Hamid Charkhkar

Assistant Professor
Biomedical Engineering

Hamid Charkhkar’s journey into engineering began with a fascination for electrical motors and circuits, leading him to pursue an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. During his studies, he was intrigued by how electrical principles could be applied to the human body, especially the nervous system. This curiosity led him to discover neural engineering—a field that 'perfectly bridged' his interests in electrical systems and biology. 

“The concept of the human nervous system as a complex, giant circuit communicating through electrical pulses captivated me,” he shared. “This fascination led me to pursue a PhD in neural engineering, where I could explore the intricate workings of our body's electrical network.”

His interest in neural engineering continued to expand and he was drawn to its clinical applications, particularly in how it could be used to improve the lives of people with disabilities—an area Charkhkar says allows him to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams from scientists and physicians to fellow engineers. Specifically, his research focuses on restoring lower limb sensorimotor function in individuals who have experienced limb loss or other neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions.

“What I love most about engineering, especially in the context of neural applications, is our approach to problem-solving,” he shared. “We're not afraid to innovate, to break things apart and reassemble them in new ways. This mindset of continuous improvement and creative solution-finding is what drives me. It's incredibly rewarding to develop new tools and technologies that have the potential to make a real difference in people's lives."

In his lab, the Restoring Lower Limb Neural Connection (ReLLiNC) laboratory, Charkhkar and his team are pioneering efforts to seamlessly integrate artificial limbs with the human body with a goal to bridge the gap between prosthetic devices and the peripheral nervous system by re-establishing the neural connections that are lost and creating a more natural and intuitive interface between the user and their prosthetic limb. 

Charkhkar will bring this expertise and passion to the classroom in courses focused on bioinstrumentation, biomechanics and prosthetics, neural interfaces and neural engineering.

“My approach to teaching is rooted in the belief that learning is most effective when students can see the real-world relevance of what they're studying,” he said. 

To do so, Charkhkar presents scenarios at the beginning of a lesson and encourages students to think critically and propose initial solutions based on what they know. Then, as they move through the course, he refers back to the initial problems, showing students how each new concept or technique they learn can develop a more effective solution. 

“This iterative process helps students understand not just the 'what' of the subject matter, but also the 'why' and 'how'.”

What are you most looking forward to at Case Western Reserve University?

First and foremost, I'm looking forward to engaging with the students. I'm eager to work with these bright, motivated minds. Interacting with such talented students will not only allow me to share my knowledge but also inspire new, innovative ideas in our field.

Secondly, I'm thrilled about the prospect of collaborating with my colleagues, both within my department and across the university. CWRU is renowned for its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach, and I'm keen to learn about the groundbreaking work being done here.

Overall, I'm excited about contributing to and becoming part of the CWRU community. The university's commitment to addressing global challenges through research and education aligns perfectly with my own goals as a researcher and educator. I'm looking forward to being part of this dynamic environment where I can continue to grow professionally while making meaningful contributions to both the academic community and society at large. 

Do you have any personal goals, hobbies, family, interests that you would like to share?

In my free time, I enjoy hiking and taking long walks with my dog. These outings give me a chance to unwind while listening to audiobooks or podcasts, which I find both relaxing and intellectually stimulating.

My wife and I also share a love for exploring Cleveland's food scene. We enjoy discovering new restaurants, cafes, and small shops around the city. It's our way of experiencing the local culture and supporting community businesses.

What’s one piece of advice you have for students? Or what’s a great piece of advice you’ve received?

Get involved in research as early as you can. Don't be afraid to ask questions—in fact, asking questions is a crucial part of the learning process. Remember, it's perfectly okay not to know everything. What's important is maintaining your passion for learning and discovery.
In research and in life, curiosity and persistence often lead to the most rewarding experiences. Embrace the journey of learning, even when it feels challenging.