Dr. Qinwan Rabbani is a postdoctoral researcher in the Systems Neural Engineering Lab (SNEL) at Emory University, working with Dr. Chethan Pandarinath. His research focuses on developing neural interfaces for audible speech restoration in individuals with severe communication impairments via brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). As part of the multi-site BrainGate2 clinical trial, he leads efforts involving a BCI participant with brainstem stroke who is implanted with an intracortical device, developing real-time systems that decode speech-related intent from neural, behavioral and peripheral biosignals to support intuitive, continuous communication through audibly synthesized speech.

Prior to joining BrainGate2, Qinwan completed his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where his work in the ECoG-based CortiCom clinical trial centered on alignment strategies and training protocols for co-regulating speech with the system in real time. His research introduced behavioral and algorithmic scaffolding techniques, along with a perceptually grounded user interface, to help users train BCIs to synthesize speech fluidly and intentionally—even in the absence of overt vocalization.

Qinwan ultimately aims to serve as an embedded research scientist bridging academic and clinical research with scalable, real-world deployment in emerging industry-led trials. He is particularly focused on making brain-to-voice systems a stable, scalable, user-driven reality while continuing to deepen the scientific foundations of human-intent-driven neurotechnology. He is captivated by the idea of a future where people can speak freely and expressively, regardless of what their body allows, and sees communication, in all its forms, as the most human of frontiers.