Parisa Sarikhani earned her bachelor’s (2014) and master’s (2017) degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Shiraz University, Iran. At Emory University, Georgia, she earned a master’s degree in 2022 in computer science and informatics and will receive her PhD in the same discipline later in 2023. She has dedicated her research focus to the intersection of machine learning (ML), reinforcement learning (RL), optimization, and neuroscience to advance the field of neuromodulation by developing precision neuromodulation therapies. She successfully developed, implemented, and evaluated a fully automated deep brain stimulation programming framework for tremor suppression, which holds the potential to revolutionize the standard of care. Additionally, she is working on an open-source translational AI compute platform to enable R&D of intelligent closed-loop neuromodulation systems for a broader community with diverse expertise. Her internship at Abbott Neuromodulation has fueled her passion to explore and advance the field of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain management, and her future research will be devoted to increasing fairness, accessibility, and transparency in healthcare. An active mentor, Sarikhani’s mentees include students recently accepted into PhD programs. Through mentorship, hands-on projects, and tailored initiatives, she hopes to inspire and empower women and other underrepresented groups to excel in engineering and STEM careers.

Research Interests

Machine Learning and Computational Neuroscience