Amy Rochford

Building next-generation neural interfaces

San Francisco Bay Area

About

Experience

  • Co-Founder at Axo Neurotech
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Member of the Technical Team at Science
    May 2022 - Jun 2025 · 3 yrs 2 mos

  • University of Cambridge (3 yrs 8 mos)
    • EPSRC Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship Prize
      Dec 2021 - May 2022 · 6 mos

      After completion of my PhD I was awarded the EPSRC Fellowship Prize. An award given to the Top PhD Candidate in Physical Sciences at the University of Cambridge. I was awarded 2 years of funding to focus on leading my own Biohybrid Research after submitting a research proposal with world leading collaborators in the field.

    • PhD Candidate in Electrical Engineering (Bioelectronics) and Clinical Neuroscience
      Oct 2018 - Dec 2021 · 3 yrs 3 mos

      My Doctoral research focused on developing an implantable neuroprosthetic device combining stem-cell derived cells and electronics to restore lost neurological function in a peripheral nerve injury model. (Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)). After completion I was awarded the EPSRC Doctoral Fellowship Prize, awarded to the best PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge. Supervisor: Professor George Malliaras (Prince Phillip Professor of Technology) Bioelectronics Lab 1st Year Engineering modules passed with an average grade of 70% (Distinction): Management of Technology Biosensors Research and Development Course (RDC) Extracurricular Activities include: University Lacrosse Blue's Team Cambridge University Engineering Society (CUES) Cambridge Union Member

  • Student Outreach Mentor at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge
    Oct 2020 - Dec 2021 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Deliver seminars and supervisions on Bioelectronics to prospective students and provide an insight into studying in the Engineering Department at University of Cambridge.

  • Academic Research Partner at bit.bio
    Sep 2018 - Dec 2021 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    As an Academic Collaborator at Bit Bio, I had the privilege of collaborating closely with Dr. Mark Kotter at the early stage of this groundbreaking biotech startup. Witnessing its growth from a team of one to over 100 individuals. In my role, I utilized a cutting-edge cell culture product derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) developed by BitBio, combined with custom-made bioelectronic devices crafted by myself, to pioneer innovative in vitro culture assays. Additionally, I conducted electrophysiology experiments spanning from stem cells to mature contracting Human ioMyocytes, utilizing a bespoke ephys system that I custom built. Pushing the boundaries further, I optimized and executed intricate animal-based surgeries to demonstrate the implantable survival of the cell product in animal models. This endeavor culminated in the development of a groundbreaking biohybrid neural interface, incorporating Bit Bio's cell technology, a milestone achievement highlighted in our publication in Science Advances. My groundbreaking research marked the first-ever demonstration of Bit Bio's cell product surviving in an animal model, a testament to our collaborative efforts and the product's potential. Our success was further recognized when we were featured in a Nature article, showcasing the impact of our collaboration and product on the scientific community. I am immensely proud of the contributions made during my academic collaboration at Bit Bio and excited to continue driving innovation and breakthroughs at the intersection of academia and industry.