HeejinCho

I earned my B.E. in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry and an M.S. in Translational Medicine from the City College of New York. My previous research focused on developing biocompatible, injectable soft-bulking hydrogels, specifically evaluating their reversibility through minimally invasive methods. For my capstone projects, I developed a 3D-printed perfusion platform for high-throughput in vitro drug screening and a diagnostic sensor to measure esophageal pressure for acid reflux detection. I later expanded on this work during my Master’s by exploring the translational potential of injectable hydrogels as a therapeutic intervention for acid reflux.

My focus on high-impact, translational technologies naturally led me toward neural engineering and BCIs, where I could tackle more intricate physiological problems. This path brought me to the BIONIC Lab; here, I draw on my multidisciplinary engineering background to better understand and overcome the biological hurdles that limit the long-term safety and performance of brain implants.

Currently, my research focuses on investigating the impact of gliosis on the longevity and signal quality of chronically implanted BCIs. I am also exploring novel neural stimulation approaches designed to bypass the physical and physiological limitations of traditional electrical methods. Through these efforts, I aim to contribute to the continued advancement of neural engineering and the development of more resilient neural interfaces.