John D. Rolston

Emory University, Brigham and Women's Hospital

Papers

Total Citations

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About

John D. Rolston is a pioneering neurosurgeon and engineer whose research sits at the intersection of neural engineering, epilepsy surgery, and robotic intervention. His most impactful work, "Closed-loop, open-source electrophysiology" (51 citations), introduced a transformative framework for using multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) to both record and stimulate neural activity in real time, laying the groundwork for adaptive brain-computer interfaces and responsive neurostimulation systems. This open-source approach has enabled broader access to closed-loop neural control, influencing how researchers design experiments for motor prosthetics and epilepsy management. Rolston further pushes boundaries in surgical robotics with "Screw-Tip Soft Magnetically Steerable Needles" (11 citations), a novel paradigm that replaces traditional pushing with a rotating, self-penetrating screw mechanism. This innovation promises safer, more precise deep-brain access for procedures like biopsy or drug delivery. His recent work on robot-assisted deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus (2024, 2 citations) demonstrates his clinical focus on drug-resistant generalized epilepsy, showcasing a highly connected target that modulates cortical and subcortical networks. By combining open-source electrophysiology, magnetic steering, and robotic DBS, Rolston is redefining how we interface with and treat the brain, with direct impact on patients suffering from debilitating neurological disorders.