Aranceta-Garza, Alejandra

My PhD on Biomedical Engineering involved using a specialised tool (high-density surface electromyography, HDsEMG) to understand the muscle activity from the forearm to identifying the surface electromyographic patterns involved and correlating them with specific hand movements leading to improvements in the control of a myoelectric driven prosthesis, specifically of the thumb.

Further experience (as a postdoctoral researcher) has allowed me to develop my portfolio in:

1) Orthotic design and development for manufacture; and

2) Analysis and interpretation of electrophysiological signals (more specifically signals from the muscles, HDsEMG) and apply them to further our understanding of neurophysiological involvement during abnormal movements or failure. 

Capitalising on my unique skillset in HDsEMG my research interests are aligned in two complementary areas:

1. The development of assistive medical devices; conducted in partnership with national and international clinical partners; and

2. to significantly extend our knowledge of how our body moves using neurorehabilitation during health, disease, and injury.

Worldwide, there are currently limitations in our understanding of the central nervous system’s involvement during abnormal movements and injury. My vision through these two research streams is to fill that gap in understanding, and thus to assist vulnerable patient populations to self-manage their
own health. 

My current medical technology development activity has led to the award of patents and ongoing invention disclosures, and am currently working with TalarMade, a UK company with a global footprint, to take one of our technologies to market (WristEaze).

Additionally, through other collaborative international research activities, I am currently working towards the development of assistive technologies that will improve the management of diseases such as (but not restricted to) hand, foot and mouth disease and tetanus, in Vietnam. In this way, I propose to reduce the healthcare and social burden of disease in these low economic regions.  

To date, I have produced 2 patents (1 European and 1 North American); 13 papers (2 – in print; 4 – currently awaiting permission to be submitted as soon as patent embargo is lifted; 2 – under review; 5 conference papers); 1 book chapter; and 3 papers currently being prepared.

In May 2020 and in recognition of achievements (the quality of my research ideas and their impact, my international reach, and my expertise in the field of electromyography), I was one of 5 researchers internationally to be awarded the 2020 Delsys Prize Award by the DeLuca Foundation which awarded me personal research equipment to continue with my own independent projects, this award was on the back of work carried out in collaboration with Vietnamese partners.

I have been an invited speaker to international gatherings and Universities, such as: Mexican National Royal Conservatoire (from work carried out with Prof Merletti in 2019); Guest Lecture at the Biomedical Engineering Department at the Autonomous Metropolitan University, Mexico (2019); and Biomedical Engineering Seminar Series at the Autonomous University of Southern California, Mexico (2016). Additionally, I have been invited speaker in UK-wide events/organisations and national STEM activities, such as: Institution of Mechanical Engineers (from work carried out in Vietnam, 2019); Ingenious Woman Scotland (2020); panellist representing the University discuss Research Career Development and mental Health (2019); and The Lecture List, Galilean Society (2012).