Robert Herbert is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Louisiana State University. He was previously a postdoctoral research associate at Carnegie Mellon University. He received his B.S. and M.S. in mechanical engineering from the Ohio State University in 2016 and 2017, and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2022. His lab’s research goals are to offer improved devices and solutions for human health problems – with a focus on vascular applications – by studying the design, materials, and manufacturing of biomedical devices, bio-interfaced electronics, and soft material systems. 

Please tell us your background, where you are from, schooling, etc.

I grew up in Cincinnati, OH and attended the Ohio State University for my undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering. I then moved to Atlanta, GA to attend graduate school at the Georgia Institute of Technology and later to Pittsburgh, PA for a postdoctoral position at Carnegie Mellon University. Throughout my academic journey, I have focused on themes of vascular devices, soft electronics, and device fabrication. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Louisiana State University where my lab studies biomedical devices, soft materials, and soft electronics.

What led you to become involved with brain aneurysm research?

During my graduate studies at Georgia Tech, my first project aimed to develop an implantable sensor to monitor the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Since then, I have worked to create soft sensors and electronics with an emphasis on improving the monitoring of vascular health. Now leading a lab at LSU, I am interested in applying my background in soft materials and electronics to further study the mechanics of cerebral aneurysms and to enhance the treatment and monitoring of patients.

In the simplest terms, what is the purpose of your project?

The purpose of our project is to provide a benchtop tool to study the mechanics of cerebral aneurysms, including strain within the aneurysm sac. We will use soft materials to build realistic models of aneurysms and study potential risk factors of aneurysm rupture. 

In the simplest terms, what do you hope will change through your research findings?

The goal of our research is to enhance patient outcomes by better understanding the mechanical risk factors of aneurysm rupture. We also plan to use our research to evaluate existing and newly developed treatment options and devices. 

Why is the funding you are receiving through the Brain Aneurysm Foundation so important?

Owing to the generous grant from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, we will be able to develop and test a new, promising methodology to study cerebral aneurysms and treatment options. This funding is critical not only to develop a new research tool and collect new insights on cerebral aneurysms, but to also enable future in-depth studies of risk factors and treatment designs. This study will also allow us to establish collaborations within cerebral aneurysm research and to translate our findings to improve patient care.