Nicolai Winter-Hjelm

Om

Jeg jobber i gruppen for Integrert Nevrovitenskap, hvor jeg fullførte en doktorgrad i medisin i september 2024 under veiledning av Professor Ioanna Sandvig. I forskningen min har jeg også samarbeidet tett med Professor Pawel Sikorski (medveileder) ved institutt for fysikk, og Professor Axel Sandvig (mentor) ved institutt for nevromedisin og bevegelsesvitenskap. I tillegg har jeg hatt en 25% stilling som pliktarbeider ved NTNU NanoLab, hvor jeg har bidratt med teknisk støtte og hjelp til brukere.

For mer informasjon om gruppen vår og det vi jobber med, besøk gjerne gruppesiden vår.

Verv

08.2023 - 07.2024: Representant for midlertidig ansatte i NTNUs styre.

Akademisk Bakgrunn

08.2020 - 09.2024: Ph.D. i medisin, NTNU

01.2019 - 05.2019: Biologiske studier, utveksling, NTU Singapore

08.2015 - 06.2020: Master i Nanoteknologi (MSc), NTNU

Forskning

I arbeidet mitt håper jeg å kunne kaste mer lys over følgende spørsmål:

Hvordan påvirker topologien (i.e. strukturen) til nevrale nettverk funksjonen og den komputasjonelle kapasiteten til nettverkene?
Hvordan påvirker endringer på mikro- og mesoskala, grunnet f.eks. skade eller sykdom, funksjonaliteten til nevrale nettverk?

For å besvare disse spørsmålene jobber jeg med å utvikle neste generasjons mikrofluidiske systemer koblet til mikroelektrode-matriser for applikasjon i nevrovitenskap ved hjelp av infrastrukturen og ekspertisen ved NTNU NanoLab. Videre bruker jeg disse plattformene til å studere funksjonen til friske og skadede/syke nevrale nettverk. Som et eksempel på sistnevnte jobber jeg blant annet i samarbeid med dyktige kollegaer med å utvikle bedre modellsystemer til å studere sykdommer som Alzheimer og ALS. Vårt håp er at slike modellsystemer kan gi oss en bedre forståelse for hvordan slike sykdommer oppstår og sprer seg i nervesystemet, og ikke minst hvordan vi kan oppdage dem tidlig nok til å stanse dem før det er for sent.

Dette arbeidet er en høyst interdisiplinær innsats i krysningen mellom nevrovitenskap, nanoteknologi, biofysikk, datavitenskap og matematikk. Mitt håp er at dette arbeidet vil bidra til videre progresjon innen sykdom/pasient-spesifikk modellering av nevrodegenerative sykdommer og traumatiske skader i sentralnervesystemet, og muliggjøre testing/screening av relevante behandlinger/medisiner.

The Sandvig Group for Integrative Neuroscience

Publikasjoner

Structure-Function Dynamics of Engineered, Modular Neuronal Networks with Controllable Afferent-Efferent Connectivity

Precise control of afferent-efferent connectivity in the recapitulation of modular network dynamics.

Engineered cortical microcircuits for investigations of neuroplasticity

Demonstration of an advanced microfluidic platform integrated with a microelectrode array for the study of structural and functional adaptations of neural networks in response to localized perturbations.

Functional Complexity of Engineered Neural Networks Self-Organized on Structured 3D Interfaces

Demonstration of a versatile approach for supporting neural networks with a 3D growth environment, compatible with assorted electrophysiology and imaging techniques.

Nanoporous Platinum Microelectrode Arrays for Neuroscience Applications

Demonstration of a highly versatile fabrication protocol for creating evenly layered, nanoporous platinum microelectrodes with an optimal trade-off between biocompatibility, electrochemical, and electrophysiological performance

Reverse Engineering of Feedforward Cortical-Hippocampal Microcircuits for Modelling Neural Network Function and Dysfunction

Advanced microfluidic microelectrode arrays for structuring and studying anatomically relevant neural networks in healthy and diseased states.

Evolving alterations of structural organization and functional connectivity in feedforward neural networks after induced P301L tau mutation

Insights into the structural and functional reconfigurations of engineered neural networks caused by tau-associated pathology relevant for modelling and studying Alzheimer´s disease.

