A little bit about my research...
I began my PhD studies in September of 2009 with the Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab (IATSL) following my acceptance into the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME). My research focus is on extending previous work on the COACH. Specifically, I seek to generalize the assistance provided by the COACH to other daily tasks (beyond the task of hand washing), increase the robustness of the system and develop it into a product that can be used in the actual homes of people with dementia.
Much work in the field of assistive technology focuses on the theoretical development of devices - this project looks to move beyond theory in order to actually increase the independence, autonomy and quality of life of people with dementia by allowing them to live independently in their homes longer. The idea is to ultimately reduce the burden on caregivers and by keeping an elderly person in their home longer, will help reduce the burden on global health care.