David Escobar, PhD
Assistant Staff
Director, Neural Dynamics and Modulation Lab
Email: escobad2@ccf.org
Location:
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Research
The goal of our research is to develop effective brain stimulation therapies for brain conditions that are tailored to the needs of each patient. This research leverages the fields of neurophysiology, data science, dynamical systems, and feedback (closed-loop) control to identify circuit-wide neural dynamics causally linked to the manifestation of brain conditions, and to develop closed-loop brain stimulation techniques that control these dynamics in real-time. Our group also develops technologies and methods to enable and advance research and innovation in the neuromodulation field. These technologies include portable electronic systems to deliver multi-objective closed-loop stimulation therapies, and devices to objectively quantify motor performance in patients with movement disorders.
Biography
Education & Professional Highlights
Research
Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing neuromodulation therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) and epilepsy, translating research into medical technology, training students and mentees in neuroengineering, and partnering with clinicians, scientists, and engineers to improve therapies for distinct brain conditions.
Research: Our team conducts clinical and preclinical research to increase the effectiveness of brain stimulation therapies for PD and epilepsy. This research aims to address the variability in outcomes of current therapies within and among patients. We integrate neurophysiology, feedback control engineering, signal processing, data science, and data-driven mathematical modeling to characterize neural circuit dynamics underlying brain dysfunction and develop personalized brain stimulation approaches that control these neural dynamics in real time.
Technology development and innovation: Part of our work is developing new technologies to advance our research, including portable electronic systems to deliver multi-objective closed-loop brain stimulation and devices to objectively quantify motor performance in PD patients. Our technology innovation work is also dedicated to translating our research into neuromodulation devices and practical therapies.
Education and training: We are committed to education and training to expand the network of scientists, engineers, and clinicians working to improve the lifestyle of people suffering from brain conditions. We provide multidisciplinary training and career mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting researchers, medical trainees, and volunteers interested in a career in engineering, science, and medical technology innovation.
Collaboration and outreach: We work closely with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists, and engineers across the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute and Lerner Research Institute to develop and test comprehensive neuromodulation treatments for PD and epilepsy. To have an impact beyond our focus areas, we collaborate with researchers and clinicians working on neuroengineering problems for distinct brain conditions.