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John Seymour

TBBL is laser focused on the translation of implantable sensing and stimulating technology in humans, including brain-computer interfaces. More broadly, my interests are in the area of advanced neurotechnology for clinical use or neuroscience. My research has addressed topics including reduced tissue reactivity and improved electrical, mechanical, and optical characteristics of bioelectronic devices. I earned my B.S. with Honors in Engineering Physics from (the) Ohio State University and my M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan. My industry experience includes working at Battelle Memorial and later NeuroNexus as a Principal Scientist. I also served as research faculty in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan prior to joining UTHealth Houston.

Outside work and family, I’m trying to improve my mountain biking, fishing, photography, gardening skills. A long way to go!

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Amada Abrego Mancilla

Lab Manager, Lab Engineer

Amada.M.AbregoMancilla at uth.tmc.edu

I joined the lab in January 2020 as a lab Engineering Assistant. During my Master’s in Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rice University, I studied the vestibular contributions to the navigational circuit at Dora Angelaki and David Dickman’s labs. I also received a Master’s in Bioengineering from Rice University and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Monterrey Tech, Mexico.

When not doing science, I love to bake and pamper my dogs.

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Xiaokang Bai

Research Engineer

Xiaokang.Bai@uth.tmc.edu

I completed my BS in Physics from China and later came to the US to finish my MS study in Bioengineering from Northeastern University. Before joining TBBL, I had multiple research and working experiences from university labs, medical device company, and hospital. With the strong interests in developing novel BioMEMS devices and systems by adopting microfabrication and nanotechnology approaches, I feel excited to conduct scientific demonstrations and engineering realizations in nascent brain science areas with animal models and clinical trials. I am applying my physics modeling and simulation, data analytics, signal processing, and other computing skill to achieve the above goals.

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Chris Wright

I earned my B.S. in Electrical Engineering with Honors from Texas A&M University, and am currently working on my M.S. in Bioengineering from Rice University. I came to TBBL with two years of research experience, with a year in wireless optogenetics and a year in materials engineering for glucose biosensors. After graduating from TAMU, I spent two years at NI (National Instruments) designing RF test hardware, such as our 6 GHz VST, 20 GHz VSG, and 26.5 GHz Switch/VNA. My research interests include RF trace integrated tests, EM simulation of neural devices, and wireless data interfaces.

 

When I'm not working, I'm kept busy by my wife and three pets, all with lots of energy! I enjoy playing chess, going to the movies, and light physics reading.

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Priyan Pathirana

Graduate Student, Rice

pvp1@rice.edu

I grew up in Albany, NY but studied at Boston University where in 2021, I received my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. My work has taken me as far as Tanzania designing devices to assess the quality of Malarial lateral flow assays under Dr. Muhammad Zaman. Most recently I worked at Beth Israel Lahey Hospital with Dr. Ara Nazarian Boston studying dynamic soft tissue mechanics of tendons. I am excited to be here as a Rice University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering MS/PhD student studying novel nanofabrication techniques and translational neural electrodes.

Outside of my work, I love cooking all types of cuisines and playing guitar!

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Mohammad Ghajar

Postdoctoral Fellow

mg108@rice.edu

My research area of interest is wearable and implantable biodevices and flexible bioelectronics. Flexible neural electrodes is a cutting-edge technology that can improve human life significantly. I joined TBBL to generally develop long-term, high-density recording and stimulation electrodes for the treatment of diseases. More specifically, I'm here to extend electrode sensor longevity when implanted. I am excited about to make my impact on human life and play my role in health promotion by relying on my background coming from a wide range of interdisciplinary fields such as mechanical engineering, chemical and material science, robotics and control, and computational modeling with both theoretical and practical perspectives.

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Ryan Shores

Research Engineer & Neuroscientist

Ryan.Shores@uth.tmc.edu

 I have come to TBBL after spending 7 years doing neuroscience research in animal models in New York City. In 2019 I completed my BA in Neuroscience at Columbia University and have since done multiple independent projects using techniques such as in vivo calcium imaging and synthetic receptor models. During this time, I discovered my passion for neural electronics which ultimately brought me to TBBL. I intend to use my background as an integrative neuroscientist and my extensive experience in small animal neurosurgery to become a neural engineer that can contribute on both ends. Outside of the lab I enjoy coding, tinkering, playing music and training in the martial arts.

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Efrain Brizuela

Neuroelectronics Technician

efrain.brizuela@uth.tmc.edu

I served 5 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps. My military occupation specialty was ground electronics maintenance. I learned Basic and advanced electronics through the Marine Corps Communications Electronics School. My work would include anything from micro soldering, radio programming, or prototype testing with civilian engineers. I’m excited to contribute my skills and experience with electronics to advance neurotechnology.

 

I’m an adrenaline junky when not at work. I love working out, hiking, rock climbing, and anything adventurous. I’m Currently working on getting my sky diving license!

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Ian Rundle

Undergraduate Researcher, Rice

irr2@rice.edu

I am a sophomore undergrad working towards a B.A. in computer science and mathematics at Rice University, and I joined the lab in 2022. I work with the data subgroup to develop algorithms to optimize electrode placement in the brain. From working here, I have learned so much about neuroscience and physics while honing my software development skills.

 

In my spare time, I love going on runs, skating around campus, hiking, and racing drones. I also work on software development for the Rice rocketry club and Rice Electric Vehicle.

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Faraz Asim

Undergraduate Researcher, Rice

faa2@rice.edu

I joined the lab in August 2021 as an undergraduate researcher. I’m currently studying Bioengineering at Rice University, and my current research interests include 3D modeling, device fabrication, and rat surgery. I also hope to work closely with Dr. Tandon to understand the clinical side of neurosurgery as I am working towards attending medical school.

 

My interests include playing volleyball for the Rice Men’s Club Team, skateboarding, listening to all kinds of music, and watching anime with my friends.

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