Nicolai Winter-Hjelm
About
I am part of the Integrative Neuroscience group, where I completed my PhD in medicine under the supervision of Professor Ioanna Sandvig. As part of my PhD, I was also closely collaborating with Professor Pawel Sikorski (co-supervisor) at department of physics and Professor Axel Sandvig (mentor) at department of neuromedicine and movement science. Additionally, I have had a 25% duty worker position at NTNU NanoLab where I helped out with technical assistance and training for users.
Please see our group page for more information.
Positions
08.2023 - 07.2024: Represetative for temporary employees in The Board of NTNU.
Academic Background
08.2020 - 09.2024: Ph.D. in Medicine, NTNU
01.2019 - 05.2019: Biological Studies, Exchange, NTU Singapore
08.2015 - 06.2020: Master in Nanotechnology (MSc), NTNU
Competencies
Research
In my research, I hope to shed light on the following research questions:
- How does the topology (i.e. organization) of neuronal networks impact their functional output and computational capacity?
- How do micro- and mesoscale reconfigurations, in response to trauma or disease, impact a neural network´s functional output?
To address these questions, I work on developing next generation microfluidic devices interfaced with microelectrode arrays for neuroscience applications, utilizing the infrastructure and expertise of NTNU NanoLab. I furthermore use these platforms to study the internal computational dynamics of engineered neural networks in healthy and perturbed conditions. For example, I am currently developing better model systems for studying the neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer and ALS in collaboration with skilled colleagues. Our hope is that such model systems will enable us to get a better understanding of how such diseases emerge and spread in the nervous system, and just as importantly: How we can detect them and stop them before it is too late.
This work is a highly interdisciplinary effort at the intersection of neuroscience, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, computational and mathematical sciences. My hope is that this work will contribute to progress beyond state-of-the-art on disease/patient-specific modelling applicable to neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and traumatic nervous system conditions, while also enabeling testing/screening of relevant therapeutic interventions.
Publications
Structure-Function Dynamics of Engineered, Modular Neuronal Networks with Controllable Afferent-Efferent Connectivity
Engineered cortical microcircuits for investigations of neuroplasticity
Functional Complexity of Engineered Neural Networks Self-Organized on Novel 3D Interfaces
Nanoporous Platinum Microelectrode Arrays for Neuroscience Applications
Reverse Engineering of Feedforward Cortical-Hippocampal Microcircuits for Modelling Neural Network Function and Dysfunction
Evolving alterations of structural organization and functional connectivity in feedforward neural networks after induced P301L tau mutation
2024
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Christiansen, Nicholas;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2024)
ALS patient-derived motor neuron networks exhibit microscale dysfunction and mesoscale compensation rendering them highly vulnerable to perturbation.
bioRxiv
Academic article
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Isdal, Leik;
Köllensperger, Peter;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz.
(2024)
Nanoporous Platinum Microelectrodes for Neuroscience Applications.
bioRxiv
Academic article
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sikorski, Pawel.
(2024)
Bioengineered Neural Networks as Computational Systems. Designing Anatomically Inspired Microcircuits to Decode Neural Function and Dysfunction .
Doctoral theses at NTNU (355)
Doctoral dissertation
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Klausen, Kasper;
Normann, Amund Stensrud;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sikorski, Pawel.
(2024)
Functional Complexity of Engineered Neural Networks Self-Organized on Novel 3D Interfaces.
bioRxiv
Academic article
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2024)
Engineered cortical microcircuits for investigations of neuroplasticity.
Lab on a Chip
Academic article
2023
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Tomren, Åste Brune;
Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2023)
Structure-function dynamics of engineered, modular neuronal networks with controllable afferent-efferent connectivity.
Journal of Neural Engineering
Academic article
-
Weir, Janelle Shari;
Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2023)
Altered structural organization and functional connectivity in feedforward neural networks after induced perturbation.
bioRxiv
Academic article
-
Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Niethammer, Salome Nora;
Kobro-Flatmoen, Asgeir;
Witter, Menno Peter;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2023)
Reverse Engineering of Feedforward Cortical-Hippocampal Neural Networks Relevant for Preclinical Disease Modelling.
bioRxiv
Academic article
Journal publications
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Christiansen, Nicholas;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2024)
ALS patient-derived motor neuron networks exhibit microscale dysfunction and mesoscale compensation rendering them highly vulnerable to perturbation.
bioRxiv
Academic article
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Isdal, Leik;
Köllensperger, Peter;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz.
(2024)
Nanoporous Platinum Microelectrodes for Neuroscience Applications.
bioRxiv
Academic article
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Klausen, Kasper;
Normann, Amund Stensrud;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sikorski, Pawel.
(2024)
Functional Complexity of Engineered Neural Networks Self-Organized on Novel 3D Interfaces.
bioRxiv
Academic article
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2024)
Engineered cortical microcircuits for investigations of neuroplasticity.
Lab on a Chip
Academic article
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Tomren, Åste Brune;
Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2023)
Structure-function dynamics of engineered, modular neuronal networks with controllable afferent-efferent connectivity.
