Director of the Translational Biomimetic Bioelectronics Lab

Research Faculty in Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan. I co-lead the neural probe group within the Yoon Lab where we design and develop novel neurotechnology. We are working on flexible and stretchable bioelectronics, advanced device packaging, optical stimulation, biomimetic design, and high-density electrophysiology. We have forward looking collaborators in neuroscience and disease treatment to help with the dissemination and direction of our research. I'm also fortunate to mentor and advise talented graduate and post-docs in this exciting area. https://seymour.engin.umich.edu/

Designing and developing novel neurotechnology in the Yoon Lab for the betterment of neuroscience and disease treatment. We are working on advanced device packaging, optical stimulation, biomimetic design, and high-density electrophysiology.

Activities include the strategic evaluation of intellectual property, IP creation, leading internal R&D programs, and grant writing. Internal R&D programs are in general aimed at designing next generation medical devices using thin-film approach to replace wired lead bodies. Principal Investigator of a Phase I STTR studying a novel biomedical implant for long-term recording of neurons in the brain. We expect our research will further the understanding of the tissue response to intracortical recording devices. The application of this technology will be basic neuroscience, closed-loop deep brain stimulation, and brain-machine interfaces.Principal Investigator of our optical stimulation program which includes optical waveguides and practical packaging solutions. Optogenetic studies utilize light to excite neural circuits in the study of disease and neuroscience.

PhD thesis topic: Advanced neural probe design for long-term sensingProjects:* NEURAL PROBE DESIGN FOR REDUCED TISSUE ENCAPSULATION. This study investigated the relationship between a neural probe’s size and shape to its chronic reactive tissue response. Cellular density and neuronal loss was significantly reduced around the edge of a structure with sub-cellular dimensions. These results (Biomaterials, 2007) show that probe geometry and electrode placement can be key parameters for reducing chronic tissue encapsulation. * SUBCELLULAR EDGE ELECTRODE MICROFABRICATION. Given our evidence regarding electrode placement and probe geometry, we designed an alternative to the planar electrodes used in BioMEMS sensors. Three-sided electrodes have been fabricated and placed on the edge of a thin polymer structure (sub-cellular dimensions) to reduce substrate shielding and chronic tissue encapsulation. These also happen to be the world's smallest extracellular microelectrodes, but modified with PEDOT to minimize thermal noise.* LONGEVITY AND PERFORMANCE OF MICROFABRICATED PARYLENE SUBSTRATES. This study investigated the long-term barrier properties of parylene and substituted parylene nanofilms using impedance spectroscopy. We found improved barrier properties over parylene-C.* PASSIVE DRUG DELIVERY AND CELL DELIVERY NEURAL PROBES. Novel probe geometries have been fabricated and loaded with drug-delivery scaffolds and stem cells for implantation into the brain.

Graduate instructor for Bioinstrumentation (BME 458). This lab covered basic electronics, amplifier design, EMG instrumentation, ECG, PNMR, and Labview control. This class was a requirement for BME graduate students.

Electrical engineering duties in Battelle’s Healthcare Products Division for a variety of medical products from concept to market. Responsible for the design, testing, and transition of electrical components in products. Design tasks included analog circuit board design and system interconnections. Tested final pre-manufacturing prototypes to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety compliance (UL).

Teaching assistant in the Physics Electromagnetics Lab (Second Year Physics).