Our team's bio

Sergi Bermúdez i Badia – Principal Investigator

Researcher Profle

  • ResearcherID: A-1194-2013
  • Scopus Author ID: 7003529050

Current positions:

  • Associate Professor (tenure) at the University of Madeira
  • Researcher of the NOVA Laboratory for Computer Science and Informatics
  • President of the International Society for Virtual Rehabilitation
  • Head and founder of NeuroRehabLab research group.

Contact

e-mail: sergi.bermudez@uma.pt
Cell Phone: +351 966695922 / +34 678080888
Address: Gabinete 2.73, Caminho da Penteada 9020-105 Funchal, Madeira Portugal


Bio

I received my Msc. in telecommunications engineering from the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC) and a PhD from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETHZ).

I have pursued research at several institutes in Europe and the USA, including the Laboratoire de Production Microtechnique at the EPFL (Lausanne), the Institute of Neuroinformatics at the ETHZ (Zurich), at the Institute of Audiovisual Studies at the Tecnology Department of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona), where I was a Juan de la Cierva research fellow and head of the Robotic Systems Laboratory at the laboratory for Synthetic Perceptive, Emotive and Cognitive Systems (SPECS), and the Quality of Life Technologies and Entertainment technology centers of the Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh).

Since 2006, I am an active researcher in the Virtual Rehabilitation field. Since I arrived in Madeira in 2010, I established an interdisciplinary research group with approx. 15 members including engineers, psychologists, and occupational therapists that addresses the use of interactive technologies, VR and Brain Computer Interfaces in the rehabilitation post-stroke and dementia. While in Madeira, I have been awarded 6 projects as PI in the field of virtual rehabilitation through national and European competitive calls. My work has been published over 140 times in international peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and book chapters.

Currently, I am an Associate Professor (tenure) at the University of Madeira in Portugal where I coordinate the NeuroRehabLab research group (https://neurorehablab.arditi.pt/) and the International Master Program on Interactive Media Design (http://mdmi.uma.pt/). Also, I am associate editor of the journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation. Currently, I am finishing my mandate as President of the International Society for Virtual Rehabilitation for the 2018-2020 period.


Research interests

I am interested in imaging human brain function noninvasively, by exploiting the wonderful versatility and never-ending possibilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and by combining this with the highly complementary technique of electroencephalography (EEG) whenever appropriate. In one line of research, I seek to obtain more quantitative measures of brain function by evaluating the underlying cerebrovascular dynamics through the integration of multiple MRI techniques, including imaging of tissue perfusion, cerebrovascular reactivity, and blood oxygenation. Another line of research involves the combination of EEG with functional MRI, with the aim of assessing the spatial-temporal dynamics of brain networks. Overall, I expect that these developments will help elucidate the investigation of brain function, in healthy individuals as well as in patients suffering from neurological and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, I hope to leverage the insights obtained from brain imaging to improve noninvasive neuromodulation techniques aimed at repairing brain function, particularly through neurofeedback training. Specifically, I have been focused on applications in the paroxysmal disorders of epilepsy and migraine, in cerebrovascular diseases associated with dementia, and also in schizophrenia and depression.

Patrícia Figueiredo – Co - PI

Researcher Profle

  • ResearcherID: A-1194-2013
  • Scopus Author ID: 7003529050

Current positions:

  • Coordinator, Biomedical Engineering Lab (LaSEEB), Institute for Systems and Robotics – Lisboa (ISR-Lisboa)
  • Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa

Contact

e-mail: patricia.figueiredo@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Cell Phone:+351-218418277 (Internal: 2277)
Office: 6.22 (North Tower, 6th floor)


Bio

I graduated in Physics and Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) at the Technical University of Lisbon in 1997, and subsequently completed the post-graduation in Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, and obtained the D.Phil. degree in Neuroimaging from the University of Oxford, where I worked with Prof. Peter Jezzard at the Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain (FMRIB), in 2003. I was then invited lecturer at Thammasat University, in Thailand, before returning to Portugal in 2004 as postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra. I joined IST as Assistant Professor in 2007, I was conferred habilitation in Biomedical Engineering by the same school in 2017, and I am currently Associate Professor with the Department of Bioengineering at IST, University of Lisbon. I am also the coordinator of the Evolutionary Systems and Biomedical Engineering Lab (LaSEEB) of the Institute for Systems and Robotics, Lisboa (ISR-Lisboa). I have been Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Neurology, University College London, and Visting Scientist at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

