looking for a challenging summer? intern project brochure 2013.pdfthe direc-torate is the bridge...

Leading Human-Centered Research For The U.S. Air Force

Air Force Research Laboratory

711th Human Performance Wing

Human Effectiveness Directorate

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX

Looking for a Challenging Summer? As the Chief Scientist for all of the U.S. Air Force’s human-centered research at Air Force Research Laboratory, I invite you to join other science and engineering students from around the country in applying for participation this summer for one of the challenging research projects listed in this brochure. If selected for one of the projects, you will have temporary summer employment through a contract to participate in our Dr. Daniel Repperger Research Intern Program. You will work under the mentorship of a renowned Air Force scientist for human performance research at one of our two research locations in Dayton, Ohio or San Antonio, Texas. Each of these scientists has been hand-selected as mentors because of their technical knowledge, experience and willingness to help science and engineering students enhance their learning experience through participation in an actual Air Force research project. Along with gaining first-hand research experience, you’ll learn the inner workings of an operational laboratory and develop contacts and friendships that will last a lifetime. Please review the information in this brochure carefully so you’ll know all of the specifics of the program before you apply. I look forward to reviewing your application and wish you the best of luck in the selection process.

MORLEY O. STONE, PhD Chief Scientist 711th Human Performance Wing

This document has been cleared for public release – 88ABW-2013-0126, 14 Jan 13


WHO WE ARE




AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY

711TH HUMAN PERFORMANCE WING

HUMAN EFFECTIVENESS DIRECTORATE

AFRL leads the discovery, develop-ment and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for America's aerospace forces. It is a full-spectrum laboratory, responsible for planning and executing the Air Force' science and technology program. AFRL leads a worldwide government, industry and academic partnership in the dis-covery, development and delivery of a wide range of revolutionary technol-ogies. The laboratory provides leading edge warfighting capabilities keeping our air, space and cyberspace forces the world's best. Operating from over 40 sites worldwide, AFRL focuses on technologies for air vehicles, human performance, materials and manufac-turing, sensors, propulsion, space vehicles, directed energy, information and weapons. The lab employs ap-proximately 5,800 government peo-ple, including about 1,400 military and 4,400 civilian personnel. It is respon-sible for the Air Force's science and technology budget of nearly $2 billion including: basic research, applied re-search, advanced technology develop-ment and an additional $1.7 billion from AFRL customers.

The 711th Human Performance Wing advances human performance in air, space, and cyberspace through re-search, education, and consultation, accomplished through the synergies created by the wing’s three distinct but complementary entities: the U. S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM), the Human Performance Integration Directorate, and the Human Effectiveness Directorate. USAFSAM is an internationally renowned center for aerospace medical learning, consul-tation, aerospace medical investigations and aircrew health assessments. The school trains approximately 6,000 students each year. The Human Performance Integration Directorate's focus areas are human performance optimization and sustainment through human systems integration. The direc-torate is the bridge among the ac-quisition communities and lead integra-tion agent for the promotion, guidance, consultation, and implementation of human systems integration. Research to improve human performance and effectiveness is the primary mission of the Human Effectiveness Directorate.

The Human Effectiveness Directorate is composed of a diverse group of scientists and engineers studying and developing technologies specific to the human element of warfighting capability. It leads the Air Force in its human-centered research, and inte-grates biological and cognitive tech-nologies to optimize and protect the Airman's capabilities to fly, fight, and win in Air, Space, and Cyberspace. The Directorate is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, OH, with additional research facilities at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. Its focus is on research and development of technologies for decision making, training, human performance and forecasting. The Directorate provides human-centered research and development through a strong in-house research program and extensive research partnerships with industry and academia.


http://www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090115-062.pdf

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090324-032.pdf





REPPERGER RESEARCH INTERN PROGRAM

The Repperger Research Intern Program honors the life and works of Dr. Daniel W. Repperger (1942-2010) as a scientist and mentor of many young engineers and scientists. As a researcher at Air Force Research Laboratory’s Human Effectiveness Directorate for 35 years, Dr. Repperger’s mathematical and scientific innovations have revolutionized image and network complexity analysis. He received international recognition in haptic controllers, human-machine interface performance enhancement, and mathematical methods development. While Dr. Repperger’s significant research accomplishments helped advanced the performance of Air Force airmen and the field of human-centered research, his most significant accomplishment may well be the impact he had as a kind and caring mentor of many young Air Force scientists and science and engineering students.

