Alumni Vasileios Christopoulos has Joined University of Southern California as Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering

Computer Science & Engineering alumni Vasileios Christopoulos (2010, PhD) has joined the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Southern California (USC) as an assistant professor. The appointment includes his own lab focusing on neural engineering and functional ultrasound imaging technology. 

The Christopoulos' lab combines neurophysiological recordings, functional ultrasound imaging, and computational modeling to explore the neural mechanisms underlying higher-order cognitive functions, such as action regulation, decision-making, and motor learning. His research ranges from animal studies to clinical trials involving patients with brain and spinal cord disorders, aiming to uncover the pathophysiology of these conditions and translate these findings into novel brain- and spinal cord-based therapies.

“I study the brain and the spinal cord,” said Christopulos. “My research focuses on understanding how these two parts of the central nervous system work together to facilitate everyday functions - from how we go to the bathroom, to more advanced high-level functions like motor control and decision-making. Most importantly, I study how certain diseases affect the brain and spinal cord, and how we can develop novel therapeutic strategies to cure these diseases. ”

The Christopoulos’ lab is using a new technique that was developed in France called functional ultrasound imaging, which is similar to an MRI, except it uses sound waves to track blood flow instead of magnets to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Christopoulos was one of the key scientists involved in bringing this technique to the U.S. in 2016. 

“We were using this technology to reveal the mechanisms of brain and spinal cord functions. Our focus is on understanding how conditions such as urinary incontinence, epilepsy, and chronic pain influence these functions, which could ultimately lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches”, said Christopoulos. “One of our goals is to develop a real-time translational clinical monitoring system that will help to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromodulation treatments (i.e., treatments that modulate nerve activity through targeted delivery of electrical stimulation or the drug administration)  - a technology that currently does not exist” 

Christopoulos thanks the University of Minnesota for his education and for being able to be versatile in different areas of computer science. 

“I can say now that my time in Minnesota was the best of my life,” said Christopoulos. “I'm always trying to find a reason to come back to UMN to meet with friends or colleagues. This department's curriculum has developed a lot. It is unique and very special, to the point where they build a computer scientist that can easily adapt to any situation.”

For more information about Christopoulos’ lab please check out his website

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