During the past ten years, I have been responsible and participated in several national and international research projects in brain imaging, neuroscience and biomedical engineering, and I have been the author of over 40 papers in international journals of high impact in these fields. My work has been distinguished with the Prize for Women in Science by L’Oréal Portugal, the 2nd best paper award by the Portuguese League against Epilepsy, and the António Xavier Prize for the best Portuguese PhD Thesis (as advisor) in NMR, EPR or MRI. I have (co-)supervised 11 PhD theses (6 completed) and more than 20 MSc theses. I have also been the vice-coordinator of the MSc programme in Biomedical Engineering at IST, where I am responsible for teaching graduate courses in Medical Imaging, Neuroimaging and Neuroengineering. Moreover, I participate in academic management activities within the university, including the Executive Committee of the Department of Bioengineering of IST, the Scientific Council of IST, and the Scientific Committee of ISR-Lisboa. Internationally, I have been actively involved with the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology (ESMRMB) as a member of its Education Committee, and am currently member of the Executive Committee and elected Chair of the Congress Planning Committee for the 2021 ESMRMB Annual Meeting.


Research interests

I am interested in imaging human brain function noninvasively, by exploiting the wonderful versatility and never-ending possibilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and by combining this with the highly complementary technique of electroencephalography (EEG) whenever appropriate. In one line of research, I seek to obtain more quantitative measures of brain function by evaluating the underlying cerebrovascular dynamics through the integration of multiple MRI techniques, including imaging of tissue perfusion, cerebrovascular reactivity, and blood oxygenation. Another line of research involves the combination of EEG with functional MRI, with the aim of assessing the spatial-temporal dynamics of brain networks. Overall, I expect that these developments will help elucidate the investigation of brain function, in healthy individuals as well as in patients suffering from neurological and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, I hope to leverage the insights obtained from brain imaging to improve noninvasive neuromodulation techniques aimed at repairing brain function, particularly through neurofeedback training. Specifically, I have been focused on applications in the paroxysmal disorders of epilepsy and migraine, in cerebrovascular diseases associated with dementia, and also in schizophrenia and depression.

Marta Xavier – Researcher

Current positions:

  • Researcher - Evolutionary Systems and Biomedical Engineering Lab (LaSEEB)

Contact

e-mail: marta.xavier@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Address: Evolutionary Systems and Biomedical Engineering Lab Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR) Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Av. Rovisco Pais, 1 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal


Bio

I graduated in Biomedical Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon. During my Master’s, I engaged in a project at the Evolutionary Systems and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory (LaSEEB) of ISR-Lisboa at IST, that aimed at the integration of EEG and fMRI signals in the scope of Brain-Computer Interface applications. After completing my MSc thesis on the “Identification of EEG Fingerprints of Simultaneous fMRI in Resting State and Motor Imagery” I started working as a researcher at LaSEEB. I am currently working on two projects, one for identifying neural correlates of motor imagery in neurorehabilitation, and the other for identifying EEG-fMRI markers of migraine.


Research interests

I am interested in imaging human brain function noninvasively, by exploiting the wonderful versatility and never-ending possibilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and by combining this with the highly complementary technique of electroencephalography (EEG) whenever appropriate. In one line of research, I seek to obtain more quantitative measures of brain function by evaluating the underlying cerebrovascular dynamics through the integration of multiple MRI techniques, including imaging of tissue perfusion, cerebrovascular reactivity, and blood oxygenation. Another line of research involves the combination of EEG with functional MRI, with the aim of assessing the spatial-temporal dynamics of brain networks. Overall, I expect that these developments will help elucidate the investigation of brain function, in healthy individuals as well as in patients suffering from neurological and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, I hope to leverage the insights obtained from brain imaging to improve noninvasive neuromodulation techniques aimed at repairing brain function, particularly through neurofeedback training. Specifically, I have been focused on applications in the paroxysmal disorders of epilepsy and migraine, in cerebrovascular diseases associated with dementia, and also in schizophrenia and depression.

