Lab Members
Post-Doctoral Fellows
We are currently recruiting post-doctoral fellows. Please contact Dr. Mushahwar for more information.
MSc Students
 Saba Allahgholiloo
MSc student, Neuroscience
BSc, Biomedical Engineering, 2022
(University of Tehran)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in Spring 2023
My research is focused on evaluating upper limb movements in individuals with intact neural systems and those affected by spinal cord injury or stroke. Using custom-designed tasks for an upper limb exoskeleton, called the Kinarm, I seek to precisely measure kinematics and identify the unique strengths and weaknesses displayed by individuals during diverse motor tasks. Additionally, I utilize Synchronized EEG to establish connections between participants' motor activities and their brain functions, thus shedding light on how the brain functions during movement tasks. Furthermore, I investigate how different interventions such as transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) affect neural circuitry, and assess their influence on participants' kinesthetic abilities.
 Amin Arefadib
MSc student, Neuroscience
BSc, Mechanical Engineering, 2018
(Shiraz University)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in September 2022
The overall goal of my project is to develop a novel intervention, capable of restoring functional walking ability for people with complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Our lab has developed a novel micro-implant system, called “Intraspinal Microstimulation (ISMS)” that can be placed in a small region of the spinal cord to activate the locomotor networks and produce functional walking. This method involves the implantation of fine, hair-like microwires into a small region of the spinal cord that houses connections to leg muscles. Low levels of electrical current are passed through these wires to activate mentioned areas to produce functional leg movements. I will design intelligent control strategies (RL, ML, Deep learning, and CPG) to coordinate those activations and therefore, restore walking after a complete chronic SCI. This project is an exciting and critical step towards the clinical translation of ISMS. If successful, it may change the lives of many people living with SCI, giving them the capability to walk independently. The use of ISMS may also facilitate regeneration and the formation of new effective neural connections in the spinal cord.
 Darren Mann
MSc student, Medicine
BSc, Specialization in Psychology, 2022
(University of Alberta)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in September 2022
The overall goal of my project is to examine for the first time, the impacts that a combination of epidural spinal cord stimulation (eSCS) with functional electrical stimulation (FES)-assisted arm and leg cycling can have on improving mobility in individuals who have experienced a severe spinal cord injury (SCI). Within the lab my research focuses on optimizing rehabilitative paradigms, focusing on increasing functional mobility, and advocating for greater awareness and resources to be provided to the SCI community. Current overground body weight supported exercise paradigms that are used to rehabilitate spinal cord injury, are labor intensive, expensive, and difficult to administer. This arm and leg cycling intervention could serve as an exercise paradigm that is more generalizable, more easily accessible to the community, and requires less personnel to operate. Key parameters that will be used to examine the changes that occur when the exercise paradigms are coupled with electrical stimulation include clinical assessments, biomechanics, and electrophysiology. If this project is successful, the combination of eSCS with FES-assisted arm and leg cyclingcould be implemented as a rehabilitation therapy that can improve mobility while also modulating pain in persons with a motor complete SCI.
 Don Dilshan Abeywardane
MSc student, Medicine
Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
(University of Colombo)
Elective Medical Officer
(Moura, Brisbane, Australia)
Intern Medical Officer in Medicine
(Ministry of Health Sri Lanka)
Research Assistant and Demonstrator
(Colombo Medical Faculty)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in September 2022
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a clot in the deep veins of the legs that can dislodge and travel to the lungs where it causes a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolisms lead to death in 30% of the patients and long-term disability in the remaining patients affected by the condition. People admitted to hospitals are at 100 times the risk of developing a DVT than people in the community. The goal of this project is to develop a novel intervention that prevents the formation of a DVT; and thus reduces the incidence of pulmonary embolism in hospitals.
 Srijana Gautam
MSc student, Medicine
Bachelor of Physical Therapy, 2017
(Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in January 2022
I am co-supervised by Dr. Mushahwar. My research interest is in qualitative methodology involving FES cycling and the lived experience of people with spinal cord injury. My current work involves a phenomenological study to understand the experience of people with spinal cord injuries regarding the quality of care during acute hospital stays in Nepal. Similarly, my other project is participatory action research where we will be developing a Functional Electrical cycling toolkit for healthcare professionals and patients and patient's families.
