Human Research and Engineering Directorate Research Areas

The Real-Time Assessment of Humans in Operational Environments

Advisor: McDowell, Kaleb X.  (kaleb.mcdowel@us.army.mil   410.278.1453)

Location: Human Research and Engineering Directorate, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425

Key words: Operational environments, Human monitoring systems, EEG systems, Neurocognitive assessment systems, Physiological monitors, Task performance, Dynamic task environments, Neuroscience

Current technologies have begun to enable the development of human monitoring systems that can be used in real world environments. For example, both wearable, wireless EEG systems and eye- and head-tracking systems have been designed to acquire recordings during the performance of dynamic tasks in environments that have traditionally been considered too noisy to allow valid and robust measurement. However, the application of systems such as EEG to increasingly complex and dynamic environments raises fundamental questions regarding data interpretation. This effort seeks to investigate algorithms and approaches suitable for real-time human assessment that integrates state-of-the-art eye- and head-tracking, EEG recording and analysis systems, physiological monitors, task performance indicators, and/or adaptive displays within ecologically typical environments (such as inside moving vehicles), rather than the standard isolated laboratory. The Associate will work to develop this implementation. Extensive experience with EEG/ERPs and physiological data interpretation techniques is preferred, with an interest in applying these technologies to real-world environments. Associates should have backgrounds in both applied engineering and neuroscience.