Erica Floreani

PhD Candidate
Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto
Advisor: Dr. Tom Chau

Education

Erica obtained her Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Calgary in 2017, with a specialization in biomedical engineering. During her Bachelor’s degree, she participated in research internships at ETH Zurich, Switzerland as well as the Center for Regenerative Therapies in Dresden, Germany. From 2017-2019, Erica completed her Master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Toronto. For her thesis, she developed a brain-computer interface for children, using near-infrared spectroscopy to detect emotional states. For the last three years, Erica has been working with a research group at the University of Calgary, BCI4Kids, developing practical and usable brain-computer interface systems and applications for children with severe neurological disabilities. She is now pursuing her Doctoral degree in biomedical engineering with the PRISM lab.  

Research

Erica is interested in developing and optimizing assistive technologies for children with severe neurological disabilities. She is passionate about using the latest advancements in neurotech, machine learning and computer science to increase opportunities for participation and independence for children with disabilities. 

Other Interests

Erica loves outdoor activities like hiking, camping, skiing, and biking. She also loves dancing, listening to live music, watching indie movies, and exploring cafes and restaurants in Toronto.