Lab Members

Dr. Edgar Peña is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, where he leads research on computational modeling to enable personalized neuromodulation therapies for techniques such as vagus nerve stimulation, which have broad applications to conditions such heart failure, epilepsy, and inflammatory diseases. Dr. Peña previously completed postdoctoral training at Duke University, where he advanced methods for high-frequency nerve block, and earned his PhD from the University of Minnesota with a focus on spatially targeted deep brain stimulation. He is a recipient of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.

Education

• Postdoctoral Associate, Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 2018-2023
• PhD, Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2017
• BS, Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, 2013
• BS, Electrical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, 2013

Develop selective vagus nerve stimulation with kHz nerve block

Although kHz nerve block can improve VNS selectivity, it is not clinically feasible, because it has uncontrollable side effects. Cheng-Yu's project aims to improve the control of kHz nerve block and support this technique for clinical practice.

He is always interested in trying something new and working on science communication as off-lab work.

Education

• In Progress: PhD, Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
• MS, Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2025
• BS, Life Science, Minor: Electrical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, 2022

Lindsey is currently developing a computational model of the auditory nerve to optimize stimulation of Auditory Nerve Implants (ANIs) for treating hearing loss. This work is in collaboration with the SONIC Lab at the University of Minnesota.

Education

• In Progress: PhD in Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
• BS, Integrative Engineering (Bioengineering), Minor: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lafayette College, 2025

Assessing the feasibility of a multipolar cuff electrode for nerve block

Katriana uses computational methods to assess the viability of a multipolar cuff electrode configuration for VNS and kHz nerve block. Her aim is to minimize the amount of contact points that effectively execute the therapy while reducing the invasiveness of the treatment.

Education

• In Progress: BBmE, Biomedical Engineering, Minor: Mathematics, University of Minnesota, December 2026