Sharmila Venugopal, Ph.D., aspires to interface neural-engineering and neuro-prosthetic remedies for patients suffering from specific motor deficits. Dr. Venugopal applies computational and experimental approaches to study the neural mechanisms underlying motor behaviors. Her research expertise include single-cell  eletrophysiology using in vitro whole cell recording,  computational modeling and analysis of neuronal network behavior using dynamical systems methods. Dr. Venugopal previously studied how multiple rhythmic motor responses are elicited by a brainstem central pattern generator guiding taste-induced ingestion and rejection behaviors.  She is currently associated with the Center for Adaptive Neural Systems as a postdoctoral scholar. As part of her training, she is exploring methods involving mathematical modeling and in vitro whole cell electrophysiology to study the dynamic properties of spinal motoneurons before and after spinal cord injury.

As a member of the community, Dr. Venugopal is an active participant in various outreach efforts including educating pre-college students about pursuing careers in science and engineering. Her outreach effort has received recognition by the Society for Neuroscience.