George Barrera
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Studies: PhD student, Chemical Engineering
About George: George’s passion for understanding how things work began at an early age, driven by his curiosity to take things apart and explore their inner mechanisms. Growing up in Boise, Idaho, he developed a fascination with the intricate designs of patent diagrams, which allowed him to visualize the functionality of objects without dismantling them completely. This passion has translated into his current focus on medical devices, particularly in improving cell-material interactions to enhance device performance.
George's recent research is centered on tuning and optimizing coatings for cochlear implants, aiming to improve the interface between these devices and biological tissues. His long-term goal is to contribute to the field of brain-computer interfaces. He is especially intrigued by the challenge of overcoming the fibrotic response that reduces conductivity in current brain implants. George believes that innovative solutions to this problem could significantly advance the field.
Outside the lab, George is dedicated to fitness and enjoys creating his own workout programs tailored to his work schedule and yearly fitness goals. He also finds relaxation in playing video games, balancing his intellectual pursuits with physical and recreational activities.