Journal of Neural Engineering
Academic article
-
Weir, Janelle Shari;
Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2023)
Altered structural organization and functional connectivity in feedforward neural networks after induced perturbation.
bioRxiv
Academic article
-
Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Niethammer, Salome Nora;
Kobro-Flatmoen, Asgeir;
Witter, Menno Peter;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2023)
Reverse Engineering of Feedforward Cortical-Hippocampal Neural Networks Relevant for Preclinical Disease Modelling.
bioRxiv
Academic article
Report
-
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sikorski, Pawel.
(2024)
Bioengineered Neural Networks as Computational Systems. Designing Anatomically Inspired Microcircuits to Decode Neural Function and Dysfunction .
Doctoral theses at NTNU (355)
Doctoral dissertation
Teaching
Courses
Supervision
Current and previous master students:
2023 - 2024
- Marie Wahlstrøm - "Investigating PACMA31 as a Potential Inhibitor for NO-Induced Growth Cone Collapse of In Vitro Neural Networks"
2022 - 2023
- Polina Malahov - "Using Advanced Microfluidic Models to Study Structure-Function Dynamics in Healthy and Perturbed Neural Networks In Vitro"
- Kasper Klaussen - "Microelectrode Arrays Interfaced with SU-8 3050 3D Microscaffolds for Neuroscience Applications"
2021 - 2022
- Åste Brune Tomren - "Using Microfluidics and 3D Surfaces to Increase the Physiological Translatability of In Vitro Neuronal Networks"
- Amund Stensrud Normann - "Fabrication of 3D Surfaces for Enhanced Physiological Translatability of In Vitro Neuronal Network Models Using Inclined Lithography of SU-8 3050"
- Truels Lone - "Controlling Structure-Function Dynamics of Neuronal Networks using Microfluidics"
2020 - 2021
- Nienke Laura de Jong - "An In Vitro Microfluidic Neural Network Model for Unidirectional Axonal Growth"
- Edevard Hvide - "Effects of Nanostructured SU-8 Surfaces on Neurons and Neural Networks in Vitro"
- Leik Isdal - "Developing 2.5D Nanotopographical in vitro Neural Network Recording Platform to Mimic the Physical Environment of the Brain"
- Aleksandar Kavazov - "Fabrication of platinum mushroom-shaped microelectrode array for in vitro studies of neural networks and neural network pathologies"
Knowledge Transfer
2024
-
Academic lectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Klausen, Kasper; Tomren, Åste Brune; Normann, Amund Stensrud; Sandvig, Axel. (2024) Advanced Interfaces for Investigating the Impact of Topology on the Functional Dynamics of Engineered Neural Networks. Maxwell Biosystems 4th In-Vitro 2D & 3D Neuronal Networks Summit , Zürich, Switzerland 2024-04-08 - 2024-04-10
-
PosterWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Klausen, Kasper; Tomren, Åste Brune; Normann, Amund Stensrud; Sandvig, Axel. (2024) Advanced Interfaces for Investigating the Impact of Topology on the Functional Dynamics of Engineered Neural Networks . Maxwell Biosystems 4th In-Vitro 2D & 3D Neuronal Networks Summit , Zürich 2024-04-08 - 2024-04-10
-
PosterFiskum, Vegard; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Christiansen, Nicholas; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Deciphering micro-and mesoscale dynamics in ALS patient-derived motor neuron networks. University of Copenhagen 4th Nordic Neuroscience Meeting , Copenhagen, Denmark 2024-01-15 - 2024-01-17
-
PosterWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Fiskum, Vegard; Kollstrøm, Anna Mikalsen; Christiansen, Nicholas; Sandvig, Axel. (2024) Reverse engineered neural circuit motifs as computational substrates. FENS & Lundbeck Foundation The Brain Conference - Circuits for Movement , Rungstedgaard 2024-06-16 - 2024-06-19
-
Academic lectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sandvig, Axel; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Engineered Cortical Microcircuits for Investigations of Neuroplasticity. TNNN TNNN Conference 2024 , Oslo 2024-06-06 - 2024-06-08
-
PosterWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Klausen, Kasper; Tomren, Åste Brune; Normann, Amund Stensrud; Sandvig, Axel. (2024) Advanced Interfaces for Investigating the Impact of Topology on the Functional Dynamics of Engineered Neural Networks. Nordic NanoLab Network Nordic NanoLab User Meeting 2024 , Oslo 2024-06-03 - 2024-06-04
2023
-
PosterHanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Niethammer, Salome Nora; Witter, Menno Peter; Kobro-Flatmoen, Asgeir; Sandvig, Axel. (2023) An in vitro platform to study entorhinal-hippocampal neuronal networks. AD/PD kenes 17th International Conference on Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD) , Gothenburg, Sweden 2023-03-28 - 2023-04-01
-
Academic lectureHanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Niethammer, Salome Nora; Witter, Menno Peter; Kobro-Flatmoen, Asgeir; Sandvig, Axel. (2023) Reverse Engineering of Feedforward Cortical-Hippocampal Neural Networks Relevant for Preclinical Disease Modelling . Norwegian Research School in Neuroscience (NRSN) 10th Annual PhD Conference in Neuroscience , Egersund, Stavanger, Norway 2023-09-27 - 2023-09-29
-
