We use electrical and computer engineering concepts to target neurological disorders. We design assistive technology devices to help people with disabilities.
Areas of Expertise
Neural Interfaces
Our team investigates neural interfaces from the cellular level, for example, designing novel sensors that can track electrical activity and neurotransmitters in the brain (in culture and in vivo), as well as designing methods to non-invasively modulate neural activity. The interests of undergraduate and graduate students range from measuring dopamine in the brain to testing the effect of nano-magnetic particles in spinal cord tissue. We are a highly multidisciplinary team and often collaborate with several departments at George Mason, including bioengineering, chemistry, psychology, global health, social work, education, special education, the George Mason LIFE program, math, and physics.
Principal Investigator: Nathalia Peixoto
Sensors and Actuators
Our research group designs mechano-electronic prosthetics (upper limb), exoskeletons (lower limb/foot), assistive technology (for example, treat dispensers for service dogs to ease the dispensing for people on wheelchairs), and virtual reality systems for people with social anxiety. Our focus is on electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering solutions to increase the quality of life of people with disabilities. We are especially interested in miniaturization, wearable sensors, and aware-able systems that can yield more data than traditional systems. We are interested in considering requests from the community outside of George Mason, complying with our mission of a university for the world. We have designed several projects and delivered them to the community and are accepting requests.
Principal Investigator: Nathalia Peixoto