Maria Daniela Cortese

Papers

Total Citations

367

H-Index

About

Dr. Maria Daniela Cortese is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of neural engineering and assistive robotics, whose work is redefining possibilities for individuals with severe motor impairments. Her primary research areas include brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), hybrid EEG/EOG control systems, and wearable exoskeletons for neurorehabilitation. Cortese’s most impactful contribution is a groundbreaking 2016 study (241 citations) demonstrating the first hybrid brain/neural hand exoskeleton that restored fully independent daily living activities—such as drinking, eating with cutlery, and object manipulation—in quadriplegic patients through direct neural control. This work represents a paradigm shift from laboratory demonstrations to ecologically valid, real-world applications. She further advanced the field with a 2017 study (126 citations) on an ecologically-controlled exoskeleton that significantly improved balance recovery after slippage, addressing a critical unmet need in fall prevention for aging populations and amputees. Cortese’s research uniquely bridges high-fidelity neural decoding with practical, user-centered device design, achieving unprecedented levels of functional restoration. Her contributions have been widely recognized for translating complex neuroengineering concepts into tangible clinical solutions, making her a leading voice in the quest to restore autonomy and quality of life for people with paralysis and balance disorders.