Josette El Zaklit is an associate professor in the department of Electrical & Biomedical Engineering. Her research focuses on studying the effects of high-intensity, nanosecond-duration electric pulses (NEP) on various types of excitable cells and tissues, aiming to develop non-invasive electrostimulation technologies for neuromodulation. She has made significant contributions to the field of bioelectrics, particularly in the understanding of how NEP modulate excitable cellular functions, with potential implications for developing novel neuromodulation therapies.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: My research is currently funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). The U.S. Air Force is interested in developing novel technologies for use by warfighters to enhance their performance. To this end, my group has been collaborating with researchers at the College of Engineering and UNR Med to work toward mitigating flight-induced musculoskeletal disorders, a significant problem affecting pilot performance, by enhancing skeletal muscle force through the use of NEP, a new type of electric stimulation modality.
Another ongoing project involves using NEP to electrically stimulate and modulate adrenal chromaffin cells that mediate the “fight or flight” response by secreting the catecholamines adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) into circulation in the body. The goal is to provide foundational information that could lead to a wearable system to stimulate catecholamine release on the fly as a way to enhance performance under extreme conditions. The ultimate goal of both projects is to translate these findings into NEP-based technologies that can improve human performance and health in both military and civilian settings.
Q: What inspired you to pursue this line of research?
A: I have always been fascinated by how electrical signals control the human body. The idea that tiny, electrical pulses can influence cellular behavior and potentially improve lives sparked my curiosity when I was a graduate student. I was fortunate to work with amazing mentors who introduced me to the field of bioelectrics. Their passion for innovation and their dedication to solving real-world problems through engineering deeply inspired me. Seeing the impact of their work made me want to contribute in my own way by focusing on neuromodulation applications, not only for applications of interest to the U.S. Air Force but also for medically related issues. For example, neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet many treatments are invasive or come with significant side effects. I was inspired by the potential to develop non-invasive NEP-based neuromodulation technologies that could provide alternatives to traditional drug therapies or surgical implants.
Another aspect of my research that I am passionate about is the opportunity to bridge engineering and medicine to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives.
Q: What potential impact can this work have on society?
A: My research could benefit society by advancing non-invasive neuromodulation therapies. Current neuromodulation treatments (e.g., deep brain stimulation) often require implanted devices or electrical pulses that can cause discomfort. My research on ultrashort NEP could lead to less invasive, more precise stimulation techniques for treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. If NEP can selectively stimulate or inhibit certain neural pathways, they may provide new treatments for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other disorders, potentially reducing or eliminating reliance on medication.
