Allison Hess-Dunning, PhD
Research Investigator at
APT Center at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Research Assistant Professor & Adjunct Assistant Professor at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½
Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Wickenden 321 (Zoom Option)
About Dr. Hess-Dunning:
Allison Hess-Dunning is a Research Investigator with the Advanced Platform Technology (APT) Center at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. She holds Research Assistant Professor and Adjunct Assistant Professor appointments at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Dr. Hess-Dunning received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ in 2011. She received Career Development Awards (CDA-1 and CDA-2) from the Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, through which she advanced softening intracortical interfaces. Her research interests involve developing multi-functional neural interface systems based on soft materials, specifically focusing on using novel and emerging materials to promote long-term device reliability in the harsh, dynamic physiological environment. Of particular interest is the development of microfabrication processes and techniques that allow for using advanced materials in devices with micro- and nano-scale features.
Abstract:
Intracortical microelectrode devices are critical, enabling components for brain-machine interfaces that restore motor, sensory, and communication functions to individuals with neurologic injury or disease. Established industry standard implant technologies are rigid and static, evoking biologically-mediated responses that reduce the ability of the devices to detect usable signals. Advanced biomaterials can promote seamless integration between the biological tissue and the implanted device. However, a gap often exists between material development and functional use in a reliable neural interface system. We seek to bridge that gap through an interdisciplinary approach that combines materials, microfabrication, and neuroscience. Using a combination of photolithography- and soft lithography-based microfabrication approaches, we have developed multi-modal neural interfaces for neural recording and local drug delivery based on a polymer nanocomposite that softens after insertion into tissue. We have deployed the devices through chronic animal studies and demonstrated reliability. Additionally, we are exploring additive manufacturing methods for developing electrodes with tunable morphologies for sensing applications.