Meet HFI’s new postdoc, Russell Hardesty
When Russell Hardesty was an undergraduate studying biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University, he enjoyed learning about the intersection of engineering and biological systems, particularly how engineering principles can advance human health. His passion for improving quality of life through neurotechnology motivates his current research. Now, he is returning to his alma mater as a new postdoc at the Human Fusions Institute.
In his new position, Hardesty will work on Assistant Professor Emily Graczyk’s iSens RCT study, developing advanced neuroprostheses that integrate intuitive myoelectric control with sensory feedback. This work aims to improve prosthetic functionality and user experience, contributing to innovations in neuroengineering and human health. “I’m looking forward to working with such a diverse and collaborative team of students, researchers, clinicians, and therapists,” he said.
Hardesty comes to HFI from the National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies, where he studied long-term motor learning processes in human locomotion and explored operant conditioning techniques for modulating spinal reflexes, including the cutaneous reflex. His Ph.D. research on cortical and spinal pathways contributing to limb coordination demonstrates his deep expertise in sensorimotor control, inspiring trust among stakeholders.
When Hardesty is not in the lab, he enjoys going to the gym, reading, cooking, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with his wife.
