Research Focus
My project focuses on developing a brain organoid-on-a-chip platform that integrates ion concentration polarization (ICP) for precise neuromodulation. Neurological conditions such as epilepsy and chronic pain are commonly treated using pharmacological approaches, which may lead to limited efficacy and undesirable side effects. I work on combining brain organoids with microfluidic systems that facilitate ICP to locally modulate ionic gradients and electric fields, enabling non-chemical control of neural activity. This approach enables dynamic, spatially controlled regulation of neuronal excitability in a physiologically relevant in vitro model. The platform is designed to investigate mechanisms of seizure suppression and pain modulation while providing a scalable and tunable system for studying neuromodulation. Ultimately, this work aims to contribute to the development of alternative, non-invasive therapeutic strategies and advance translational applications in bioelectronic medicine.
Biography
Hiba Aljayyousi is a Global Ph.D. Fellow in Bioengineering at New York University Abu Dhabi. She holds a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from Khalifa University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology. Her expertise spans organoid models, spheroid-on-a-chip systems, and computational techniques, including density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Her current research focuses on developing brain organoid-on-a-chip platforms that integrate experimental and computational approaches to better model complex neural environments and advance biomedical applications.