Thesis Project Form

This traineeship is motivated by the growing need for advanced neural interface technologies capable of enabling high-resolution, stable, and long-term interaction with the nervous system. Flexible microelectrodes enhanced with nanostructured materials offer significant potential to improve signal quality, reduce tissue response, and increase device longevity.
The project is situated at the intersection of neuroengineering, materials science, and bioelectronics, addressing key challenges in implantable sensing technologies. The outcomes of this work are relevant to applications in neuroscience research, neuroprosthetics, and clinical diagnostics, contributing to the development of next-generation tools for understanding and treating neurological disorders.

Initial training will include instruction in professional research practices. The training program will cover key areas such as scientific methods and experimental design, laboratory safety and best practices, and data management with a strong emphasis on reproducibility.
The student will contribute to the design, fabrication, and evaluation of innovative flexible microelectrodes for neural interface applications. Daily activities will include the integration of nanostructured materials—such as carbon nanotubes and MXene-based composite coatings—to enhance the electrical and electrochemical performance of the implantable devices and their biocompatibility. The trainee will carry out electrochemical characterization of the devices, as well as their in vitro and in vivo validation. In addition, the role involves
electrophysiological and electrochemical data analysis to assess signal quality, reliability, and long-term stability.
Research progress will be monitored through weekly meetings with the supervisor, Dr. Elisa Castagnola, to review ongoing activities, discuss experimental results, and address any challenges. The trainee will also participate in weekly group meetings, presenting updates and receiving feedback from the research team. Regular evaluation of milestones will ensure alignment with project objectives and steady progress.
A multi-level mentoring structure will be implemented to support the trainee’s development. The Principal Investigator, Dr. Castagnola, will provide weekly one-on-one meetings and career mentoring. Graduate student mentor(s) will offer daily supervision and technical guidance, while weekly research group meetings will serve as a platform for presentations and peer feedback.
The trainee will also engage in professional development activities, including critical reading and interpretation of scientific literature through journal club participation, as well as training in scientific communication, both oral and written.
The student will work within an interdisciplinary research environment encompassing microfabrication, carbon-based materials and sensor development, electrochemical sensing, and neural interface technologies. This setting will foster collaborative learning, cross-disciplinary exposure, and active knowledge exchange.
Student progress will be assessed through:
• Weekly meetings and milestone tracking
• Mid-program feedback, including adjustment of goals where necessary
• Final evaluation of learning outcomes and project deliverables
• Submission of a final report detailing experimental results, along with an overall evaluation by the supervisor of laboratory skills, data analysis capabilities, and problem-solving ability
• Successful completion of the thesis

By the end of the traineeship, the trainee will be able to:
• Apply advanced electrochemical characterization techniques, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, amperometry and square wave voltammetry
• Conduct in vitro and in vivo validation of flexible neural interface devices
• Perform electrochemical deposition of nanostructured materials to enhance device performance and sensitivity
• Analyze and interpret electrophysiological and electrochemical data
• Communicate scientific results effectively in English, both in written and oral forms, within a research context
The traineeship will also foster transversal competences, including critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork in an interdisciplinary environment, and adherence to good scientific practices.