Shirin Madarshahian

Dr. Madarshahian is a professor in the College of Health Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science. Dr. Madarshahian’s research focuses on promoting neuromodulation and developing data-centric analytical tools to support evidence-based decision-making in clinical settings. She comes to Lehigh from Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Department of Raphael Center for Neurorestoration where she was a data scientist and led multiple research projects on application of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord electrical stimulation and its neuromodulatory effects on spinal cord injury individuals and participated in development of objective measurement tools for neurorehabilitation.

Dr. Madarshahian’s primary research is in designing personalized, non-invasive stimulation strategies for individuals with neurological disorders. By building data-driven models grounded in the physical approach of studying motor control, her work seeks to gain objective insight into neurophysiological states across the lifespan-from healthy individuals to those affected by neurological disabilities. A core element of her research involves developing objective biometrics to track disease progression and the effectiveness of neuromodulatory interventions. She leverages IMU-based motion capture systems, wearable sensors, and force-sensing technologies to quantify motor coordination and synergistic control, using high-density EMG, standard EMG, and motion data. Her ultimate goal is to enhance clinical assessments and interventions through AI-driven, personalized solutions that reshape neurorehabilitation practices. Dr. Madarshahian believes that, in addition to research, education is a core pillar of an academic career. This commitment is reflected through her roles in teaching, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and leading workshops that promote research and technology-particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. She considers educating the next generation of scientists not only a responsibility but also a profound honor, and she approaches it with the same dedication and enthusiasm she brings to her research.

Education

PhD, Kinesiology, Motor control Branch, Penn State University, USA 2022

Minor in Statistics, Penn State University, 2022

MA, Biomedical Engineering, Control of Neuromuscular Systems Branch, Azad

University of Mashhad, Iran 2016

BA, Biomedical Engineering, Bioelectric Branch, Azad University of Mashhad, Iran 2013

Areas of Research and Publications

Data-Driven Neuromodulation and Rehabilitation, Non-invasive electrical stimulation (e.g., tSCS, TMS, NMES), Biometric development for tracking neurophysiological change, Motor Control and Neurophysiology, Synergistic control and coordination in healthy and neurologically impaired populations

Use of high-density EMG and IMU-based motion capture for quantitative, Assessment, Artificial Intelligence in Neurorehabilitation, AI-driven personalization of neuromodulatory interventions, Integration of wearable technologies for real-time monitoring and feedback, HealthSystem Automation and Digital Health Tools, AI applications in automating clinical decision pathways

Courses