Graduate Student
University of Texas at Dallas
Ph.D. student Connor Neifert is passionate about utilizing neural technology to restore the quality of life for people with neurological injuries. Neifert works with the Texas Biomedical Device Center at the University of Texas at Dallas, under the guidance of Drs. Seth Hays and Michael Kilgard. His work focuses on researching and developing neuromodulatory therapies that restore functional recovery after stroke and other neurological injuries. Connor is leading studies to determine the mechanism of vagus nerve stimulation-driven neuroplasticity, and is translating his findings to improve post-injury motor rehabilitation. He has presented his work to hundreds of neuroscientists and engineers at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting, and now at BMES. Connor received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the Ohio State University and was decorated for his leadership and independent research during his undergraduate studies. He spearheaded the nationally-acclaimed Mentorship Program for OSU’s collegiate chapter of BMES. Connor continues to actively impassion underrepresented Dallas high school students pursuing careers in STEM, having mentored a dozen students on BME-focused research projects. He knows that an interest in STEM needs to be nurtured, so he has spoken at local high schools to share his journey and ignite the interest in STEM for the next generation.