SBME Seminar: Neural Engineering for Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injury – Dr. Robert Gaunt

SBME Seminar: Neural Engineering for Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injury – Dr. Robert Gaunt

 
 
Location:
Lecture Theatre B1001, Gordon B. Shrum Building
 
 
After a spinal cord injury, people rank improved hand and bladder function among their highest rehabilitation priorities. The work in my lab has focused using neural engineering and neurotechnologies to address these critical needs. First, I will summarize work from my group to address one of the most visible consequences of high-level SCI; the loss of upper-limb function. Using arrays of microelectrodes implanted into the motor cortex we can re-enable complex, voluntary control of robotic arms. Using these same electrodes implanted into the somatosensory cortex, we use intracortical microstimulation to create artificial tactile sensations, thus creating a bidirectional brain-computer interface that restores both movement and tactile sensations. I will describe the capabilities of these systems, how sensory feedback improves performance, and how new stimulation strategies enhance the naturalness and repertoire of artificial sensations. Second, I will discuss one of the least visible consequences of spinal cord injury; the loss of voluntary bladder function. Using a combination of spinal cord stimulation, direct bladder stimulation, and computational modeling, we have demonstrated the ability to modulate bladder function in both anesthetized and awake animals. Furthermore, our modeling work has identified specific anatomical targets that hold promise for future human trials, providing a potential pathway to improve bladder function in individuals with SCI. Finally, I will briefly share my thoughts on the future of neurotechnology and the role it will play in advancing rehabilitation and ability after spinal cord injury and beyond.

Dr. Robert Gaunt’s Biography:

Robert Gaunt, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh. He earned his BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Victoria and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Alberta. Dr. Gaunt’s research focuses on sensorimotor control of the hand and bladder in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the design and clinical translation of biomimetic neurotechnologies that restore sensory, motor, and autonomic functions for individuals living with spinal cord injury, limb loss, and related conditions. His lab leads multidisciplinary efforts to design, build, and deploy implantable systems that interface directly with the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Active projects include the development of bidirectional implantable brain-computer interfaces to restore movement and sensation, as well as the creation of novel neural interfaces to regulate bladder function through spinal and peripheral pathways. Dr. Gaunt holds several patents, and his work has been recognized by the National Academy of Engineering and featured widely in national and international media outlets.