2025

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Isdal, Leik; Köllensperger, Peter; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz. (2025) Nanoporous platinum microelectrode arrays for neuroscience applications. RSC Advances
Vitenskapelig artikkel
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Klausen, Kasper Grøndahl; Normann, Amund Stensrud; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz. (2025) Functional Complexity of Engineered Neural Networks Self-Organized on Structured 3D Interfaces. Small
Vitenskapelig artikkel

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
Vitenskapelig artikkel
Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Niethammer, Salome Nora; Kobro-Flatmoen, Asgeir; Witter, Menno Peter; Sandvig, Axel. (2024) Reverse engineering of feedforward cortical-Hippocampal microcircuits for modelling neural network function and dysfunction. Scientific Reports
Vitenskapelig artikkel
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Engineered cortical microcircuits for investigations of neuroplasticity. Lab on a Chip
Vitenskapelig artikkel
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. Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doktorgradsavhandling
Weir, Janelle Shari; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Evolving alterations of structural organization and functional connectivity in feedforward neural networks after induced P301L tau mutation. European Journal of Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig artikkel

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
Vitenskapelig artikkel

Tidsskriftspublikasjoner

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Isdal, Leik; Köllensperger, Peter; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz. (2025) Nanoporous platinum microelectrode arrays for neuroscience applications. RSC Advances
Vitenskapelig artikkel
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Klausen, Kasper Grøndahl; Normann, Amund Stensrud; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz. (2025) Functional Complexity of Engineered Neural Networks Self-Organized on Structured 3D Interfaces. Small
Vitenskapelig artikkel
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
Vitenskapelig artikkel
Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Niethammer, Salome Nora; Kobro-Flatmoen, Asgeir; Witter, Menno Peter; Sandvig, Axel. (2024) Reverse engineering of feedforward cortical-Hippocampal microcircuits for modelling neural network function and dysfunction. Scientific Reports
Vitenskapelig artikkel
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Engineered cortical microcircuits for investigations of neuroplasticity. Lab on a Chip
Vitenskapelig artikkel
Weir, Janelle Shari; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Evolving alterations of structural organization and functional connectivity in feedforward neural networks after induced P301L tau mutation. European Journal of Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig artikkel
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
Vitenskapelig artikkel

Rapport

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. Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doktorgradsavhandling

Undervisning

Emner

NEVR3001 - Cellular and Systems Neuroscience

Veiledning

Nåværende og tidligere masterstudenter:

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"

Formidling

Advanced Cellular Models for Studying Alzheimer’s Disease

Investigation of neural networks using microfluidics.

2025

Vitenskapelig foredrag

Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Weir, Janelle Shari; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2025) Engineered Neural Networks for Alzheimer’s Disease Modelling. 13th International Meeting on Neural and Electrogenic Cell Interfacing (MEA 2025) , Vienna 2025-07-09 - 2025-07-11
Poster

Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Weir, Janelle Shari; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2025) Engineered Neural Networks for Alzheimer’s Disease Modelling. FENS Regional Meeting 2025 , Oslo 2025-06-16 - 2025-06-19
Poster

Fiskum, Vegard; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Christiansen, Nicholas; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2025) Microscale dysfunction and mesoscale compensation in degenerating neuronal networks. FENS Regional Meeting 2025 , Oslo 2025-06-16 - 2025-06-19

2024

Poster

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Fiskum, Vegard; Kollstrøm, Anna Mikalsen; Christiansen, Nicholas; Sandvig, Axel. (2024) Reverse engineered neural circuit motifs as computational substrates. The Brain Conference - Circuits for Movement , Rungstedgaard 2024-06-16 - 2024-06-19
Poster

Winter-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. 4th In-Vitro 2D & 3D Neuronal Networks Summit , Zürich 2024-04-08 - 2024-04-10
Vitenskapelig foredrag

Winter-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. 4th In-Vitro 2D & 3D Neuronal Networks Summit , Zürich, Switzerland 2024-04-08 - 2024-04-10
Poster

