Two Boston University Bioengineers Win Prestigious Sloan Research Fellowships

Brian DePasquale and Michael Economo honored for cutting-edge biomedical research that promises hope and benefits for patients

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two assistant professors of biomedical engineering at Boston University's College of Engineering, Brian DePasquale and Michael Economo, have been awarded prestigious Sloan Research Fellowships by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. DePasquale's research focuses on developing mathematical models to characterize how neurons in the brain generate movements, decisions, and perceptions, with potential applications in improving devices for people who are paralyzed. Economo's work studies the signals generated by the brain during movements and has provided new insights into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Why it matters

The Sloan Research Fellowships are highly competitive and prestigious awards that recognize early-career researchers who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation in their fields. DePasquale and Economo's work has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of the brain and lead to new technologies and treatments that could improve the lives of people with neurological conditions and disabilities.

The details

DePasquale develops mathematical models to study how the brain generates movements, decisions, and perceptions, with the goal of improving devices that translate brain signals into commands for operating robotic limbs, computers, and other technology for people who are paralyzed. Economo's research focuses on studying the signals generated by the brain during movements, and his work has provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

  • The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation awarded 126 fellowships in 2026 to early-career researchers from 44 institutions in the United States and Canada.

The players

Brian DePasquale

An assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Boston University's College of Engineering who develops mathematical models to characterize how neurons in the brain generate movements, decisions, and perceptions.

Michael Economo

An assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Boston University's College of Engineering who builds tools to observe the brain and studies how the brain plans and controls movement, including new findings about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Mary Dunlop

A professor of engineering and vice chair of biomedical engineering at Boston University, who wrote a nomination letter that helped DePasquale receive the Sloan Research Fellowship.

Elise Morgan

The dean of Boston University's College of Engineering and the Maysarah K. Sukkar Professor of Engineering Design and Innovation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“His research holds significant potential to impact human health.”

— Mary Dunlop, ENG professor and vice chair of biomedical engineering (bu.edu)

“It is gratifying to see two of our College of Engineering faculty earn such a prestigious award. The Sloan Research Fellowship is the latest in a string of well-deserved honors for both of them.”

— Elise Morgan, ENG dean and Maysarah K. Sukkar Professor of Engineering Design and Innovation (bu.edu)

“The focus of my research has moved toward developing AI models of how humans and other organisms perceive odors, a direction that could catalyze profound technology developments in the future.”

— Brian DePasquale (bu.edu)

“It is always gratifying when the quality of your work is recognized. I take it as recognition of my entire research group. I am lucky to work with a really terrific group of graduate students, postdocs, techs, and undergrads.”

— Michael Economo (bu.edu)

The takeaway

The Sloan Research Fellowships awarded to DePasquale and Economo highlight the cutting-edge biomedical research being conducted at Boston University, with the potential to improve the lives of people with neurological conditions and disabilities through advancements in areas like brain-computer interfaces and our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.