Please check our positions below. If you are interested in joining our lab, contact nsquared@fau.de with a short description of your scientific background and what you would like to do, e.g. bachelor/master thesis.
Decoding Motor Unit Synergies: Insights from Intramuscular EMG of the Quadriceps
Thesis description:
Understanding how the human nervous system controls muscle activity is a central question in neuroscience and biomedical engineering. Intramuscular electromyography provides a unique opportunity to study motor unit activity with high spatial and temporal resolution, enabling deeper insights into neural control strategies.
This thesis investigates motor unit synergies based on intramuscular electromyography recordings from the quadriceps. The project is based on an existing dataset and focuses on uncovering patterns of neural activation across different muscles and movement tasks.
A central goal is to analyse how the nervous system coordinates multiple muscles to perform functional tasks. By applying statistical and data-driven methods, the project aims to identify underlying structures and coordination patterns in motor unit activity, contributing to a better understanding of neural control mechanisms.
Requirements:
- Preferred study programs: Medical Engineering, Computational Engineering, Data Science or any other comparable study program
- Proficient Programming skills (preferably Python and MATLAB/Simulink)
- Interest in neural control of movement and biomechanics
- Ability to work independently and competent time management skills
Supervisor:
Finja Beermann, M.Sc.
Application:
Please provide a short CV and a transcript of records to finja.beermann@fau.de
References:
Dernoncourt, F., Avrillon, S., Logtens, T., Cattagni, T., Farina, D., & Hug, F. (2025). Flexible control of motor units: is the multidimensionality of motor unit manifolds a sufficient condition? J Physiol, 0, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP287857#support-information-section
Del Vecchio, A., Marconi Germer, C., Kinfe, T. M., Nuccio, S., Hug, F., Eskofier, B., Farina, D., & Enoka, R. M. (2023). The Forces Generated by Agonist Muscles during Isometric Contractions Arise from Motor Unit Synergies. The Journal of Neuroscience, 43(16), 423–507. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.cp010211
Integration of online model recalibration into cursor control application
We are offering a thesis project focused on the integration of retraining across sessions as well as online model recalibration during real-time cursor control based on sEMG data recorded from legs and forearm.
Tasks:
- Review relevant literature
- Explore performance degradation and ways for model recalibration
- Integrate validated findings into existing applications
- Conduct experiments and evaluate performance
Requirements:
- Interest in biosignal processing and neural interfacing
- Very good programming experience in Python (experience with PySide6, SciPy, PyTorch/Scikit-learn is a plus)
- Solid knowledge of classical machine learning and deep learning
- Ability to work independently and systematically
Supervisor:
Amin Olamazadeh, M.Sc.; Annika Ritter, M.Sc.
Application:
Please provide a short CV and transcript of records to nsquared@fau.de.
Comparison of Intramuscular and High-Density Surface EMG for Detecting Regional Activation Differences in Vastus Medialis and Vastus Lateralis
Position description:
This thesis project investigates whether high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) can detect regional activation differences within the quadriceps muscles, specifically between proximal and distal regions of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis.
Previous work using intramuscular EMG (iEMG) demonstrated that selective or “split” activation between these regions is possible in most subjects. However, other studies using conventional surface EMG (sEMG) were not able to detect such regional differences.
The aim of this project is to directly compare iEMG and HD-sEMG recordings obtained from the same anatomical locations during voluntary selective activation tasks. HD-sEMG grids will be placed over proximal and distal regions of both muscles, while intramuscular electrodes will be inserted at corresponding sites. Participants will perform controlled contraction tasks and attempt region-specific activation. The recorded signals will be analyzed to determine whether HD-sEMG can reliably detect regional activation patterns comparable to those identified with iEMG. The study will contribute to understanding the spatial resolution limits of non-invasive EMG methods and their suitability for investigating fine neuromuscular control.
Tasks:
- Review relevant literature on regional muscle activation and EMG methodology
- Design and conduct EMG experiments
- Record and preprocess iEMG and HD-sEMG signals
- Compare regional activation patterns between methods
- Perform statistical analysis and interpret results
- Document findings in a scientific thesis
Requirements:
- Interest in neuromuscular physiology and biosignal processing
- Basic knowledge of EMG signal analysis
- Programming experience in Python or MATLAB is advantageous
- Ability to work independently and systematically
Supervisor:
Daniel Fenzel, M.Sc
Application:
Please provide a short CV and transcript of records to daniel.fenzel@fau.de.
References:
Validation Study of a custom-build 3D Hand Dynamometer
Planning, designing and conducting a validation study of a custom-built 3d hand dynamometer. The device is designed to measure isometric finger forces in various directions. The validation study will assess the reliability of the dynamometer across multiple recording sessions for all five digits during both single and multi-digit contractions.
Tasks:
- Develop a comprehensive plan for the validation study
- Design and implement experimental protocols to evaluate the dynamometer’s performance
- Collect and analyse data to assess the reliability and accuracy of the dynamometer
- Document the study design, methods, results, and conclusions
Requirements:
- Solid python skills
- Solid knowledge in CAD is beneficial
- Experience with git is beneficial
- Ability to work independently and sound time management skills
Supervisor:
Charlotte Pradel, M.Sc.
Application:
Please provide a short CV and transcript of records to nsquared@fau.de.
Validation Study of a custom-build 3D Hand Dynamometer
Planning, designing and conducting a validation study of a custom-built 3d hand dynamometer. The device is designed to measure isometric finger forces in various directions. The validation study will assess the reliability of the dynamometer across multiple recording sessions for all five digits during both single and multi-digit contractions.
Tasks:
- Develop a comprehensive plan for the validation study
- Design and implement experimental protocols to evaluate the dynamometer’s performance
- Collect and analyse data to assess the reliability and accuracy of the dynamometer
- Document the study design, methods, results, and conclusions
Requirements:
- Solid python skills
- Solid knowledge in CAD is beneficial
- Experience with git is beneficial
- Ability to work independently and sound time management skills
Supervisor:
Charlotte Pradel, M.Sc.
Application:
Please provide a short CV and transcript of records to nsquared@fau.de.