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Bin Feng, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Research Interests:
Neuroengineering, neuromodulation, electrophysiology, experimental and computational neuroscience, soft tissue biomechanics
Address:
260 Glenbrook Rd Unit 3247
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269-3247
Office Phone:   860-486-6435
Office Fax:   860-486-2500
Education:
BS in Precision Instruments, Tsinghua University
MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma
PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University at West Lafayette
Post-doc in Visceral Pain & Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh 


Research Summary:

Dr. Feng’s research is focused upon the sensory encoding and processing of the peripheral nervous system. Particular interests are given on 1) how the sensory afferent neurons detect and transmit pain-related sensory information, 2) the peripheral mechanisms that underlie the sensory aberrations in chronic pain and 3) translating scientific discoveries into next-generation neuromodulatory strategies and devices that target peripheral nerves/neurons for the better management of chronic pain.

A multidisciplinary approach has been taken including ex vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recordings and stimulations, molecular biology and transcriptome analyses, nerve-electrode interface via micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), optogenetics, biomechanics at the nerve – tissue interface, and together with rigorous computational simulations of neural encoding and tissue biomechanics.

Details about ongoing research projects can be found at the lab website, i.e., Neuroengineering & Pain Research (NPR) Lab

Honors and Awards

  • NSF IGERT Pre-doctoral Fellowship, National Science Foundation
  • Poster of Distinction Award, Digestive Disease Week
  • NIDDK K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award, National Institutes of Health

Selected publications

Google Scholar Citations Link

Pubmed Citations Link

  1. Feng B*, Zhu Y, La JH, Gebhart GF. (2015) Experimental and computational evidence for an essential role of NaV1.6 in spike initiation at stretch-sensitive colorectal afferent endings. Journal of Neurophysiology, doi: 10.1152/jn.00717.2014.
  2. Feng B*, Kiyatkin ME, La JH, Ge P, Solinga R, Silos-Santiago A, Gebhart GF. (2013) Activation of guanylate cyclase C attenuates stretch responses and sensitization of mouse colorectal afferents. The Journal of Neuroscience; 33(23):9831-9.
  3. Feng B*, La JH, Tanaka T, Schwartz ES, McMurray TP, Gebhart GF. (2012) Altered colorectal afferent functions associated with TNBS-induced visceral hypersensitivity in mice. American Journal of Physiology; 303(7):G817-24.
  4. Feng B*, La JH, Schwartz ES, Tanaka T, McMurray TP, Gebhart GF. (2012) Long-term sensitization of mechano-sensitive and -insensitive afferents in mice with persistent colorectal hypersensitivity. American Journal of Physiology; 302(7):G676-G683.
  5. Feng B*, Gebhart GF. (2011) Characterization of silent afferents in the pelvic and splanchnic innervations of the mouse colorectum. American Journal of Physiology; 300(1):G170-G180.

* Sole corresponding author