Engineering for Neurologic Rehabilitation

The Sensory Motor Performance Program (SMPP) at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) is devoted to the study of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and sensory disorders that are associated with abnormal control of posture and movement. Towards this aim, research is driven by the tight collaboration between a group of scientists specializing on diverse topics relevant to rehabilitation. Faculty members have appointments in the Feinberg School of Medicine and the McCormick School of Engineering & Applied Science which are both part of Northwestern University. The RIC Summer Internship in Engineering and Neuroscience provides undergraduate students with an intense experience in cutting edge research in the areas of engineering, neuroscience, and rehabilitation. The goal of the program is to identify, train, and nurture the development of future investigators who plan on using engineering applications to study neurologic disorders. We believe that early exposure to interdisciplinary research will provide tomorrow’s scientists with the skills they need to help end the devastation of neurologic injury. Students in the program join research teams located within the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). Research in these laboratories seeks to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of neural injury, to promote greater recovery following injury, and to provide accessible technology to the temporary and permanently disabled. Additional educational and social events are organized throughout the summer in order to provide students with broad knowledge of issues within the field, direct collaborations with leading neuroscientists and engineers, and personal interactions with people recovering from disabilities. As a result of this summer program, students will receive invaluable first-hand experience in this exciting research field early in their careers.