Monthly features to profile the next generation of rehab researchers
When Institute Director Dr. Milos R. Popovic introduced the KITE Research Institute to the world two years ago, he had one goal – to redefine and broaden the rehab-specific perception of our work.
The I AM KITE campaign, launched in January, pays tribute to the diverse up and coming talent at KITE who are making a huge impact in the world of rehab science.
Today we introduce Andrea Bandini, a member of our Speech & Communication, Neural Engineering and Therapeutics, and the Swallowing Science teams. His award-winning research and passion for AI, technology and rehabilitation engineering sets him up for success with improving the quality of life for those impacted by disability, illness or aging.
I AM ANDREA BANDINI
NAME: Andrea Bandini
EDUCATION: PhD in Bioengineering, University of Bologna, Italy
KITE TEAM(s): Speech & Communication, Neural Engineering and Therapeutics, Swallowing Science
RESEARCH FOCUS: Neurological disorders and aging
PROFILE
Andrea Bandini has been a postdoctoral research fellow at KITE since September 2016. He holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering (2016) from the University of Bologna (Italy) and a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering (2012) from the University of Florence (Italy). His research focuses on neurological disorders and aging and lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence, computer vision, biomedical signal processing, and rehabilitation engineering. He is an author and co-author of 30 peer-reviewed papers published in international journals and conference proceedings. He received two postdoctoral fellowships (AGE-WELL Postdoctoral Award in Technology and Aging in 2017 and the CPSR Trainee Award in 2016), 1 master’s thesis award from the Italian Association of Electrotechnics, Electronics, Automation, Informatics and Telecommunication, and recently he was given the 3rd place best oral presentation award at the 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA).
Bandini presenting his poster at the CSCIRA conference in 2019
DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
In 5-10 years, I see myself in a bioengineering lab in a university, leading the development of intelligent tools for helping clinicians in the assessment and rehabilitation of neurological disorders. My experience at KITE, where I work in close collaboration with researchers from different fields (neurology, speech-language pathology, computer science, psychology, etc.), has prepared me well for this career path.
If his work could change one thing in the world by tomorrow, Andrea says he would introduce novel technologies that can be used at home by everyone to advance rehabilitation science and care.
WHY KITE?
“Working in a world-leading rehabilitation research institute, KITE gives me the possibility to see that our research has a profound impact on people’s lives. Having the opportunity to collaborate with the best clinicians, patients and research participants is an immense source of inspiration for new ideas” says Andrea.
ANDREA AND I AM KITE
The I AM KITE video covers a wide variety of topics in rehabilitation science we are dealing with. It’s an extraordinary source of inspiration for all of us at KITE. This is what drives our research to be at the forefront of innovation in rehabilitation science and biomedical engineering.
In his spare time, Andrea likes to read sci-fi and historical books, watch thriller movies, and listen to rock and metal music. He plays the guitar and has a passion for learning new languages. He also likes jogging and walking outside (weather permitting ...)