 Zahra Karamzadeh
MSc student, Neuroscience
BSc, Biomedical Engineering, 2019
(Islamic Azad University)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in January 2021
The overall goal of my project is to improve mobility following an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Research and clinical efforts are focused primarily on restoring walking ability to people with paraplegia. The rhythmic coordination of upper and lower limbs occurs during human locomotion. This coordination requires neural connections between centers in the spinal cord controlling arm and leg movement. Previously, our lab has indicated it may be possible to enhance walking function after neural injury by activating neural circuits in the spinal cord via transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). In my project I will focus on developing an application to see the effect of skin on altering the excitability and interlimb connectivity. The outcome of this study can engage to facilitate motor function in humans with spinal cord injury.
 Mahdi Chalaki
MSc student, Electrical Engineering
BSc, Materials Engineering, 2017
(University of Tehran)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in Fall 2020
I am currently an MSc student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alberta, specializing in medical robotics and rehabilitation. My research is focused on developing a smart walker that combines a wheeled mobile robot with a manipulator, aiming to restore functional walking ability for individuals in need. With a strong passion for autonomous systems and human-robot interaction, my ultimate goal is to contribute to advancements in assistive technology and make a meaningful impact on enhancing mobility and quality of life.
PhD Students
 Masoud Jafaripour PhD student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
MSc, Mechanical Engineering, 2019
(Sharif University of Technology)
BSc, Mechanical Engineering, 2016
(University of Tehran)
Joined Mushahwar Laboratory September 2022
The overall goal of my project is to directly compare two models of spinal cord stimulation using a model of spinal cord injury. Our lab has pioneered a method of neuromodulation called intraspinal microstimulation which will be compared with another method called epidural stimulation. My project has three aims 1) identify the sites and mechanisms of action of epidural stimulation and intraspinal microstimulation, 2) evaluate the reorganization that occurs in the spinal cord, and 3) assess the neuroplastic changes that occur with stimulation and their effect on walking. Eventually this research will lead to the restoration of functional walking in individuals following spinal cord injury.
 Carly O'Sullivan PhD student, Neuroscience
BSc, Kinesiology, 2018
(University of Alberta)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in September 2020
The overall goal of my project is to directly compare two models of spinal cord stimulation using a model of spinal cord injury. Our lab has pioneered a method of neuromodulation called intraspinal microstimulation which will be compared with another method called epidural stimulation. My project has three aims 1) identify the sites and mechanisms of action of epidural stimulation and intraspinal microstimulation, 2) evaluate the reorganization that occurs in the spinal cord, and 3) assess the neuroplastic changes that occur with stimulation and their effect on walking. Eventually this research will lead to the restoration of functional walking in individuals following spinal cord injury.
 Soroush Mirkiani PhD
Student, Neuroscience
Project: Preparation of Intraspinal
Microstimulation (ISMS) Technique for Clinical Testing
BSc, Materials Engineering, 2015
(Sharif University of Technology)
MSc, Biomedical
Engineering, 2018
(University of Tehran)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in May 2020
The overall goal of my research is to develop interventions for the restoration of standing and walking after severe spinal cord injury in humans. I design, fabricate, and test neural interfaces for electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The devices that I make include intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS), epidural stimulation, intradural, and optogenetic neural interfaces. An important part of my work is to develop microelectrode arrays that are soft and stretchable in order to increase their longevity and long-term mechanical stability after chronic implantation. I use laser micromachining and laser welding techniques to fabricate microelectrodes. I also use the UofA nanoFAB cleanroom facility for the fabrication of thin-film microelectrode arrays to interface with the spinal cord.
Affiliated Students
 Sisuri Hemakumara MSc student, Rehabilitation Science
BSc Hons, Neuroscience, 2021
(University of Alberta)
Research Asssistant
(Human Movement Lab, University of Alberta)
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in 2022
I am investigating the mechanism and effects of cervical transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) on spinal cord and lumbar limb coupling, and understanding the differences between various stimulators used in the field.
Support Staff
 Jane Porter Rehabilitation Innovations Core Coordinator
Division of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation
SMART Network
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in May 2021
Jane joined the Mushahwar Lab as an undergraduate summer student to focus on the effect of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation simaltaneous to arm and leg cycling exercise on electrophysiological, biomechanical, and clinical outcomes in people with spinal cord injury. She has since taken multiple opportunties at the University of Alberta and the University of Leeds to explore brain computer interfaces from a biological perspective. She completed her undergraduate thesis in the Mushahwar lab in April 2023. She uses the skills that she has obtained through these opportunities to coordinate and conduct ongoing research projects as a part of the support staff in the Mushahwar lab.
