Eric Hudak, Ph.D.

Job Title
Program Director
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Photo of Eric Hudak, Ph.D.
Division
Division of Translational Research
Cluster, Section, or Program
Translational Neural Devices (TND)
Areas of Interest

Neural prostheses, neural engineering, sensory prostheses, brain-computer interfaces (BCI), prosthetic-limb control, peripheral and spinal interfaces, electrochemistry, implantable materials

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Eric Hudak, Ph.D. is a Program Director in the Division of Translational Research at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Dr. Hudak manages a portfolio of NINDS, HEAL Initiative, and BRAIN Initiative translational device awards in the areas of brain-computer interfaces (for prosthesis control, sensory perception, and communication), sensory prostheses, peripheral and spinal devices for pain, and neural-controlled prosthetic limbs. Additionally, Dr. Hudak is the program lead for the HEAL Initiative Translational Devices program and the HEAL Diversity Supplement program, and is a co-lead for the SPARC HORNET program. Dr. Hudak received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry from The University of Toledo (2004 – Toledo, OH) and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University (2011 – Cleveland, OH). As a graduate student, Dr. Hudak examined the electrochemistry of platinum and conductive-diamond electrodes to uncover potential causes of tissue damage from electrical stimulation and to point to ways of improving the use of these materials in neural stimulation applications. Before joining the NIH in 2019, Dr. Hudak was a Principal Research Scientist in the Department of Research & Technology at Advanced Bionics, a leading producer of cochlear implants. At Advanced Bionics, Dr. Hudak led research projects to enhance the properties, safety, and reliability of cochlear implant device materials and components, including electrodes, electrode arrays, feedthroughs, insulation materials, connectors, and medical batteries.