Dr. Nitin Agarwal, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

This research focuses on creating a tiny, implantable sensor that can monitor brain pressure in real time without the need for batteries or wires. It works by converting natural pressure changes in the brain’s fluid into electrical signals using a special nanogenerator, allowing doctors to track brain health more accurately and continuously. Agarwal believes this innovation could lead to earlier detection of problems in patients with traumatic brain injuries and better, more timely treatment decisions.  

Dr. Ashley Russell, University of Pittsburgh Safar Center

This research explores how repeated mild brain injuries, common in sports and military settings, can damage the cerebellum—a part of the brain involved in emotion and thinking—leading to long-term cognitive and psychological problems. Using a mouse model, the team is studying how these injuries cause inflammation in the cerebellum and whether a drug called low-dose naltrexone can reduce that inflammation and help the brain heal. The goal is to better understand the long-term impact of these injuries and test a possible treatment to support recovery. 

Dr. Evan Rogers, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Rogers’ research aims to restore hand movement in people paralyzed by spinal cord injuries by directly stimulating the spinal cord using tiny implanted electrodes—a method called intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS). Unlike current treatments that can't achieve fine hand control, this approach targets specific spinal areas to more precisely activate hand muscles. The team will use computer modeling and animal testing to develop and validate improved stimulation techniques, with the goal of making this a future treatment for restoring hand function. 

Dr. Roberto Martins de Freitas, University of Pittsburgh

This research explores whether non-invasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can help people with long-term arm and hand movement problems after traumatic brain injury (TBI). By targeting the cervical spine using surface electrodes, the study will test if this method can improve strength, reduce muscle tightness, and enhance coordination. The findings could lead to new treatment options—both wearable and implantable devices—to support recovery of upper limb function in people living with chronic effects of TBI.