The Team
Principal Investigator
Dr. Rosana Esteller
Professor,
Biomedical Engineering Department,
University of Minnesota
MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Scholar
Co-found, InelliMedix Inc. (Key architect of the world's first closed-loop brain implantable neuromodulation device for epilepsy)
Former Associate Director & Scientific Fellow, R&D Boston Scientific
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Dr. Sai Sanjay Balaji
My Ph.D. research focused on data-driven computational methods for epilepsy management, including graph-based biomarker discovery for seizure onset zone identification and personalized seizure prediction models. My long-term goal is to translate these methods into clinical practice by developing and validating optimized, long-term closed-loop stimulation protocols for neurological disorders. Ultimately, I aim to use data-science frameworks to advance personalized and adaptive therapeutic solutions across healthcare and biomedical research.
Dr. Ajay Deep Kachhvah
Ajay aims to advance translational neuroscience by applying network science, advanced signal processing, and machine and deep learning techniques to identify reliable biomarkers of epilepsy control and neuromodulation treatment success. His research focuses on uncovering disease-related neural mechanisms and developing biomarkers that guide personalized therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, his goal is to translate computational insights into improved neuromodulation therapies and better clinical outcomes for patients with epilepsy.
PhD Students
Sarah Bulur
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Sarah Bulur is pursuing her PhD in biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota, where she investigates how computational modeling, AI, and bioinformatics can advance intelligent closed-loop neurotechnologies. Her research also explores hardware-software integration in neural devices and wearable biosensing systems.
Taka Manabe
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Taka Manabe's research focuses on brain functions and developing computational tools for neural conditions. His doctoral work investigates neural signatures for pre-ictal seizure prediction. He earned his M.S. at Northwestern (under Dr. Slutzky and Dr. Glaser), where he studied non-frontal neural signatures to decode speech intent. Prior projects include developing surgical skill metrics and studying effective connectivity in stroke neurorehabilitation.
Amit Dutta Roy
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Amit Dutta Roy earned his B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering from KUET, Bangladesh, where he later held academic roles. He is now pursuing a PhD, focusing on neural engineering and non-invasive spinal sensory processing. His research investigates electrophysiological biomarkers in the cervical spinal cord to identify objective indicators of neurological disorders. Outside the lab, he enjoys online chess, anime, and spending time with his family.
Masters Students
Indrayudh Datta
Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Specialising in Biomedical Engineering
Indrayudh Datta’s research interests lie in bioinstrumentation, MEMS, and neuroengineering, with the goal of developing affordable medical technologies. He has hands-on experience in CB-based sensor fabrication and in developing a Bluetooth-enabled wearable that received grant funding from his undergad university. He has also led a student chapter, contributing to R&D and technical initiatives, and organized major university events, including leading operations for a large-scale summit and managing a prototype competition where he secured venture capital support.
Brad Fisher
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Brad Fisher is a master’s student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He conducts research in the Translational NeuroTechnology Lab, studying how electrical stimulation influences EEG signals and neural dynamics. After earning his degree, he plans to pursue a career in industry developing innovative neuromodulation technologies.
Co-Investigators
Dr. Sandipan Pati
Professor,
Neurology Department,
MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Scholar
Dual board-certified Epileptologist, and Neurophysiologist
Director of the UMN Epilepsy Comprehensive Program
Faculty Collaborators
Dr. David Darrow
Assistant Professor,
Neurosurgery Department,
University of Minnesota
MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Scholar
Institute of Translational Neuroscience Scholar
Rockswold-Kaplan Endowed Chair for Traumatic Brain Injury (with Hennepin Healthcare)
Dr. Robert McGovern
Associate Professor,
Neurosurgery Department,
University of Minnesota
Assistant Director of Residency Program
Resident Member of Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Candidate Member of American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Dr. Stephen Thompson
Associate Professor,
Department of Neurology,
University of Minnesota
American Clinical Neurophysiology Society Fellow
Royal College of Physicians of Canada Fellow
Dean's Teaching Excellence Award, University of Texas