Dr. Repperger received a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from

Purdue University. He was a David Ross Research Fellow at Purdue from 1971-1973 and a National Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellow at Wright-Patterson AFB from 1973-1975. A member of Eta Kappa Nu, Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Xi, Dr. Repperger was a Registered Professional Engineer in Ohio and on the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Academy of Sciences. He was a Fellow of the IEEE, Air Force Research Laboratory, American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering and the Ohio Academy of Sciences and Aerospace Medical Association. Dr. Repperger authored over 400 technical journal articles, reports and conference publications, was selected as Associate Editor of five international journals and obtained 14 U.S. patents and 28 Air Force invention registrations. His honors and awards include the Harry G. Armstrong Scientific Excellence Award, Human Effectiveness Directorate Mentor of the Year, IEEE Third Millennium Medal Winner and the IEEE Dayton Fritz Russ Award. Dr. Repperger is listed in Who's Who in Science and Engineering and American Men and Women of Science.

Dr. Daniel W. Repperger 1942-2010


The information in this document is cleared for public release – 88ABW-2013-0126, 14 Jan 13 NOTE TO APPLICANTS: If selected for participation in this program, you will be offered temporary summer employment through a contract to perform work for AFRL’s Human Effectiveness Directorate. This is not a U.S Government position. If selected, you will be required to undergo a National Agency Check before being granted access to government computer systems.

REPPERGER RESEARCH INTERN PROGRAM INFORMATION AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Program Dates: June 3 – August 9, 2013 (arrive June 2 – depart August 10) Program Hours: 40 hours per week Monday-Friday (actual hours set by adviser) Stipend: $12,000

Lodging: Student’s expense – recommendations and options will be provided to students selected to participate

Research Locations: Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH or Ft Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX Number Positions: 8-10 students will be selected for participation

Requirement: Graduate students and undergraduate juniors and seniors. Must be U.S. citizen or legal resident.

Final Report: PowerPoint presentation or poster at end of internship Application Deadline: March 29, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. EST

Application:

1. Application form (last page of brochure) 2. Curriculum Vitae 3. Copy of Transcript (unofficial is okay) 4. Copy of proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residence 5. Letter of recommendation from current faculty adviser

Proof of U.S Citizenship (submit 1 of the items shown on list with application)

• Copy of U.S. Passport • Copy of Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state

of birth • Copy of Consular Report of Birth (of U.S. citizen) Abroad or

Certification of Birth • Copy of Naturalization Certificate • Copy Certificate of Citizenship

Proof of Legal Residence (submit with application)

A copy of the front and back of Green Card

Application Submission Instructions

Send: (1) application form, (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) copy of transcript, (4) copy of proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residence, and (5) signed letter of recommendation from adviser by email to: 711th HPW Chief Scientist’s Office at [email protected]. NOTE: Be sure to indicate on the application the project for which you are applying. If more than one, please indicate your priority by entering either the number 1, 2 or 3 in the box next to the research project number.

Computer Access Students selected will be required to undergo a National Agency Check prior to being granted access to government computer systems.

Notification: Students selected for the program will be employed under contract to perform intern duties in the Human Effectiveness Directorate.

For More Info: Mike Griffin, 937-255-7629, [email protected]

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/consumerawareness/a/birthcert.htm

http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_825.html

http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_825.html

mailto:[email protected]




Repperger Research Intern Program

RESEARCH PROJECT #: 13-01

COMPUTATIONAL MODELS OF HUMAN INFORMATION PROCESSING

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The specific activities for this project will be based on the particular skills and interests the intern brings to the position. The research activities may range from the development of mathematical models of response time distributions, to model development, to data analysis.

