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About

David Ress is a leading researcher in the development of novel MRI-compatible robotic systems and their application to understanding human sensorimotor control. His work centers on two key areas: creating advanced mechatronic devices for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and using these tools to probe the neural basis of movement, particularly the reticulospinal tract. Ress’s major contributions include the design and validation of the MR-SoftWrist, a groundbreaking parallel robot that delivers precise kinesthetic feedback during wrist movements inside an MRI scanner. This work, detailed in his most-cited paper (2016, 41 citations), established new standards for fMRI-compatible actuation. He further advanced the field by developing quantitative testing protocols for electrically active mechatronic devices (2017, 17 citations). More recently, Ress introduced “stretchfMRI,” a novel technique that combines precisely controlled muscle perturbations with fMRI to measure brainstem function, specifically the reticular formation’s role in long-latency responses (2021, 13 citations). This innovative approach offers a noninvasive window into the reticulospinal tract, with profound implications for understanding motor recovery after stroke. Through his pioneering engineering and neuroscience, Ress is reshaping how we study the human motor system.