Research Interests
Modeling and Metrics in Attention: Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Gist
How can mathematical models and recent neurobiological evidence of perceptual attentional processes inform design of human-computer systems, as well as larger multi-agent systems? Computer models exist that can predict human eye scan paths, but these models are purely bottom-up and saliency-based; how can we integrate top-down control into a computational perceptual cycle model? Furthermore, what metrics can be developed to characterize a model's activity when given a sample interface? And can these models be scaled to multi-agent systems? Promising directions include the investigation of gist production and use, both in perceptual and cognitive senses. Supported in part by the
Air Force Research Laboratory.
Trust in Joint Cognitive Systems: The ATR Problem
What does it mean for humans to trust automation? This project studies several conceptualizations of trust in joint cognitive systems, working within frameworks as diverse as signal detection theory and resilient systems theory. Study of the general themes of trust-influenced cognitive behavior are grounded in a specific domain: target recognition as aided by an automated cueing system. Supported in part by the
Air Force Research Laboratory.
Supporting Collaboration in Information Analysis: Of Factions and Perspectives
How can technology support teamwork and sharing of information, particularly in an information-rich work domain, when each team member has a different perspective on the data available? This research focuses on the analysis of factions as a case study for how analysts communicate their analysis products, and what representations can do to show where their point of view reveals or obscures relevant information.
Emergency Response and Technology: Studying the FDNY
How can distributed work be performed safely in a high-stakes, quick-tempo environment such as emergency response? Using observations of the FDNY during training and actual firefighting operations, this research examines the effect of communication and information technologies on fast-paced distributed work, as well as analysis of events after the danger has passed.
The Ergonomics of Prototyping: Improving Accuracy while Reducing Man-Hours
What are general methods for assisting prototype development? How can prototypes be made more accurate without expensive single-use fixtures? This research recommends several methods, from flexible fixturing technologies to kinematic analysis methods, to significantly reduce the time and effort spent developing prototype assemblies while making it easier to remain within tolerance. Supported by
Bell Helicopter and the
Center for Advanced Polymer Research. This work resulted in my
Master's Thesis (PDF).
