Disruptions in gut-brain communication are linked not only to gastrointestinal disorders like IBS but also to neuropsychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression, making the gut-brain axis a critical target in neurophysiological research. However, current research on the gut-brain axis remains limited due to a lack of adequate tools capable of both modulating GI activity at the organ level while recording GI physiology in real-time. We aim to address these limitations by developing a full gastrointestinal stimulation and recording system—implantable devices that are capable of interfacing seamlessly with the gastrointestinal tract along with a wireless control module that is capable of driving electrical and optogenetic stimulation along with gastrointestinal EMG recordings.

I am participating in SuperUROP because I want to help make advancements in the types of tools available for neurophysiological research. Having worked in the Bioelectronics Lab for 3 years, along with taking numerous circuit design, programming, and microfabrication classes, I feel prepared to design and fabricate my own fully integrated, multifunctional system for studying the GI tract. I am excited to create a new tool for others to use!