Reverse-Engineering the Brain: From Brain-Computer Interface to Neuroergonomics and Beyond
MIE Department Seminar
March 2, 2021
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location
Online via Zoom at https://uic.zoom.us/j/87888020850?pwd=WjJIcnFuRjNsemtYQVZuNUtHZ0JKdz09
Address
Chicago, IL 60612
Calendar
Download iCal FileReverse-Engineering the Brain: From Brain-Computer Interface to Neuroergonomics and Beyond
Presenter: Chang S. Nam, PhD, Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University
Abstract: In the past several decades, the once science-fiction idea of interfacing the human brain and an external computer has materialized via direct neural interface technology, known as Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). As a direct communication system that does not depend on the brain’s normal output pathways of peripheral nerves and muscles, BCI provides alternative methods to interact with the outside world not only for healthy people, but also for patients who cannot use their muscles but are cognitively intact. BCI technology has also applied to better understand the neural mechanisms that underlie human cognition and behavior in natural environments and everyday settings - Neuroergonomics. However, there still exist limitations hindering its practical applications despite advances and considerable amount of ongoing research. In this talk, Nam will present his recent BCI and neuroergonomics studies conducted to bridge some of the gaps. After discussing possibilities and new applications of neural interfacing technology, he will open the floor for questions from the audience on any aspects of his BCI and neuroergonomics research.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Chang S. Nam is a professor in the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina State University. He is also an associated professor of the UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Psychology and UNC-CH Brain Research Imaging Center. He received a PhD from the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech in 2003. His research interests center around brain-computer interfaces, social cognitive and affective neuroscience, human-robot interaction and human-centered explainable AI. His research has been supported by federal agencies including National Science Foundation, Air Force Research Laboratory and National Security Agency. Nam has received the NSF CAREER Award (2010), Outstanding Researcher Award (2010-2011), and Best Teacher Award (2010-2011). He is the main editor of “Brain–Computer Interfaces Handbook: Technological and Theoretical Advances” (CRC Press), “Neuroergonomics: Principles and Practice” (Springer), and “Trust in Human-Robot Interaction: Research and Applications” (Elsevier). He is a recipient of the 2018 U.S. Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program Award and the 2019 Leland S. Kollmorgen Spirit of Innovation Award from the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES, Augmented Cognition TG). Nam also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Brain-Computer Interfaces.
Zoom link: https://uic.zoom.us/j/87888020850?pwd=WjJIcnFuRjNsemtYQVZuNUtHZ0JKdz09
Meeting ID: 878 8802 0850
Passcode: kK1X9A1g (if asked)
Date posted
Feb 17, 2021
Date updated
Feb 17, 2021