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.