 Matthew Birtle
Division of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation
SMART Network
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in September 2023
Matthew facilitates the testing of intraspinal microelectrodes that are implanted into the central nervous system. These electrodes will allow neural devices to restore standing and walking after spinal cord injury. He also assists in epidural stimulation research, a more broad stimulation technique that sits on the dura of the spinal cord. Previously, he conducted research in the Todd lab on the responses of glial cells to stimulating microelectrodes in vitro. He was awarded two summer studentships for this research and defended an honors thesis in his final year of the BSc Hons Neuroscience program, graduating in 2023 from the UofA. Now his involvement includes machining electrodes, processing spinal cord tissue samples, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy of tissues and electrodes. This work contributes to the scientific knowledge of spinal cord networks that execute standing and walking independently from the brain.
 Michel Gauthier Lead Engineer
Division of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation
SMART Network
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in 2011
Michel Gauthier obtained a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering in 1985 from the University of Alberta, and a Diploma in Computer Engineering Technology in 1989 from Westerra Institute of Technology. Michel has worked as a Research Associate in Neuroscience since 1989. His work has focused on the development of microcontroller based wearable neural prostheses and a variety of sensors and other laboratory devices. Michel is also in charge of operating the SMART Network's 3D micromachining exciplex laser and the CNC milling machine.
 Avery Nosen Engineering Technologist
Division of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation
SMART Network
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in 2023
Avery Nosen graduated from the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in 2019. Prior to Avery's work in the Device Development Lab, he supported a wide variety of medical device technologies and their users as a Biomedical Equipment Technologist at Alberta Health Services. Outside of his experience in the medical field, Avery brings his skills of software development, which encompasses a tech stack of mobile, desktop and microcontroller platforms.
 Don Wilson Research Technologist
Division of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation
SMART Network
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in 2020
Don Wilson graduated from Biomedical Engineering Technology at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in 2019. Outside of his experience in the field of medical technology,
Don brings skills such as 3D Printing, CNC machining, Android app development, Bluetooth communication, CAD modelling and to the Device Development Lab.
Prior to Don's work in the Device Development Lab, he maintained and repaired medical devices in a hospital environment. His specialties are X-ray, mechanical ventilation and patient monitoring.
 Neil Tyreman Laboratory Technologist
Division of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation
SMART Network
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in 2014
Neil has been at the University of Alberta for 30+ years. Prior to coming to Dr. Mushahwar's laboratory, I was involved in research looking at peripheral nerve regeneration, the effects of
functional electrical stimulation on skeletal muscle and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In Dr. Mushahwar's laboratory, I specialize in small animal surgery, immunohistochemistry and histochemistry.
I'm involved in projects concerned with cellular activity in the spinal cord after a spinal cord injury and the effects of deep tissue pressure injuries on skeletal muscle.
 Rod Gramlich Laboratory Technologist
Division of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation
SMART Network
Joined Mushahwar laboratory in 2014
Designs, builds & maintains everything electrical and/or mechanical. Worked with Dr. Mushahwar for the past 5 years, but has been in the UofA Neuroscience group since it s inception.
Considers work a hobby rather than a job, and when away from work finds ample time for other hobbies including golf, garden and curling.
Alumni:
Post-doctoral fellows:
Dr. Trevor Barss (2023) - Lead Researcher Sensory Neuroscience Explore, Nike
Dr. Mojtaba Sharifi (2021) - Assistant Professor, San Jose State University
Dr. Hamid Moghadas
(2018) - Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Alberta Dr. Leandro
Solis (2017) - Research Initiative Coordinator, University of Alberta Dr. Natalie
(Einat) Ravid (2016) - Adjunct Assistant Professor, Grant MacEwan University
Dr. Ana Lucas-Osma (2014) - Research Associate, University of Alberta Dr.
