Melody Moore is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Information Systems Department at Georgia State University. Dr. Moore holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology (1998). Her dissertation work in user interface reengineering combined the areas of Human-Computer Interface and Software Engineering.

Dr. Moore created and now directs the GSU BrainLab, whose mission is to research innovative human-computer interaction for people with severe disabilities. Dr. Moore’s work focuses on studying real-world applications for biometric interfaces, including direct brain interfaces. Prior to GSU, Dr. Moore was a Senior Research Scientist in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech for nine years, creating and directing the Open Systems lab, and teaching Software Engineering. Before coming to academia, she worked for nine years in industry as a professional software engineer developing real-time embedded systems, secure operating systems, networking, and compilers.

Talk title:
Brain-Computer Interfaces and Biometric Control

Abstract:
A devastating condition called locked-in syndrome renders a person completely paralyzed and unable to speak, affecting half a million people worldwide. Traditional assistive devices are ineffective because they depend on reliable muscle movements. Until recently, people with severe physical disabilities had few options but to live in perpetual isolation, unable to communicate even their basic needs.

However, current research is providing hope. Biometric devices measure physical properties of the human body that can be altered at will to provide a non-muscular channel of control for computers and other devices. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) detect minute electrophysiological changes in brain signals, and have been used to restore communication for people with severe physical disabilities.

The mission of the GSU BrainLab is to explore the possibilities of real-world applications for biometric interfaces. Current work focuses on quality of life applications such as communication and environmental control, internet access, mobility, and neural prosthetics.