Research labs at Northeastern University, US .

Action Lab

Motor controlMotor learningComputational neuroscience

Dagmar Sternad · University Distinguished Professor

How do people learn to control their movements when the body and surrounding objects create complex dynamics? The Action Lab combines behavioral experiments with mathematical models of movement and nonlinear control. Researchers investigate single-joint and coordinated movements, manipulation tasks and locomotion, including experiments in virtual environments. Measurements of motion and force are complemented by muscle and brain electrical recordings. The work also studies older adults and people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, connecting movement coordination with questions about learning and impairment.

JMIndependently curated · Unclaimed

James Monaghan Research Group

RegenerationAxolotlDevelopmental biology

James Monaghan · Professor

Why can an axolotl regrow complex tissues that many other animals cannot replace? The lab uses this salamander to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of regeneration. Research examines the development and regrowth of limbs and the nervous system, including interactions between these organ systems. A central question asks why nerves are necessary for complex tissue regeneration. Another investigates which cellular properties permit limb and spinal-cord regrowth, connecting the biology of this regenerative animal with broader questions about tissue maintenance and repair.

DCIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Mon(IoT)r Lab

Internet measurementPrivacyNetworking

David Choffnes · Professor

What can measurements of real internet systems reveal about privacy, security and reliability? The group studies deployed systems, including mobile devices and the Internet of Things, to test whether their behavior matches existing models and assumptions. Research investigates the causes of unexpected behavior and develops new models or systems in response. Projects include monitoring connected-device behavior, protecting personal data flows and investigating net-neutrality violations. The work combines networking and distributed systems research with practical measurement of technologies that people use every day.

TEIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Rad Lab

Network scienceData miningMachine learning

Tina Eliassi-Rad · Inaugural Joseph E. Aoun Professor

What can networks reveal about patterns hidden in large collections of connected data? The group works at the intersection of data mining, machine learning and network science, developing algorithms for analyzing physical and social phenomena. Applications of this research include fraud detection, cyber situational awareness, drug discovery and online discourse. The program also investigates ethical questions in machine learning and AI. Its algorithms have been incorporated into graph-analysis systems and open-source software, linking theoretical and algorithmic research with practical uses of networked data.

SSIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Shefelbine Lab

Bone biomechanicsMechanobiologyMusculoskeletal adaptation

Sandra Shefelbine · Professor

How do bones change their structure and strength in response to the forces placed on them? The lab investigates musculoskeletal adaptation using clinical observations, experimental models and computational simulations. Research examines the interplay between bone formation, resorption and mechanical loading. Another direction connects molecular building blocks, including collagen and mineral, with bone architecture and properties across multiple length scales. The group also develops technologies for assessing musculoskeletal biomechanics, with projects examining limb growth, fluid flow in bone adaptation and the mechanics of developing joints.