Dr Niall McAlinden
Research Fellow
Institute of Photonics
Personal statement
I have been actively engaged in research in optics and biophotonics since 2005. I have worked on a variety of projects across a range of different fields linked with a common photonics theme. A feature of my work is that I have worked extensively with multidisciplinary teams which have allowed me to develop a unique and comprehensive skill set.
I am a current member of the researchers' group at the University of Strathclyde and represent researchers on the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee (RKEC).
Area of Expertise
- Microscopy and Imaging
- Electrophysiology
- MicroLEDs for use in Optogenetics
Qualifications
PhD in Physics (Awarded February 2011), titled: "Optical Properties of Capped Metallic Nanostructures Grown on Silicon".
BA mod in Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials 2006, 1st class honours.
Publications
- In vivo optogenetics using a Utah Optrode Array with enhanced light output and spatial selectivity
- McAlinden Niall, Reiche Christopher F, Clark Andrew M, Scharf Robert, Cheng Yunzhou, Sharma Rohit, Rieth Loren, Dawson Martin D, Angelucci Alessandra, Mathieson Keith, Blair Steve
- Journal of Neural Engineering Vol 21 (2024)
- https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/ad69c3
- An optrode array for spatiotemporally-precise large-scale optogenetic stimulation of deep cortical layers in non-human primates
- Clark Andrew M, Ingold Alexander, Reiche Christopher F, Cundy III Donald, Balsor Justin L, Federer Frederick, McAlinden Niall, Cheng Yunzhou, Rolston John D, Rieth Loren, Dawson Martin D, Mathieson Keith, Blair Steve, Angelucci Alessandra
- Communications Biology Vol 7 (2024)
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-05984-2
- Towards optogenetic cortical implants for hearing impaired
- Greer Ryan, Cheng Yunzhou, McAlinden Niall, Verdier Antonin, Bathellier Brice, Mathieson Keith
- EMBC 2022 (2022)
- Micro-LEDs for biomedical applications
- McKendry Jonathan, Gu Erdan, McAlinden Niall, Laurand Nicolas, Mathieson Keith, Dawson Martin D
- Micro LEDs (2021) (2021)
- https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.semsem.2020.12.004
- Simultaneous electrophysiology and fiber photometry in freely behaving mice
- Patel Amisha A, McAlinden Niall, Mathieson Keith, Sakata Shuzo
- Frontiers in Neuroscience Vol 14 (2020)
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00148
- Continued development of the Utah optrode array
- McAlinden Niall
- Optogen 2019 (2019)
Research Interests
- Photonics
- Developing new imaging techniques for Neuroscience
- Developing new photonic devices for Optogenetics
Professional Activities
- Braincoder
- Participant
- 20/2/2025
- microLED devices for optogenetic applications
- Speaker
- 11/7/2020
- Getting light into the brain
- Speaker
- 6/3/2020
- Compact microLED optrode device for patterned inter-cortical optogenetics
- Speaker
- 1/2/2020
- OPTOGEN 2018
- Participant
- 3/12/2018
- MicroLEDs for Optogenetics
- Speaker
- 21/5/2018
Projects
- High-density chronic optogenetic interface for primate brains - Yr 1
- Mathieson, Keith (Principal Investigator) McAlinden, Niall (Research Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2023 - 31-Jan-2025
- Deep brain technologies to understand the cellular origin of diseases DEEPER
- Mathieson, Keith (Principal Investigator) Sakata, Shuzo (Co-investigator) Wozny, Christian (Co-investigator) McAlinden, Niall (Research Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2021 - 30-Jan-2025
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Devices and Health Technologies | McGleish, Olivia Mae
- Mathieson, Keith (Principal Investigator) McAlinden, Niall (Co-investigator) McGleish, Olivia Mae (Research Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2018 - 01-Jan-2022
Contact
Dr
Niall
McAlinden
Research Fellow
Institute of Photonics
Email: niall.mcalinden@strath.ac.uk
Tel: 548 4596