Starting my research stay at the New York University I joined the NanoLab Team, which is a part of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tandon School of Engineering, NYU.
I received a scholarship for this six-month scientific internship in the Kosciuszko Foundation competition, taking a place in the interdisciplinary group of 36 laureates of "The KF Exchange Program to the United States" for the 2022/2023 academic year. The Kościuszko Foundation has been supporting Polish-American scientific and academic exchange since 1925, not limiting the subject areas or disciplines of the undertaken cooperation.
The subject of research I participate in concerns modern technological solutions aimed at developing and manufacturing a system for precise dopamine mapping and recording using electrochemical microsensors made of graphene-based materials.
Creating accurate maps of dopamine levels is possible thanks to the unique properties
of the neural probes that consists of dense array of these microsensors and able of recording data in real time with high spatio-temporal resolution.
If the detection of dopamine is correct and stable over time, we have a success. This will make it possible to detect abnormal levels of this neurotransmitter, which are responsible for the formation of neurological mental disorders such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, ADHD or drug addiction. This is why dopamine mapping with high spatio-temporal resolution is so important to define the neural basis of these disorders and thus better understand brain function.
The NanoLab team specializes in the physics of electronic materials, synthesis of layered materials, nanofabrication of electronic devices and electrical measurements. They are the leading research team in the world dealing with the issue of multi-site recording of dopamine levels. The NanoLab research is conducted under the supervision of prof. Davood Shahrjerdi, who is a PI, research leader and a director of the NYU NanoLab. Professor Davood Shahrjerdi, is a world-class specialist in the field of electronics, nanotechnology and bioelectronics. He is constantly looking for commercial applications of his research work, which is confirmed by his high patent number and industrial implementation achievements. He is also open to scientific cooperation and academic exchange, for which he encourages students and academic staff of Lodz University of Technology.
The opportunity to work with world-class specialists at one of the world's best universities is invaluable experience for me. Thanks to the possibility of direct participation in these research I am gaining new knowledge and unique experience. My motivation is the opportunity to share this knowledge and implement the experience gained in my work at the Lodz University of Technology after returning to Poland.
Living in New York, combined with such an interesting and meaningful scientific work, is one of my dreams come true. I encourage everyone to try to reach for this kind of an experience.