NEWS

Dr. Elisa Castagnola, assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Louisiana Tech University, has received a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation. The five-year, $540,458 grant will support her project titled “Advanced Implantable Interface for Chronic Chemical and Electrophysiological Monitoring of Neural Activity,” beginning October 1, 2025.

The CAREER Award is one of the NSF’s most competitive and distinguished honors, given to early-career faculty who demonstrate excellence in both research and education. Fewer than 500 are awarded nationwide each year. Castagnola’s selection as a first-time applicant reflects the extraordinary potential of her work.

“This award recognizes Dr. Castagnola’s groundbreaking work at the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry, and neuroengineering,” said Dr. Collin Wick, dean of the College of Engineering and Science. “Her research has the potential to shape the future of brain-computer interfaces and bring real-world impact in healthcare.”

Her project aims to develop tiny devices that can be safely placed in the brain to track both chemical and electrical activity over time. These tools will give researchers a clearer picture of how the brain works, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat conditions like depression, epilepsy, and other brain disorders.

“It’s a big honor,” Castagnola said. “This kind of support helps us grow our team, strengthen research in North Louisiana, and bring stability to advance long-term brain monitoring. That stability is key to making real progress at the intersection of engineering and neuroscience.”

From Louisiana Tech’s perspective, this award strengthens research that could improve treatment for neurological disorders, deepen understanding of the brain’s computing power, and broaden public awareness of brain health. It also supports a core university mission: providing hands-on training and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in biomedical engineering at the Institute for Micromanufacturing. Currently, eight undergraduate students, one master’s student, and four Ph.D. students are working under Castagnola’s guidance, supported by this and other research awards.

Castagnola, a native of Genoa, Italy, brings over a decade of experience in neurotechnology. She earned her Ph.D. in Robotics, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnologies from the Italian Institute of Technology, where she also completed postdoctoral research. After moving to the U.S. in 2017, she held research roles at San Diego State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the NSF Center for Neurotechnology. Before joining Louisiana Tech in 2022, she was research faculty in Pitt’s Department of Bioengineering. Her work integrates materials science, microfabrication, and neurochemical sensing to advance brain-device interfaces.

“The brain uses both electrical and chemical signals to communicate, but tracking both clearly and reliably has been tough,” said Castagnola. “This project helps close that gap, bringing us closer to better understanding the brain and creating more personalized treatments.”

The project also includes strong educational and outreach efforts, such as mentoring students at all levels and engaging K–12 learners and the broader community through hands-on demonstrations and discussions about the potential and ethical implications of neurotechnology. This recognition highlights Louisiana Tech’s growing leadership in biomedical engineering, neurotechnology, and cross-disciplinary innovation in science and health.

About Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science
The College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech University integrates engineering and scientific research with education to prepare students to solve complex, real-world problems. The college is nationally recognized for its collaborative, interdisciplinary approach and commitment to innovation in engineering, science, and technology.