Jean-Claude Fernandes

Current positions:

  • Rehabilitation Doctor at Central Hospital of Funchal

Contact

e-mail: jeanclaudefernandes@sesaram.pt
Cell Phone:291 705 600 (ext 6702)
Address: Serviço de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça Av. Luís de Camões, nº 57 – 9004-514 Funchal Portugal


Bio

I graduated in 2011 with an integrated Master´s Degree in Medicine from the University of Lisbon. I did my Master´s project under Professor Fernando Lopes da Silva on the applications of Brain Computer Interfaces for patients with severe motors dysfunction. I did my general medical rotations known collectively in Portugal as the ano comum in 2012. I specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation between 2013 and 2017, training at the Central Hospital of Funchal, University Hospital Centre of Central Lisbon, Beatriz ngelo Hospital (Loures), Santo António Hospital (Porto) and the North Rehabilitation Centre (Gaia). I worked between 2018 and 2019 as a specialist in Physical Medicine and rehabilitation Medicine at the Central Hospital of Funchal and have returned to this role in 2021. In 2020 I did a fellowship in acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. Throughout the time I have worked at the Central Hospital of Funchal I have regularly collaborated in research projects with MITI


Research interests

I have an interest in finding new and innovative techniques to promote neuroplasticity and to compensate for disability. I believe in the collaborative approach of researchers working together on a grass root level with healthcare professionals to find practical solutions to challenges in faster and more sustainable ways.

Gustavo Caetano – Researcher

Current positions:

  • Researcher - Evolutionary Systems and Biomedical Engineering Lab (LaSEEB)

Contact

e-mail: gmcaetano@isr.ist.utl.pt
Address: Evolutionary Systems and Biomedical Engineering Lab Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR) Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Av. Rovisco Pais, 1 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal


Bio

I graduated in Biomedical Engineering, at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto. While there, I published my first paper about a saxophone mouthpiece, able to describe the performance of a player. I soon was drawn to neuroscience, and I completed my thesis on the analysis of dendritic spines from confocal microscopy images, in partnership with i3S and King's College London. I then applied to a research position at the Evolutionary Systems and Biomedical Engineering Lab (LaSEEB), where I am currently working on improving the neurorehabilitation of stroke patients.


Research interests

My main interest is understanding brain function through a multimodal set of imaging techniques, such as EEG and fMRI. By applying new signal analysis strategies, I aim to better understand the nature of stroke and migraine, and use them in neurofeedback experiments for rehabilitation.

Diego Andrés Blanco Mora – Postdoctoral Researcher

Current positions:

  • Postdoctoral Researcher of the NOVA Laboratory for Computer Science and Informatics

Contact

e-mail:diego.mora@m-iti.org
Cell Phone:+351 926 012 984
Address: Sala 7, Piso -2, Caminho da Penteada 9020-105 Funchal, Madeira Portugal


Bio

I received my Doctorate grade from the Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica (INAOE, México, 2017) as a recipient of the Doctoral Conacyt scholarship (reference 424423), researching about Pain detection in healthy subjects with EEG analysis oriented to non-communicative patients, with an Internship with COMA Science Group (Liège, Belgium) to analyze EEG in non-communicative patients in resting state. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at NeurorehabLab working on Motor Rehabilitation using Brain Interface Computer and Virtual Reality (BCI - VR) with Stroke Survivors under the NeurAugVR FCT project (PTDC/CCI-COM/31485/2017), participating in International Congresses as ICVR in 2019, SMC in 2019, and BIOSTEC in 2021. Besides, I have been awarded twice under the Incoming mobility BOF program, in 2018 and 2020, to look for synergies with the REVAL group of Hasselt University, with an impact on the development of bimanual strategies for stroke neurorehabilitation.


Research interests

My main interest is learning about brain functioning and neuroplasticity to improve quality of life; disentangling functional processes, and helping in recovery. In particular, I am interested to learn about brain dynamics across time. Besides, I am interested in research with multimodal neuroimaging analysis and neurophysiological signals that can help to unravel brain processes, acquiring different points of view based on the physical principles of the devices.

