Medical Engineering Distinguished Seminar Series, Bin He

Brain–computer interfacing is a rapidly advancing field of neurotechnology that enables direct communication between the brain and external devices. Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) decode neural activity to infer users' intentions or cognitive states and translate this information into commands for controlling external devices and interacting with the environment. Beyond neural decoding, an emerging direction in BCI research involves neuromodulation to modulate neural circuits and enhance cognitive and motor functions. In this talk, I will present our research on developing electroencephalography (EEG)–based noninvasive BCIs that leverage deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable users to control robotic arms, robotic hands, and computers using only their thoughts. I will also discuss our work on transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) neuromodulation, which offers high spatial precision, the ability to reach deep brain structures, and the potential for cell-type-selective modulation, opening new therapeutic opportunities for neurological disorders, including chronic pain and epilepsy. Finally, I will present our investigations into bidirectional BCIs that integrate tFUS neuromodulation with EEG decoding to enhance the performance of a motion-onset visual evoked potential–based BCI speller. Together, these advances highlight the promise of integrating AI-enhanced neural decoding with precision neuromodulation to advance next-generation bidirectional BCIs for communication and neuroprosthetic applications.

Biography: Bin He is a Trustee Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Professor in the Neuroscience Institute, and Professor by courtesy of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His research aims to advance our understanding of brain function and improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, with a particular focus on noninvasive brain-computer interfaces, focused ultrasound neuromodulation and electrophysiological source imaging. He's research has been recognized with a number of honors, including the IEEE Biomedical Engineering Award, the IEEE EMBS Academic Career Achievement Award, the AIMBE Professional Impact Award for Leadership, the AIMBE Earl Bakken Lecture Award, and the IEEE EMBS William J. Morlock Award, among others. Dr. He has held leadership positions within the biomedical engineering community, including serving as Chair of the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering (IAMBE), President of the IEEE Engineering Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), and Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Reviews in Biomedical Engineering and is an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), IAMBE, IEEE, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), and the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). https://www.cmu.edu/bme/helab/