Fiskum, Vegard; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Christiansen, Nicholas; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Deciphering micro-and mesoscale dynamics in ALS patient-derived motor neuron networks. 4th Nordic Neuroscience Meeting , Copenhagen, Denmark 2024-01-15 - 2024-01-17
Vitenskapelig foredrag

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sandvig, Axel; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Engineered Cortical Microcircuits for Investigations of Neuroplasticity. TNNN Conference 2024 , Oslo 2024-06-06 - 2024-06-08
Poster

Winter-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 User Meeting 2024 , Oslo 2024-06-03 - 2024-06-04

2023

Poster

Hanssen, 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. 17th International Conference on Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD) , Gothenburg, Sweden 2023-03-28 - 2023-04-01
Vitenskapelig foredrag

Hanssen, 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 . 10th Annual PhD Conference in Neuroscience , Egersund, Stavanger, Norway 2023-09-27 - 2023-09-29
Vitenskapelig foredrag

Winter-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 Conference 2023 2023-06-21 - 2023-06-23
Poster

Winter-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. 14th EBSA Congress , Stockholm 2023-07-31 - 2023-08-04
Vitenskapelig foredrag

Winter-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. Norwegian Research School for Neuroscience 10th NRSN Conference 2023-09-27 - 2023-09-29
Poster

Øvreeide, Ingrid Haga; Szydlak, Renata; Zemla, Joanna; Luty, Marcin; Monaldi, Jessica; Hines, Thomas G.. (2023) Micro- and nanofabrication for biophysics and biomedical research. Sensor Day , Trondheim 2023-04-26 - 2023-04-26
Vitenskapelig foredrag

Winter-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. NeuroSYS 2023 2023-04-06 - 2023-04-06
Vitenskapelig foredrag

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. NRSN Norwegian Research School for Neuroscience 10th NRSN Conference , Egersund 2023-09-27 - 2023-09-29

2022

Vitenskapelig foredrag

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Advanced Engineering Approaches for Recapitulation of Structure-Function Dynamics in Neuronal Networks. TNNN 2022-11-30 - 2022-12-02
Vitenskapelig foredrag

Hanssen, 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. 9th NRSN Conference , Stiklestad 2022-09-28 - 2022-09-30
Poster

Hanssen, 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. JANUBET Symposiym , Kyoto 2022-09-20 - 2022-09-24
Faglig foredrag

Winter-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
Poster

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Tomren, Åste Brune; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Advanced Engineering Approaches for Recapitulation of Structure-Function Dynamics in Neural Networks. 9th NRSN Conference 2022-09-28 - 2022-09-30
Poster

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Advanced Engineering Approaches for Recapitulation of Structure-Function Dynamics in Neuronal Networks. FENS Forum 2022 , Paris 2022-07-09 - 2022-07-13
Vitenskapelig foredrag

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Advancing the Frontier of Neuroscience with Engineered Neural Networks. NTNU Nano Lecture 2022-03-09 - 2022-03-09
Faglig foredrag

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai. (2022) Advancing the Frontier of Neuroscience with Engineered Neural Networks. Guest Lecture, NTNU Nanomechanical Lab 2022-05-03 - 2022-05-03
Poster

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2022) Next-Generation Microfluidics Interfaced with Microelectrode Arrays for Neuroscience Applications. Nordic NanoLab User Meeting , Chalmers University of Technology 2022-05-05 - 2022-05-06

2021

Vitenskapelig foredrag

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2021) Controlling the Flow of Information in Neuronal Networks Through the use of Customized Microfluidics. Norwegian NanoSymposium 2021 2021-10-05 - 2021-10-06
Vitenskapelig foredrag

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2021) Engineered Neural Networks as Computational Substrates. NTNU NanoLab Lunch Talk 2021-11-10 - 2021-11-10
Faglig foredrag

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai. (2021) Biologiske Nevrale Designernettverk. Introuker MTNANO 2021 2021-08-17 - 2021-08-17
Poster

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Sikorski, Pawel; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2021) Engineered Neural Networks as Computational Substrates. NRSN National Neuroscience Symposium 2021 2021-06-29 - 2021-07-01

Språkvelger

Nicolai Winter-Hjelm