Academic lectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Klausen, Kasper Grøndahl; Normann, Amund Stensrud; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Sikorski, Pawel. (2023) Novel 3D Interfaces for Enhancing the Electrophysiological Complexity of Engineered Neuronal Networks . NRSN Norwegian Research School for Neuroscience 10th NRSN Conference 2023-09-27 - 2023-09-29
-
Academic lectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2023) Advanced Engineering Approaches for Recapitulating Structure-Function Dynamics of Neuronal Networks In Vitro . YROCK & NeuroSYS NeuroSYS 2023 2023-04-06 - 2023-04-06
-
PosterWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Tomren, Åste Brune; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2023) Engineered Multi-Nodal Neuronal Networks with Predefined Afferent-Efferent Connectivity for Advanced Modelling of Network Function and Dysfunction. European Biophysical Societies' Association 14th EBSA Congress , Stockholm 2023-07-31 - 2023-08-04
-
PosterØvreeide, Ingrid Haga; Szydlak, Renata; Zemla, Joanna; Luty, Marcin; Monaldi, Jessica; Hines, Thomas G.. (2023) Micro- and nanofabrication for biophysics and biomedical research. NTNU Health, NTNU Nano, and NTNU Biotechnology Sensor Day , Trondheim 2023-04-26 - 2023-04-26
-
Academic lectureHanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Niethammer, Salome Nora; Kobro-Flatmoen, Asgeir; Witter, Menno Peter; Sandvig, Axel. (2023) Reverse Engineering of Feedforward Cortical-Hippocampal Neural Networks Relevant for Preclinical Disease Modelling. Norwegian Research School in Neuroscience (NRSN) NRSN Norwegian Research School for Neuroscience 10th NRSN Conference , Egersund 2023-09-27 - 2023-09-29
-
Academic lectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Klausen, Kasper Grøndahl; Normann, Amund Stensrud; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Sikorski, Pawel. (2023) Novel 3D Interfaces with Embedded Nanoporous Microelectrodes for Preclinical Neuroscience Research. TNNN TNNN Conference 2023 2023-06-21 - 2023-06-23
2022
-
PosterHanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sandvig, Axel; Witter, Menno; Kobro-Flatmoen, Asgeir; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) An in vitro platform to study adult entorhinal entorhinal-hippocampal neuronal circuits in early Alzheimer's disease. NTNU, Kyoto University JANUBET Symposiym , Kyoto 2022-09-20 - 2022-09-24
-
LectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai. (2022) Konstruksjon av Biologiske Nevrale Designernettverk til Bruk i Forskning på Hjernen og Hjernesykdommer . Introuker MTNANO 2022 2022-08-18 - 2022-08-18
-
Academic lectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Advanced Engineering Approaches for Recapitulation of Structure-Function Dynamics in Neuronal Networks . TNNN TNNN 2022-11-30 - 2022-12-02
-
PosterWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Tomren, Åste Brune; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Advanced Engineering Approaches for Recapitulation of Structure-Function Dynamics in Neural Networks . NRSN 9th NRSN Conference 2022-09-28 - 2022-09-30
-
Academic lectureHanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sandvig, Axel; Witter, Menno; Kobro-Flatmoen, Asgeir; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) An in vitro platform to study entorhinal-hippocampal neural networks . Norwegian Research School for Neuroscience 9th NRSN Conference , Stiklestad 2022-09-28 - 2022-09-30
-
LectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai. (2022) Advancing the Frontier of Neuroscience with Engineered Neural Networks. Guest Lecture, NTNU Nanomechanical Lab 2022-05-03 - 2022-05-03
-
PosterWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Next-Generation Microfluidics Interfaced with Microelectrode Arrays for Neuroscience Applications. Nordic NanoLab Network Nordic NanoLab User Meeting , Chalmers University of Technology 2022-05-05 - 2022-05-06
-
Academic lectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Advancing the Frontier of Neuroscience with Engineered Neural Networks. NTNU Nano NTNU Nano Lecture 2022-03-09 - 2022-03-09
-
PosterWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Advanced Engineering Approaches for Recapitulation of Structure-Function Dynamics in Neuronal Networks. FENS FENS Forum 2022 , Paris 2022-07-09 - 2022-07-13
2021
-
PosterWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2021) Engineered Neural Networks as Computational Substrates. NRSN NRSN National Neuroscience Symposium 2021 2021-06-29 - 2021-07-01
-
Academic lectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2021) Controlling the Flow of Information in Neuronal Networks Through the use of Customized Microfluidics. NTNU Nano Norwegian NanoSymposium 2021 2021-10-05 - 2021-10-06
-
Academic lectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2021) Engineered Neural Networks as Computational Substrates. NTNU NanoLab NTNU NanoLab Lunch Talk 2021-11-10 - 2021-11-10
-
LectureWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai. (2021) Biologiske Nevrale Designernettverk . Introuker MTNANO 2021 2021-08-17 - 2021-08-17