Carolina Patrícia Vieira Jorge – Investigator/Researcher

Current positions:

  • Researcher of the NOVA Laboratory for Computer Science and Informatics

Contact

e-mail:carolina.p.vieiraj@gmail.com
Cell Phone:+351 964 974 916
Address: Polo Científico e Tecnológico da Madeira, Caminho da Penteada, -2 floor 9020-105 Funchal, Madeira Portugal


Bio

I got my bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Escola Superior de Saúde in Porto (ESS, Politécnico do Porto). I’ve worked as an Occupational Therapist (OT) in different fields, focusing my experience working with the adult population and the elderly. I’ve become a member of NeuroRehabLab by the end of 2017 returning in April 2018. Ever since I’ve been working as a researcher on projects related to the neurorehabilitation of stroke patients.


Research interests

Being a health professional, I am interested in the exploration of novel rehabilitation systems, that can be tailored to be more engaging in aiding the patient on their recovery. It is known that motor imagery (MI) can lead to a new reorganization of neuropaths and promote neuroplasticity in stroke survivors. The use of a new noninvasive biomedical devise for brain motoring, alongside a Virtual environment, can provide a new efficient form of MI training, giving the patient real-time feedback and control over their mental exercise. Refining and studying this method opens a door for the development of a new tool that can work as a complement to the existing conventional therapy techniques.

Audrey Aldridge – PhD Student in Computer Science and Engineering

Current positions:

  • Graduate Research Assistant for the Social, Therapeutic & Robotic Systems Lab (STaRS), located at the Social Science Research Center (SSRC) at Mississippi State University
  • PhD Researcher for NeuroRehabLab research group at the Madeira Interactive Technologies Institute (M-ITI)

Contact

e-mail:(MSU): ala214@msstate.edu | (M-ITI): audrey.aldridge@m-iti.org


Bio

I received my Bachelor of Science in biological engineering with a concentration in medical engineering from Mississippi State University in 2016. I was accepted to a direct-PhD program at Mississippi State University in Computer Science and Engineering. In preparation for graduate school, I completed a substantial amount of coursework in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

In the spring of 2019, I conducted research in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) at the Technical University of Košice in Slovakia. Since January of 2020, I have been working with the NeuroRehabLab research group at M-ITI in Madeira, Portugal on a project involving the neurorehabilitation of stroke patients using virtual reality (VR) and BCIs While continuing work with the NeuroRehabLab, I am working on my PhD at Mississippi State University in Computer Science and Engineering with a focus in BCIs and human-robot interaction.


Research interests

My specific research interests are BCIs, VR, neurorehabilitation, and human-robot interaction. Having a background in bio-medical engineering, I am looking to combine rehabilitation efforts with advanced technology to improve motor cognition in people suffering from stroke or spinal cord injury. Another area of interest is brain-controlled robotics, prosthetics, and exoskeletons used for therapeutic and rehabilitative purposes. Finding a way to establish a seamless fluidity of control of these tools is something that can have a huge impact on rehabilitation methods. In association with the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University, I am helping to advance the use of brain-computer interfaces and machine learning for therapeutic robotic applications.

Athanasios Vourvopoulos - Researcher

Current positions:

  • Postdoctoral Researcher

Contact

e-mail:athanasios.vourvopoulos@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Cell Phone:+351-218418273 (Internal: 2273)
Address: 6.17 (North Tower, 6th floor).


Bio

My research is based on multimodal Human-Machine interaction using primarily EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) with interactive systems (VR, AR, MxR). Specifically, the study of cortical potentials that may be used to convey information about the user’s brain activity to a computer system and to develop methods that will allow to improve the quality-of-life in assistive or restorative ways. Overall, my research interests are in the intersection between the fields of human-computer interaction and neuroengineering with a two-fold objective: On the one hand, to design robust and ubiquitous brain-computer interaction, while on the other hand to identify the underlying mechanisms of brain recovery for stroke or other cerebrovascular and neurological disorders.


Research interests

My main research involves the use of EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) with interactive systems (VR, AR, MxR) for neurorehabilitation. Specifically, the study of cortical potentials that may be used to convey information about the user's brain activity to a computer system and to develop methods that will allow to improve the quality-of-life in assistive or restorative ways. Overall, my research interests are in the intersection between the fields of computer- and neuro- engineering with a two-fold objective: On the one hand, to design robust brain-computer interaction for communication and control, while on the other hand to identify the underlying mechanisms of brain recovery after stroke or other cerebrovascular and neurological disorders