NeuraVita Group – 2025 Engineering Prize

2025 Engineering Prize

NeuraVita

Ahmad Alhayek, Shou En (Neal) Tsai, Jess Goldberg, and Nicholas Demetriou

Under the mentorship of Eduardo Acuna, MS, MBA

Ahmad Alhayek, Shou En (Neal) Tsai, Jess Goldberg, and Nicholas Demetriou, a student team from Northwestern University named NeuraVita, are developing a small, non-invasive device designed to help keep hydrocephalus shunts functioning properly. Their device attaches to the outside of an existing shunt and uses gentle vibrations—generated by sound waves—to help prevent blockages from forming inside the tubing. These vibrations can help clear away protein buildup or other debris without requiring surgery or direct contact with the brain.

The device is simple to use, portable, and intended for regular use at home by patients or caregivers. By focusing on safety, ease of use, and affordability, the team hopes their innovation can reduce emergency hospital visits and improve everyday life for people living with hydrocephalus, especially in communities with limited access to frequent neurosurgical care.