Dr. Michel Maharbiz

Biography

Michel M. Maharbiz is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on extreme miniaturization technology and the development of synthetic interfaces for cells and organisms. He is known for inventing 'neural dust,' a form of ultrasonic interface designed for tiny implants in the body. His group has developed the world’s first remotely controlled cyborg beetles, showcasing innovative approaches to bioengineering and robotics. Maharbiz was recognized by MIT’s Technology Review as one of the top ten emerging technologies in 2009, and his work was also featured in Time Magazine’s Top 50 Inventions of that year. He has received a B.S. from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, where he worked under esteemed faculty. His research contributions led to the foundation of Microreactor Technologies, Inc., which was acquired by Pall Corporation in 2009. As a Senior Member of the IEEE and a member of the Society for Neuroscience, he has earned several prestigious awards including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award and holds significant positions such as a Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator and Bakar Fellow.

Research Interests