Principal Investigator
Daniel L. Gonzales, PhD
(he/him)
Assistant Professor
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Vanderbilt Brain Institute
PhD, Applied Physics, Rice University
BS, Physics, Angelo State University
Fun facts:
I’m probably more well-known for BBQ and tweets than science
I once told a friend about the “really smart dude” I talked to at a poster session. Turns out that smart dude was a Nobel laureate
Graduate Students
Grace Adams
(she/her)
PhD Student
Department of Biomedical Engineering
BS, Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University (2023)
Project: I'm interested in developing brain computer interfaces to study the neural circuits underlying their control and inform the design of neuroprosthetic devices
Fun facts:
My favorite winter activity is nordic skiing
I climbed the tallest mountain in Ireland (and it wasn't even that tall)
Hailey Edelman
(she/her)
PhD Student
Department of Biomedical Engineering
BS Intensive, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University (2024)
Project: I am interested in investigating how neural circuits from different brain regions contribute to the learning process of brain-computer interface controlling cells.
Fun facts:
I almost starred in the 2016 Ghostbusters movie
I had to be rescued by ski patrol while snowboarding in Utah due to an avalanche
Daniel Woods
(He/him)
PhD Student
Department of Biomedical Engineering
BS, Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville (2022)
MS, Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville (2023)
Project: I’m developing transparent, flexible electrodes for chronic recordings and optogenetic stimulation in non-human primates
Fun facts:
Aspiring stained glass artist
I always enjoy a good run, walk, or skip
Research Technicians
Camila Romero
(she/her)
Research Technician
Department of Biomedical Engineering
BS, Neuroscience, West Virginia University (2023)
Project: I am interested in the plasticity of the brain and the development of neural interfaces to study the neural mechanisms of learning.
Fun facts:
I have a lot of cultural roots! I was born in Chile, my parents are Colombian, and my childhood was spent in Mexico.
I have done neuroscience research and fieldwork on rove beetles
Undergraduate Students
Evan Houser
(he/him)
Undergraduate Researcher
BS, Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2027 (expected)
Project: I am developing a stereotactic system to enhance the neurosurgical implantation of electrodes in the brain.
Fun facts:
In high school, I played basketball with 3 current NBA players
I can drink a water bottle in 4 seconds
Jenna Jang
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
BS, Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, 2026 (expected)
Project: I am currently researching predictive coding in the context of artificial brain-computer interfaces.
Fun facts:
I get cold really easily and like to keep my room at 78 degrees all year round
I love to drink/eat anything with matcha in it
Micaela Gonzalez Mora
(she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2027 (expected)
Project: I am developing the necessary packaging for our neural interfaces to be chronically implanted and housed for long-term recordings.
Fun facts:
I love the beach even but unfortunately I was born and raised in a landlocked country
I enjoy any outdoor sport, especially hiking and biking
Maxwell Sharp
(he/him)
Undergraduate Researcher
BS, Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2025 (expected)
Project: I'm designing a low-cost beveler device to sharpen the tips of glass micropipettes used for surgical probe insertion.
Fun facts:
I auditioned for Kidz Bop when I was 6
This could be you!
We’re hiring PhD students and postdocs with starts dates in 2024 and beyond. Find more details on the Opportunities page.
Project: I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot.
Fun facts:
I am Groot
Alumni
2024, Runda Li, Duke University
2024, Thaissa Peixoto, Johns Hopkins Unviversity