Nitin Sharma (2012) - Associate Professor, North Carolina State University
Dr. Jeremy Bamford (2010) Dr. Jonathan Norton (2005) - Assistant Professor, University of Saskatchewan
PhD students:
Javad Khodaei Mehr (2023) - Controls Engineer, Sanctuary AI
Behdad Parhizi (2023) - Data Scientist, Baker Hughes
Ashley Dalrymple (2018) -
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Carnegie Mellon University Amirali Toossi
(2018) - Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Toronto Craig Sherstan (2011) Rui Zhou (2016) - Senior Consultant, Deloitte Canada
Bethany Kondiles (Visiting Graduate Student,
2016) - Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of British Columbia Kevin Mazurek (Visiting Graduate Student, 2013) - Research Scientist, Well Living Lab
Leandro Solis (2013) - Research Initiative Coordinator, University of Alberta Brad Holinski (2012) - Director of Bioelectrics and Weables, Viant Medical Jacob Vogelstein
(Visiting Graduate Student, 2006) - Managing Partner, Catalito Capital Management Pavel Musienko (Visiting
Graduate Student, 2004) - Professor, Saint Petersburg State University Dorothy Barthelemy (Visiting Graduate
Student, 2003) - Associate Professor, Universite de Montreal Jeremy Bamford (2009) - Clinical Assistant Professor, Tulane University Sherif ElBasiouny
(2007) - Associate Professor, Wright State University Lisa Guevremont (2007) - Software Engineering Team Leader, Garmin International Sean Snow (Visiting Graduate
Student, 2004) - Biotechnology
MSc students:
Pouria Faridi (2023) - Machine Learning Resident, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute
David Roszko (2021) - Doctoral Student, University of Toronto David Hu (2021) - Dental Student, University of Saskatchewan Kahir Rahemtulla (2019) - Medical Student, University of Alberta
Hemalatha Velanki (2018) - Research Fellow, Toronto Children's Hospital
Daniel Hallihan (2013) Alisa Ahmetovic (2012) - Process Engineer, Sherritt International Corporation Imad Khaled (2012) - Senior Operational Auditor, ATCO Group
Laura Alvarado (2012) - Houston, TX Breanne Christian (2011) - Study Manager, Clinical Trials of Oncology Lisa Lovse
(2010) - Orthomedic Surgeon, Ottawa
Selina Gyawali (2009) - Lawyer, Gall Legge Grant & Munrow LLP
Niek Poppe (Visiting Graduate Student, 2008) - Clinical Informatics, Medical IT Professional
Andrew Ganton (2007) - Director of Marketing, CVRx Roger Calixto (2007) - Senior Translational Research Manager, Octicon Medical
Leandro Solis (2007) - Research Initiative Coordinator, University of Alberta Jason Dyck (2006)
Rajiv Saigal (Visiting Graduate Student, 2002) - Neurosurgeon, Barborview Medical Center
Undergraduate students:
Jane Porter (2023, 2021) Monique Yuan (2023) Muhtasim Adib (2023)
Kalena Elfstedt (2023) Debbie Okusanya (2022) Justin Lee (2022)
Gokul Sivadasan (2021)
Alphonso Denoris (2021) Connor Chin (2021) Mia Vukadin (2021)
Hoa Fan (2021) Vicky Chen (2021) Marcus Horscheck (2020)
Warren Tsang (2020) Zarif Mahfuz (2020) Owen Wilson (2020)
Andy Lee (2020) Daniel Fang (2019) Ryan Kang Brad Bergin (2018)
Mason Schindle (2018) David Roszko (2018) Calvin Howard (2017)
David Hu (2017) Steven Lu (2017) Nicholas Anstey (2016)
Brianne McDonald (2015) Berton Quon (2015) Bennett Csorba
(2015) Vincent Tan (2015) Oriana Shaw (2014-2015) Ana
Catuneanu (2013-2014) Brandon Lieu (2013) Seoyoung Kim
(2012-2013) Kian Parseyan (2010-2013) Lisa Kawasaki (2012)
Yahya Kinyogo (2012) Elizabeth Twist (2012) Yang Hu
(2011-2012) Alethe Kabore (2010-2012) Jennifer Assh (2011)
Yonghui (Matthew) Wu (2011) Ben Kostiuk (2010) Robert
Ogilvie (2010-2011) Cara Anne Curtis (2009-2011) Jonn Kmech
(2010) Leonora Ogbeide (2010) Isaak Kornelsen (2009) John
Hoang (2007) Daniel Moroz (2007) Steven McGie (2006)
Bernice Lau (2006) Noopur Gupta Parmar (2005) Jason Dyck
(2006) Andrew Ganton (2004) Benjamin Poon (2003) Dawn
Feddersen (2003) Sabrina Rashid (2003) Keith Fenrich (2003)
Jan Kowalczewski (2003) Costantino Renzi (2002-2005) Sameer
Chhibber (2002) |
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People
Post-Docoral Fellows
MSc Students
Saba Allahgholiloo
Amin Arefadib
Darren Mann
Don Dilshan Abeywardane
Srijana Gautam
Zahra Karamzadeh
Mahdi Chalaki
PhD Students
Masoud Jafaripour
Carly O'Sullivan
Soroush Mirkiani
Affiliated Students
Sisuri Hemakumara
Support Staff
Jane Porter
Matthew Birtle
Michel Gauthier
Don Wilson
Avery Nosen
Rod Gramlich
Neil Tyreman |
