Team

Group Leader

Paulo Aguiar

Group Leader, PhD

Physics

Paulo coordinates the NCN lab. With a background in Physics and Computational Neuroscience, he develops experimental and computational approaches to understand neural computation and to design signal-informed, closed-loop neuroengineering solutions. Originally from the Azores, he is the father of two boys and, outside the lab, enjoys hiking and water sports.

PhDs

Miguel Aroso

Junior Researcher, PhD

Bioimaging, Neuroscience

Miguel’s research focuses on advancing electrical stimulation methods for neuronal modulation. He is particularly dedicated to characterizing neuron-astrocyte communication by combining high-resolution microelectrode array recordings, functional imaging via optical microscopy, and the development of cutting-edge in vitro technologies. Outside the lab, he enjoys the outdoors, gardening and cinema.

Marina Silva

Junior researcher, PhD

Biochemistry, Neuroscience

Marina is a biochemist with a strong interest in neuronal (dys)function in disease contexts, using iPSC-derived neuronal systems to model and understand brain disorders. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms to functional outcomes, focusing on synaptic function. Outside the lab, she is the mother of a young boy, trying to keep up with his endless energy, and enjoys hiking and travelling.

José Mateus

Junior Researcher, PhD

Bioengineering, Neuroscience

José studies the development and function of neuronal circuits using engineered in vitro systems. His work combines electrophysiology, microfluidic platforms, human-derived neurons and computational analysis to probe circuit dynamics and information flow. Outside the lab, he enjoys cinema, music and travelling.

Rui Simões

Associate Researcher, PhD

Biochemistry

Rui leads Preclinical MRI at i3S within the consortium Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center “Raquel Seruca”. Focused on translational oncology imaging, he aims to bridge experimental and clinical research for non-invasive assessment of tumor phenotype, critical for improving treatment planning, response monitoring, and outcome. Rui is a father of two girls and enjoys spending his free time outdoors, hiking and travelling.

Ana Rita Ribeiro

Post-doctoral Fellow, PhD

Neuroscience

Rita is a neuroscientist with a strong background in neurological disorders, using in vivo models. Her research integrates organotypic brain slices, electrophysiology, optical stimulation and closed-loop control of neuronal activity. Outside the lab, she is an enthusiastic runner who enjoys music and travel.

PhD students

Eduardo Carvalho

PhD Student

Bioengineering, Neuroscience

Eduardo is a PhD student at the BiotechHealth Doctoral Program (ICBAS/UP). He works on the development of Reinforcement Learning controllers to advance closed-loop neuromodulation. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and losing himself in the study of foreign languages and the paradoxes of metaphysics.

Xiyu Deng

PhD Student

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Xiyu is a PhD student from the CMU-Portugal Dual Program. She is interested in bridging control and robotic algorithms with neuroscience, exploring how principles from engineering can inform our understanding of the brain. Outside the lab, you can find her cooking up something new, hunting for hidden gems around the city, or planning her next trip.

Filipa Silva

PhD Student

Bioengineering, Neuroscience

Filipa Silva is a PhD student in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology Applied to Health Sciences at the University of Porto. Her research focuses on adaptive closed-loop neuromodulation using optogenetic tools to investigate synaptic plasticity and neuronal network dynamics.

Sara Costa Silva

PhD Student

Bioengineering, Neuroscience

Sara is a PhD student at the BiotechHealth Doctoral Program (ICBAS/UP). She is interested in studying the interaction between astrocytes and neurons at the electrophysiological level, using both microelectrode arrays’ electrophysiology and functional optical imaging. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading and spending time in nature with her two little kids.

MSc students

Hyeonseok Choi

MSc Student

Neuroscience

Hyeonseok is an MSc Neuroscience student and Erasmus Mundus Neurasmus scholar (University of Göttingen / University of Bordeaux) with training in molecular and cellular biology. He is interested in neurotechnology with particular interest in building neuronal circuits. Outside the lab, you can find him surfing, making ceramics. He built a foldable canoe from scratch and likes to be outside.

João Zamith

MSc Student

Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering

João joined the lab as an undergraduate intern and is now developing his MSc research focused on harnessing 3 Tesla diffusion MRI for microstructural imaging of the brain tumor microenvironment in mouse models. His work aims to improve glioblastoma characterization through advanced imaging pipelines. When not staring at a computer screen, he is a competitive track and field athlete, loves board games and traveling.

Ricardo Peres

MSc Student

Research Fellows

Pedro Félix Alves

Research fellow

Bioengineering, Biomolecular Engineering

Pedro Félix is a “NeuroSpark”Research Fellow and a Bioengineering MSc (University of Porto). He is fascinated by brain-inspired information processing, and is currently dedicated to developing neuromorphic computing solutions for closed-loop neuromodulation in neurological disorders. Outside working hours, you can usually find him birdwatching or doing sports.

Pedro Melo

Research fellow, PhD student

Biomedical Engineering

Pedro Melo holds a BSc in Bioengineering and a MSc in Biomedical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto). Currently a PhD Student, he is focused on studying Parkinson’s Disease electrophysiology and its mapping to motor symptoms to develop state-dependent neuromodulation strategies. When not doing data analysis on his computer, he can be found by the volleyball court.

Ricardo Pinto

Research fellow

Neuroscience

Ricardo Pinto holds an MSc degree in Molecular and Translational Neuroscience (Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra). His research focuses on characterizing network activity changes in human pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal cultures through their differentiation and maturation. Outside the lab, he enjoys reading, being interested in fantasy books, classical literature, and philosophy.

Trainees

Giuseppe Poli

Trainee

Biomedical Engineering

Giuseppe Poli is an Erasmus+ trainee with a MSc in Biomedical Engineering (Information Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano). Currently, he is focused on implementing a closed-loop neuromodulation protocol, developing real-time analysis of MEA recordings. Outside the lab, you can find him at the cinema or trying to take artistic photographs with his camera.

Sara Matis

Research Trainee

Neuroscience

Sara is writing her bachelor’s thesis investigating the activity-dependent regulation of axonal mitochondrial transport in human iPSC-derived neurons, by combining compartmentalised microfluidic platforms integrated with microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and live mitochondrial imaging. Besides being nerdy about developmental neurobiology, she enjoys singing at open mics, painting, spending hours on end in museums, and getting involved in science communication.

Margarida Figueiredo

Trainee

Maria Sá

Trainee

Visiting Scientists

Ramiro D. Almeida

Trainee

Visiting Scientist

Alumni

Name, known last position