Student Projects
Here is a list of some of our actual student projects. However, note that we are also accustomed to tailor the project on the expertise and interests of each student. If you are interested in learning more you can contact the project responsibles or Janos Vörös..
Efficient spike sorting for HD-MEA recordings in PDMS-constrained neuronal networks
Understanding how networks of neurons give rise to cognition requires listening to many neurons at once at single-cell resolution. This has recently been made possible by high-density microelectrode arrays. In our lab, we grow networks of human iPSC-derived neurons in microfluidic devices and record them on these arrays over weeks, across thousands of channels. Making sense of the resulting dynamics depends on an initial processing step, spike sorting: working out which neuron produced which signal.
Keywords
neuroscience, biophysics, neuronal networks, electrophysiology, in vitro, machine learning, deep learning, signal processing, computational neuroscience, computational modelling
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2026-07-23 , Earliest start: 2026-10-01 , Latest end: 2027-06-01
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Vasiliauskaite Vaiva
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Physics
Engineered iPSC-derived Human Neuronal Networks on High-Density Microelectrode Arrays for Studying Structure–Function Coupling in the Brain
How does the wiring of a neural circuit give rise to patterns of neural activity, and ultimately to cognitive functions such as forming memories, learning new skills, and understanding language? In this project, we combine microfluidic platforms with high-density microelectrode arrays to construct bioengineered networks of human iPSC-derived neurons and record the entire network at single-cell resolution over weeks in vitro, allowing us to directly test hypotheses about structure–function coupling in the brain.
Keywords
neuroscience, neuronal networks, neuroengineering, electrophysiology, in vitro, information routing, network science, functional connectivity, brain-on-a-chip, biophysics
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2026-07-21 , Earliest start: 2026-09-15 , Latest end: 2027-08-01
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Vasiliauskaite Vaiva , Winter-Hjelm Nicolai , Amos Giulia
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Biology , Physics
Cellular Modeling of Commotio Cordis via FluidFM
In this project, you will focus on establishing a cell-level model of commotio cordis using Fluidic Force Microscopy (FluidFM) to investigate the cellular pathways linking localized mechanical forces to electrophysiological disturbances. The model will serve as a high-precision platform for delivering controlled mechanical stimuli to individual human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, enabling simultaneous monitoring of calcium dynamic responses using live-cell fluorescence imaging. This system aims to enhance our understanding of the mechano-electrical coupling mechanisms that induce malignant ventricular arrhythmias following non-penetrating chest impacts.
Keywords
Commotio cordis, Fluidic Force Microscopy (FluidFM), human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, atomic force microscopy (AFM), live-cell fluorescence imaging, mechano-electrical coupling, mechanobiology
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Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-07-14 , Earliest start: 2026-07-12 , Latest end: 2027-11-30
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Guan Haishuo
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology
Assay development for cancer diagnostics
You will develop a diagnostic test for testicular cancer. The focus of the project will be on creating the biochemical protocols for the test. The project is in collaboration with a prelaunch startup and a hospital (USZ). Therefore, it is ideal for motivated students who want to have a direct impact
Keywords
diagnostic, diagnostics, test, biosensing, sensing, biosensor, sensor, dna, rna, mirna, cancer, functionalization, gold, nanoparticles, biochemistry, chemistry, assay, surface chemistry,
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Internship , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-06-11
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Blickenstorfer Yves
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
Develop microfluidics for at-home blood testing
Collaborating with a dynamic startup, you will work on designing, manufacturing, and testing microfluidic devices to quantify biomolecules associated with chronic inflammation, heart attacks, and tropical diseases.
Keywords
Microfluidics, Fluidics, blood testing, diagnostics, biosensing, biosensor, diseases, healthcare, electrochemistry, Interdisciplinary, startup, impact, impactful, Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, LBB, Quantification, Biomedical engineering, Materials science, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Innovation
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Internship , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-06-11 , Earliest start: 2024-01-09
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Blickenstorfer Yves
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology , Physics
Revolutionize at-home diagnostics
Join our interdisciplinary student project to transform at-home diagnostics! Work on cutting-edge technology, boost sensitivity, engineer tests for seamless home use, and develop targeted disease detection. Help us to shape the future of healthcare.
Keywords
diagnostics, assay, electrochemistry, biosensing, sensing, sensor, biosensor, disease, detection, interdisciplinary, electrochemical, microfluidics, impact, health, startup
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Internship , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-06-11 , Earliest start: 2023-07-26
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Blickenstorfer Yves
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology , Physics
Develop the electronics for a new medical sensor
You will work on bringing medical tests to peoples home. You will further develop the hardware and software for a readout device that can perform a variety of diagnostic tests in a reliable but simple fashion.
Keywords
Electronics, Software, Sensor, Biosensor, Potentiostat, Analog, Data Analysis, Noise Filtering, Start-up, printed circuit board, PCB, C++, Arduino, Microcontroller, Diagnostic, Medical
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Semester Project , Internship , Lab Practice , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Summer School
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Published since: 2026-06-11
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Blickenstorfer Yves
Topics Engineering and Technology
Simulating the Interfacial Nanopore: Enhancing Fundamental Understanding of the Governing Nanoscale Dynamics
The solid-state nanopore has become a powerful tool for label-free single-molecule detection, characterising DNA and RNA structures, with recent work demonstrating the ability to detect protein structure information. Studying single-cells requires us to push this protein characterisation further, with the interfacial nanopore one approach to achieving this. In this project, you would simulate and compare with empirical data the properties of the solid-state interfacial nanopore for single-molecule detection and characterisation.
Keywords
Biophysics, Single-molecule, Simulation, Nanopore
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-03-26 , Earliest start: 2026-04-01 , Latest end: 2027-04-01
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Cronk Justin
Topics Physics
Bioengineered iPSC-Derived Neural Networks on High-Density Microelectrode Arrays for Studying Pathological Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease
Are you interested in uncovering how Alzheimer’s disease disrupts communication in the brain — and exploring new ways to study and possibly intervene in this process? In this project, you will use cutting-edge microfluidic platforms to construct bioengineered neural networks that better mimic the structure and function of brain microcircuits. These networks, established from human iPSC-derived neurons, will be studied throughout their development using high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs), enabling detailed tracking of their electrical activity at high spatiotemporal resolution. You will introduce Alzheimer’s disease-related pathology into the networks and investigate how it alters connectivity, signaling patterns, and neural responses to stimulation over time. The project offers a unique opportunity to combine experimental work in cellular neuroscience with computational analysis of neural network function. Depending on your background and interests, your work can be directed more toward wet-lab techniques (e.g., cell culturing, immunostaining, confocal imaging, electrophysiology) or toward data analysis and modeling (e.g., signal processing, graph theory, information theory).
Keywords
Neuroengineering, Neurodegenerative Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, iPSC-derived Neurons, Bioengineered Neural Networks, Microfluidics, Microelectrode Array, Electrophysiology, Neural Network Analysis, Graph theory, information theory, Neural plasticity, In Vitro Disease Modeling, Stem Cell Technology.
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2026-02-26 , Earliest start: 2026-01-05 , Latest end: 2027-03-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Winter-Hjelm Nicolai
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology , Physics