Research

Dr. Shoffstall's Google Scholar Page

Neural Engineering

The nervous system is one of the most important ‘highway’ systems in our bodies, transmitting and processing sensory and motor information with high speed and precision. When this ‘highway’ or its processing centers are somehow damaged or otherwise affected by pathologies, it can have debilitating effects. Neural Engineering seeks to understand, interface with, and improve the function of the nervous system after injury.

Biomedical Material Design & Testing

Implanted neural stimulation and recording electrodes are prone to failure from biological, mechanical, and electrical mechanisms. Our lab is looking at novel material coatings, substrates, and electrode architectures that may increase electrode robustness, performance, and longevity.

Peripheral Nerve Imaging

We are investigating the anatomical organization of autonomic nerves to maximize neuromodulatory stimulation treatments.

Brain Implant-Targeted Drug Delivery

We have an active collaboration between Dr. Anirban Sen Gupta (Case Western), Haima Therapeutics (Cleveland), and our lab, funded by the Veterans Health Administration to study a platelet-inspired drug-delivery approach to reduce neuroinflammation in the brain after microelectrode implantation.

Injectable Electrodes

We are investigating the use of an injectable electrode, coined Injectrode® to minimize surgical trauma, reducing the barrier for patients and physicians to adopt neuromodulation.

Microplastics

Bioabsorbable Electrodes

Using KISS principles, we are seeking to develop fully bioabsorbable stimulation electrodes to enable transient application of neuromodulation, where permanent devices may not be desirable.

Biocompatibility, Tissue Response

We evaluate the tissue response to implanted neural devices. In addition to routine histology and immunohistochemistry techniques, we are now investigating various -omics platforms.

Ultrasound-Guided Procedure Development

We use ultrasound (including high frequency) to identify and target the peripheral nerves.

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