COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Specialties: Carbon materials, Microfabrication, Electrochemistry, Neurochemical Sensing

Research Lab: Neural Electrode Interface Technologies, Biomedical Engineering Building

The Neural Electrode Interface Technologies Lab, led by Dr. Elisa Castagnola, focuses on combining research in material science and new microfabrication techniques for the development of innovative neurotechnology, advancing state-of-the-art implantable neural devices, advancing state-of-the-art implantable neural devices and bringing them to a clinical setting. The lab is currently working on the development and in-vivo validation of innovative carbon-based neural devices with superior capability in neurochemical sensing and neurophysiological recordings. NIH supports Dr. Castagnola to develop a novel implantable sensor to measure serotonin while simultaneously evaluating neural excitability over the development of neuropathic pain, in collaboration with The University of Pittsburgh (Dr. X.T. Cui) and UT Dallas (Dr. Ben Kolber). Dr. Castagnola’s main interests focus on material science, microfabrication, electrochemistry, neurochemical and electrophysiological sensing, and macrostimulation.