Electrical engineer seeks to develop sensors that could measure mental health

His research focuses on the development of semiconductor devices for sensing and analysis of certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters or hormones, in the human brain. This will enable him to map chemical release and show real-time status of brain activity in addition to present day MRI methods. Such a system could aid the clinical diagnosis of certain cancer mechanisms and the exploration of signaling pathways that such chemicals in the brain take. It could also help to form a model of the brain for future AI initiatives and provide mental health monitoring benefits.

“Most of these chemicals lead to a consequence in terms of mental health. Right now there isn’t a decisive way to quantify that to try and understand the mental makeup of a person,” Barua said. “I’m working at the interface of biology and electrical engineering to solve this dilemma.” 

Barua’s experience growing up in India is one motivator for him. He said competition is fierce in academics and daily life and people often tend to ignore their mental health. To determine any mental health issue, a psychologist would typically need to be consulted. Barua is working to create devices that could aid in diagnosis or the determination of a treatment plan based on individual biology, as well as many other applications for the chemical kinetics data that would be collected with such a device. 

“He has shown exceptional dedication in training himself in this multidisciplinary research area and remains devoted towards advancing the science of semiconductor devices for efficient neuro-sensing applications that will have tremendous societal impact,” said Jha, who nominated Barua for the Engineer of the Month award. 

In addition to working as a graduate research assistant, Barua is a teaching assistant for the microfabrication class conducted in the college’s cleanroom, which requires intensive knowledge of semiconductors and associated technologies. He has also taken on leadership roles at UC with the EECS Graduate Student Association as vice president in 2017-2018, and is currently treasurer for both the Technomentorship Establishment and StartupUC. He was also part of the search committee for the CEAS dean. In summers, he teaches junior high and high school kids about robotics and programming. 

Following completion of his doctoral degree Barua’s priority is to try to make the world a better place through novel semiconductor devices and their integration with deep learning approaches, either with the launch of his own start-up company based on his concepts or by working for a company that creates helpful devices related to the Internet of Things. 

Featured image at top: UC student Abhijeet Barua wants to work on semiconductor devices when he graduates. Photo/Corrie Mayer/CEAS Marketing