Dr. Nicolelis received his MD and PhD in neurophysiology from the University of Sao Paulo. He pioneered the development of a new neurophysiological method, known today as chronic, multi-site, multi-electrode recordings. Using this approach in a variety of pre-clinical models, as well in intra-operative procedures in human patients, Dr. Nicolelis launched a new field of neurophysiological investigation aimed at measuring the concurrent activity and interactions of large populations of single neurons throughout the brain. For the past 20+ years, Dr. Nicolelis has devoted his career to defining the physiological principles that govern the operation of key brain circuits in the mammalian brain.

Although Dr. Nicolelis is best known for his pioneering studies of brain-machine interfaces and neuroprosthetics, he has also developed an integrative approach to studying neurological and psychiatric disorders including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia and attention deficit disorder. He is a member of the Pontifical, Brazilian and French Academies of Science, has authored over 160 manuscripts, and holds three US patents.

Updated 2/8/11