José L. Contreras-Vidal, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Neural Engineering and Smart Prosthetics Research Laboratory
Dr. Contreras-Vidal's research program integrates behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational neuroscience methods to study the neural mechanisms and computational principles underlying human adaptive sensory-motor control and learning across the lifespan under normal and neurological conditions. To accomplish the above goal we employ motion recording, high-density scalp electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIR), and computer simulations of large-scale, biologically-plausible, neural networks of motor systems including the spinal cord, fronto-parietal networks, the basal ganglia and the cerebellum. His translational research involves the development of smart neuroprosthetics, and the transfer of relevant biological principles (hardware and algorithms) to the design and development of a new generation of artificial hands and arms (bio-robotics).
Pepe's Lab in the News:
- Researchers reconstruct 3D hand movement using brain signals; Society for Neuroscience, March 2nd, 2010
- No implants needed: Movement-generating brain waves detected and decoded outside the head; Scientific American, March 2nd, 2010
- 3-D hand motions inspire portable prosthetic devices, Science 2.0 , March 2nd, 2010
- From thought to movement; NPR's Science Friday, March 5th, 2010
- 3D hand movements reconstructed using brain signals; Wired Science, march 8th, 2010
- Advances in brain-to-machine connections; The Economist, March 11th, 2010
- Scientists use noninvasive methods to decode neural activity into movement; Neurology Today, April 15th, 2010
Areas of Interest:
- Movement Disorders
- Smart Neuroprosthetics
- Large-scale Neural Network Models of the Brain
- Mirror Neuron System and Action Understanding
- Non-invasive Neural Decoding (EEG, fNIR) of Human Action and Cognition
Affiliate Positions:
- Regular faculty, Graduate Program in Bioengineering
- Regular faculty, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program (NACS)
- Affiliate faculty, Center on Aging
