Mondays // 4-5 PM // LEEP2 2420

February 3

Adam Rouse, MD., PhD
Director, Basic Research, Dept. of Neurology, KUMC

Precise Arm and Hand Movements: Implications for Brain-computer Interfaces

Abstract- In the field of motor neuroprosthetics and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), our ability to accurately decode neural activity to directly control a cursor, robotic arm, or the subject’s own muscles continues to improve. However, this control remains robotic and limited compared with natural human performance. Most current BCI decoding relies on each neuron having a fixed and linear relationship to a given set of degrees of freedom. In the Precision Neural Dynamics Lab at KUMC, large-dimensional datasets of joint kinematics, EMG, and neural activity are collected and examined to understand how the brain can generate motor output across a broad dynamic range with speed and precision.  In this talk, Dr. Rouse will describe several of his recent experiments involving reaching and grasping that examine both natural behavior in healthy subjects and decoding performance in BCI tasks. He will show how the sequential, non-linear encoding of different features of movement and the temporal dynamics of the brain are critical to understanding natural movement as well as improving BCI design and rehabilitation for paralyzed patients.

February 17

Prajna Dhar, Phd
Associate Professor, School of Engineering-Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, KU

EQ vs IQ

March 2

Linheng Li, PhD
Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Stowers Research Institute & KUMC

Stem Cell Biology

March 23

Stefan Lohfeld, PhD
Assistant Professor, School of Dentistry, UMKC

April 6

Jinxi Wang, MD., PhD
Director, Harrington Laboratory for Molecular Orthopedics, Dept. of Orthopedics, KUMC

Skeletal Tissue Regeneration

April 20

Laurel Kuxhaus, PhD
NSF Program Director of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology Program, Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation Division

April 27

Laird Forrest, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KU

Localizing the Immunological Response