What field is your PhD in? How did you specialize in your current field?
My field is Neural Engineering, an interdisciplinary mixture of Neuroscience and Engineering. My specific interests include brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and control of movement. I am passionate about technology and was always fascinated by the brain. Researching BCIs allowed me to combine the two.
What is your current research project?
My current research project includes the development of signal processing techniques to help BCI clinical viability. Currently, two problems hinder wider adoption of BCIs. First, the brain implants lose spiking activity after a few years. Second, BCI control still lacks in comparison to the number of degrees-of-freedom available during natural movements. By utilizing different frequency bands in the neural signal, we are able to extract useful extra information beyond spiking activity, which should allow better control. In addition, this information is still available even when spiking activity is gone, which should improve implant longevity.
Tell us about a great experience or opportunity you’ve had in the past year?
I was invited to speak at the EMBC conference in Japan, which was a unique experience. The opportunity to speak at a distinguished international convention was great.
What do you hope the next step in your career path will be?
Hopefully a faculty position where I could manage my own laboratory.
Apart from research, what are your other interests?
I coach soccer and I am a full time dad to two wonderful boys.
If not a scientist, what would you be?
An entrepreneur. In many ways, this career path is similar to the academic one.
Dr. Perel will be giving his P2P seminar talk on Wednesday, Oct 16th 12 -1 PM in Rm S123 BST. Click here to register for the talk and some free Pizza!