Nicolai Winter-Hjelm

About

I am part of the Integrative Neuroscience group, where I recently 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

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.

The Sandvig Group for Integrative Neuroscience

Publications

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
Academic article
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
Academic article

2024

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
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
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
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
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
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

Journal publications

Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Isdal, Leik; Köllensperger, Peter; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Sikorski, Pawel Tadeusz. (2025) Nanoporous platinum microelectrode arrays for neuroscience applications. RSC Advances
Academic article
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
Academic article
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
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
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
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
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

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

NEVR3001 - Cellular and Systems Neuroscience

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"

Outreach

Advanced Cellular Models for Studying Alzheimer’s Disease

Investigation of neural networks using microfluidics.

2024

Academic lecture

Winter-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
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. University of Copenhagen 4th Nordic Neuroscience Meeting , Copenhagen, Denmark 2024-01-15 - 2024-01-17
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 . Maxwell Biosystems 4th In-Vitro 2D & 3D Neuronal Networks Summit , Zürich 2024-04-08 - 2024-04-10
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. FENS & Lundbeck Foundation The Brain Conference - Circuits for Movement , Rungstedgaard 2024-06-16 - 2024-06-19
Academic lecture

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. Maxwell Biosystems 4th In-Vitro 2D & 3D Neuronal Networks Summit , Zürich, Switzerland 2024-04-08 - 2024-04-10
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 Network Nordic NanoLab User Meeting 2024 , Oslo 2024-06-03 - 2024-06-04

2023

Academic lecture

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. Norwegian Research School in Neuroscience (NRSN) NRSN Norwegian Research School for Neuroscience 10th NRSN Conference , Egersund 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. NTNU Health, NTNU Nano, and NTNU Biotechnology Sensor Day , Trondheim 2023-04-26 - 2023-04-26
Academic lecture

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 . NRSN Norwegian Research School for Neuroscience 10th NRSN Conference 2023-09-27 - 2023-09-29
Academic lecture

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 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. European Biophysical Societies' Association 14th EBSA Congress , Stockholm 2023-07-31 - 2023-08-04
Academic lecture

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 . YROCK & NeuroSYS NeuroSYS 2023 2023-04-06 - 2023-04-06
Academic lecture

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 . Norwegian Research School in Neuroscience (NRSN) 10th Annual PhD Conference in Neuroscience , Egersund, Stavanger, Norway 2023-09-27 - 2023-09-29
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. AD/PD kenes 17th International Conference on Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD) , Gothenburg, Sweden 2023-03-28 - 2023-04-01

2022

Academic lecture

Winter-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
Academic lecture

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 . Norwegian Research School for Neuroscience 9th NRSN Conference , Stiklestad 2022-09-28 - 2022-09-30
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 . NRSN 9th NRSN Conference 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. NTNU, Kyoto University JANUBET Symposiym , Kyoto 2022-09-20 - 2022-09-24
Lecture

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; 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
Lecture

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 Network Nordic NanoLab User Meeting , Chalmers University of Technology 2022-05-05 - 2022-05-06
Academic lecture

Winter-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

2021

Academic lecture

Winter-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
Academic lecture

Winter-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
Poster

Winter-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
Lecture

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

Språkvelger

Nicolai Winter-Hjelm