin Madarshahian’s lab within Lehigh University’s Department of Bioengineering, you will engage in hands-on experiments involving spinal cord stimulation techniques, HD-EMG systems, and comprehensive movement analysis. The lab provides advanced experimental and computational tools, and you will collaborate with clinicians and engineers in a multidisciplinary environment to drive translational research toward new rehabilitation strategies.

Expected Outcomes

The research will result in novel therapeutic protocols and technology development aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with motor impairments. Students will gain interdisciplinary expertise, preparing them for careers in academia, clinical research, or industry, especially in neurological rehabilitation and biomedical engineering.

Why This Matters

Addressing movement disorders caused by neurological damage is critical for improving patient quality of life. This research combines engineering and neuroscience to create real-world solutions, advancing both scientific understanding and clinical practice in neurological rehabilitation.

Entry Requirements

Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Kinesiology, Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Engineering, or a related field; strong programming skills in MATLAB and Python; solid foundation in signal processing; preferred experience with HD-EMG, motor unit analysis, motion capture; familiarity with human subjects or neurophysiological data highly desirable.

How to Apply

Submit Curriculum Vitae, statement of research interests, and contact information for 2-3 references. For full instructions, see official advertisement: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shirinmadarshahian_phd-position-in-bioengineering-activity-7449063488821448704-zl9b

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

DS
Dr. Shirin Madarshahian
Lehigh University, Department of Bioengineering

Dr. Shirin Madarshahian leads an interdisciplinary lab at Lehigh University's Department of Bioengineering, focusing on neuromodulation and human motor control. Her research combines engineering, neuroscience, and clinical practices to develop innovative neurorehabilitation technologies. She is known for applying advanced HD-EMG and spinal cord stimulation techniques to translational research aiming at improving outcomes for patients with neurological impairments.

Research Contributions

Development of personalized, non-invasive stimulation strategies for individuals with neurological disorders.
Enhances clinical assessments and interventions through AI-driven, personalized solutions that reshape neurorehabilitation practices.
Leveraging wearable sensors and force-sensing technologies to quantify motor coordination and synergistic control.
Provides objective biometrics to track disease progression and the effectiveness of neuromodulatory interventions.
Building data-driven models based on the physical approach of studying motor control across healthy and neurologically impaired populations.
Offers objective insights into neurophysiological states that support evidence-based decision-making in clinical settings.
Integration of AI applications and health system automation in clinical decision pathways.
Facilitates real-time monitoring and feedback to improve health outcomes in neurorehabilitation.

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