Mark A. Benscoter, Ph.D., M.S.

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SUMMARY

The research interests of Mark A. Benscoter, Ph.D., M.B.A., are focused on advances in neuroengineering related to epilepsy by furthering the understanding of brain activity and intervention in abnormal processes through innovative devices aimed at improving patient safety and management of neurological disorders.

The primary focus of Dr. Benscoter's research is directed at the investigation of medical devices targeting electrophysiological signatures of the epileptogenic brain and the transition from normal brain activity to seizures. He is interested in the creation of seizure warning devices targeting electrophysiological biomarkers of epileptogenic brain and precursor signals that precede the onset of clinical seizures. The aim is for improvements in the efficacy of epilepsy surgery and the application of brain stimulation.

Focus areas

• Electrophysiological signal detection and tissue stimulation. Dr. Benscoter's research focuses on identifying novel electrode device designs, going beyond traditional electroencephalography, for the collection of electrical signals and therapeutic stimulation in the treatment of neurological disorders.
• Implantable technology. Dr. Benscoter and his colleagues are particularly interested in the application of implantable technology aimed at extending device longevity and size reduction for neurological electrophysiology.
• Delivery systems. Dr. Benscoter is pursuing the creation of innovative delivery systems aimed at precise anatomic device placement in a minimally invasive manner to decrease surgical complexity and reduce patient care costs.
• Brain mapping. An additional area of interest is the investigation of research related to improved mapping of neurological activity.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Benscoter's research is currently focused on the creation of next-generation epilepsy management and therapy platforms. Next-generation devices will use advanced sensing and stimulation capability combined with embedded hardware for analytics in order to track the probability of seizure occurrence with improved targeting. Dr. Benscoter's research is highly translational and integrates basic scientific discovery and engineering with the goal of improving the lives of patients with epilepsy.