Investigator, Instructor (M) Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Mass General Research Institute

Instructor in Anaesthesia Harvard Medical School

artificial intelligence; behavior animal; brain computer interface; chronic pain and neurological disorders; cognitive impairment; deep learning; electrophysiology; functional electrical stimulation; gut-brain axis; hippocampal memory processing; in vivo imaging; intravital multiphoton microscopy; low back pain; lumbar vertebrae; machine learning; models anatomic; neural circuits; neuronal activities; optogenetics; orofacial pain; preclinical studies; robotics; trigeminal neuralgia

Dr. Ding is a dedicated researcher with a strong passion for neuroscience and preclinical studies, leveraging advanced technologies such as optogenetics, intravital multiphoton imaging, miniscopes, and panomics. His work integrates cutting-edge approaches including machine learning, brain-computer interfaces, neuromodulation, artificial intelligence, and robotics, with a primary focus on developing innovative solutions for pain neuroscience and aging-related disorders.

Given the significant impact of aging-related lower back pain caused by lumbar disc herniation, which leads to reduced quality of life and a tremendous financial burden in the U.S., current treatment options remain inadequate. To address this clinical gap, Dr. Ding is leading the development of an AI-powered closed-loop neuromuscular stimulation system for lower back pain. His team, composed of experts in pain management, bioengineering and robotics, is advancing a flexible electronic skin (e-skin) system that can detect early signs of lumbar disc degeneration and deliver AI-driven neuromuscular stimulation. By combining flexible biosensing technology, deep learning-based diagnostics, and FDA-approved neuromuscular stimulation, this work seeks to shift musculoskeletal healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, ultimately improving quality of life, reducing financial burden, and promoting healthy longevity.

In addition to his work in musculoskeletal health, Dr. Ding’s research also contributes to the development of novel pain models for neurological disorders, enabling a deeper understanding of spontaneous pain behaviors. By employing state-of-the-art techniques such as panomics, optogenetics, intravital multiphoton imaging in head-restrained animals, and calcium imaging using miniscopes in free-moving animals integrated with deep machine learning for data analysis to comprehensively dissect neural circuit mechanisms and neural network underlying pain, sleep disorders, and aging-related dysfunctions.

Another key area of Dr. Ding’s research focuses on neuromodulation through electrical stimulation (ES). His ongoing projects investigate neural dynamics in response to ES, aiming to uncover the neural circuit mechanisms underlying its analgesic effects. These studies have the potential to refine neuromodulatory therapies for pain management and neurological disorders.

Dr. Ding’s research is highly interdisciplinary, supported by his colleagues in bioengineering, brain-computer interfaces, and robotic engineering, bridging engineering, medicine, and AI-driven analytics to tackle critical healthcare challenges. His long-term vision is to pioneer next-generation bioelectronic systems that revolutionize treatment for degenerative diseases and neurorehabilitation. By integrating automated behavioral analysis, machine learning-powered diagnostics, and AI-driven neuromodulation, his work aims to enhance healthy longevity, empower independent living, and transform healthcare through technological innovation.