Dr. Manob Saikia, researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Memphis Herff College of Engineering, has been awarded a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance groundbreaking neuroimaging technology.

 

As director of the Biomedical Sensors & Systems Lab, Saikia is leading a project to develop a wearable, non-invasive, drug-free headband designed to monitor brain activity in real time. This innovative device has the potential to assist in diagnosing and managing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, depression, ADHD, and trauma-related brain injuries — conditions that, according to the National Institutes of Health, affect nearly 100 million Americans during their lifetimes.

 

Unlike traditional MRIs, the headband will utilize functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) to collect real-time data without the need for a clinical setting, significantly reducing costs and improving accessibility. Designed for user-friendly, at-home use, the headband will work in tandem with a mobile app that engages users through interactive games while clinicians remotely monitor brain activity and provide tailored neurofeedback.

 

Additionally, Saikia’s research will address an important gap in current neuroimaging technology: the signal quality discrepancy in individuals with darker skin tones. His lab will explore optimizing fNIRS signal strength across diverse populations, ensuring more accurate and equitable data collection.

 

Through this innovative research, the University of Memphis continues to lead in developing technologies that empower individuals and transform healthcare practices for the future.

 

   

             Dr. Manob Saikia                        Anusha Upadhyay, PhD student           Amani Shehada, PhD student

 

For more information, contact Saikia at msaikia@memphis.edu.