Dr. Nicholas Hatsopoulos

Biography

Nicholas G. Hatsopoulos is a Professor in the Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago, specializing in Organismal Biology and Neurobiology. His research focuses on the cortical basis of motor control learning, investigating how various features of motor behavior are encoded and how information is represented by the collective activity of large neuronal ensembles in motor, premotor, and somatosensory cortices. Hatsopoulos employs advanced techniques to simultaneously record neural activity from large groups of neurons, conducting detailed analyses of kinematic and kinetic measurements as part of goal-directed motor behaviors. He develops mathematical models to relate neural activity to behavior, yielding insights into how motor behavior is encoded in the activity of cortical neurons. His work has substantial implications for the development of brain-machine interfaces and neural prosthetic technologies, aimed at enabling individuals with spinal cord injuries, ALS, and amputations to control devices with their brain signals. Hatsopoulos received his Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from the California Institute of Technology and has been recognized for his contributions to neuroscience education and research, including receiving the Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring from the University of Chicago in 2016.

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