BACKGROUND: This research focuses on basic cognitive science research to improve our understanding of human information processing, behavior, and performance. The long-term goal is to develop psychologically valid models of human cognition that can be used in a variety of ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of training (e.g., as synthetic teammates or instructors to support training, or as training analysis tools). We are pursuing this long-term objective through the use of computational cognitive modeling, focused on (1) spatial information processing and (2) changes in cognitive performance resulting from sleep loss and extended time on task. We utilize a variety of research methodologies, including empirical research studies with human participants, eye tracking, cognitive model development using a cognitive architecture, validation of model performance through careful comparison to empirical human data, and development of quantitative theoretical mechanisms to account for important psychological phenomena. We seek interns with experience and expertise in computational and mathematical modeling as well as knowledge and/or interest in spatial cognition or fatigue to contribute to the development of formal, quantitative accounts of human performance. Some relevant publications can be found at: http://actr.psy.cmu.edu/people/index.php?id=10. See also http://mindmodeling/org/palmlistings.html for a complete listing of research being pursued by the Cognitive Models and Agents Branch at AFRL.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: PhD or Master’s Student in one of the following: Cognitive Science; Mathematics; Computer Science

RESEARCH LOCATION: Warfighter Readiness Research Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH

RESEARCH ADVISER: Glenn F. Gunzelmann

DEGREE: PhD, Cognitive Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, 2003

Dr. Gunzelmann is a Senior Research Psychologist and the Science and Technology Advisor for the Air Force Research Laboratory's Cognitive Model's and Agents Branch (711 HPW/RHAC). The branch pursues basic and applied research to (1) understand the foundational information processing mechanisms of human cognition, and (2) develop technologies and formalisms that allow those mechanisms to be leveraged in understanding human cognition and performance in complex, dynamic tasks. Dr. Gunzelmann currently leads research efforts

focused on (A) understanding how individuals encode 3-D spatial location information from 2-D retinotopic perceptual inputs, and (3) developing a computational theory to account for the effects of sleep loss and time on task on cognitive functioning.

http://actr.psy.cmu.edu/people/index.php?id=10

http://mindmodeling/org/palmlistings.html




RESEARCH PROJECT: 13-02

LEARNING AND COLLABORATION USING GAME-BASED TECHNOLOGIES AND TOOLS

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This research project will focus on examining, evaluating, and recommending alternative tools and technologies to support distributed collaboration and planning for such mission areas as fighter operations and Air and Space Operations Center operations. There are three major objectives for this research topic. The emphasis on one or another of these objectives by a specific researcher is negotiable. First, identify and elaborate the current and potential future conditions and drivers for distributed planning and collaboration, and the mission areas and decision processes most directly impacted. Second, review current Government-off-the-shelf and commercial-off-the-shelf tools and technology and methods that could be leveraged to improve the quality of the planning and collaboration process and outcomes for the identified areas and processes. Third, design evaluation studies to be conducted both at the Wright-Patterson AFB team research testbeds and potentially in our Gaming Research Integration for Learning Laboratory at the Tech Edge also in Dayton Ohio to baseline processes and outcomes and changes to process and outcomes that result from the integration of new technologies and methods. Experimentally evaluated recommendations would then be provided to relevant communities of interest.

BACKGROUND: As the military moves to more distributed collaboration for planning and for day-to-day operations, the current generation of planning and collaboration tools has not kept pace. Moreover, there has been limited leveraging of advances in commercial-off-the-shelf technology and tools to support this distributed operations and planning migration.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: PhD or Master’s Student in one of the following: Psychology; Computer Science; or Operations Research


RESEARCH ADVISER: Winston “Wink” Bennett, PhD

DEGREE: Industrial Organizational Psychology, Texas A&M University, 1995

Dr. Winston “Wink” Bennett, Jr. is a Senior Research Psychologist and Technical Advisor for continuous learning and performance assessment. He is a Fellow of the Air Force Research Laboratory and is also a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. His team is actively involved in research related to performance evaluation, personnel assessment, training requirements identification, and quantifying the impact of organizational interventions - such as interactive, high fidelity immersive simulation environments and job redesign/restructuring and

training systems impacts on individual, team, and organizational learning and effectiveness. He has published over 90 research articles, textbooks, chapters, and technical reports.





PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES FOR ANALYST AND ANALYST TEAMS

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This research topic will focus on developing performance assessment criteria for individuals and teams performing intelligence analysts’ tasks for Air Force mission areas. This includes researching existing approaches, identifying shortfalls, and recommending new methodologies for automatically assessing individual analyst and analyst teams. A three phase effort is envisioned. First, a survey of current methods and best practices used for subjective and objective performance assessment would be accomplished by reviewing the foundational literature, as well as recent applied research (e.g., Mission Essential Competency studies with analyst teams). Second, identify a comprehensive set of performance assessment criteria for analysts teams based on lessons learned in the first phase of the effort. Third, design evaluation studies to be conducted both at the Wright-Patterson AFB team research testbeds and the Advanced Technical Intelligence Center facility in Dayton, Ohio, to identify subjective and objective performance measures to assess training outcomes and readiness and to determine which factors account for the largest proportion of variance in team performance. Experimentally evaluated recommendations would then be provided to relevant communities of interest.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: PhD or Master’s Student in one of the following: Experimental Psychology; Psychology; or Human Factors Psychology


RESEARCH ADVISER: Lisa Marie Tripp

DEGREE: PhD, Experimental Psychology, Washington State University, 2011

Lisa Tripp is a Research Psychologist at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Warfighter Readiness Research Division where she performs training and readiness research to improve human effectiveness for Air Force Members assigned to work in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.





COGNITIVELY-ENHANCED COMPLEX EVENT PROCESSING IN A LARGE-SCALE INTELLIGENT SENSOR

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This project will contribute to researching new agent specification languages and execution frameworks allowing ARFL scientists to capture and synthesize inference and sense making in an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) context. The project will extend and refine the agent specification languages and integrate agents into a large-scale intelligent sensor application.

BACKGROUND: Used as aids in an ISR context, these agents help analysts reason about and comprehend large amounts of sensor data by assuming some of the “data-to-information” processing burden. Many state-of-the-art sensor systems intentionally avoid processing data. Designers of such systems have separated the concerns of acquiring data and analyzing data by adopting a paradigm in which little if any “data-to-information” processing occurs in the actual sensor. While the paradigm has catalyzed the development of high-performance sensor systems, it has neglected the human operator. ISR analysts using such systems are being overwhelmed by data.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: PhD Student in one of the following: Cognitive Science; Computer Science; or Psychology


RESEARCH ADVISER: Scott A. Douglass


Dr. Scott A. Douglass is Research Psychologist with the 711/HPW Cognitive Models and Agents Branch (RHAC), US Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He holds a Ph.D. (2007) in cognitive psychology from Carnegie Mellon University. Working with John R. Anderson at CMU, he acquired expertise in cognitive architectures and the modeling and simulation of complex situated cognitive processes. His research interests include large-scale cognitive modeling, artificial intelligence, knowledge engineering, multi-formalism modeling, and intelligent tutoring systems. He is a member

of the Society for Modeling and Simulation International (SCS).





HEURISTICS FOR ROBUSTNESS AND TRUST IN INTEGRATED HUMAN-MACHINE DECISION SYSTEMS

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The specific research activities for this project will be based on the particular skills and interests the intern brings to the position. Likely research activities involve summative and integrative reviews seeking to bridge the literature on trust dynamics with the literature on robust systems and statistics, extending our existing mathematical operationalization of robustness to analysis and visualization in high-dimensional spaces, quantifying the relationships among dimensions of variation, and/or development of computational process models of human decision processes.

BACKGROUND: The idea of integrated human-machine decision systems is rapidly progressing from a vision of a possible future to a picture of our present reality. We need a better understanding of the basic science of mixed human - machine decision making, and we need to make use of this science to develop increasingly robust, automated knowledge-extraction tools and intelligent, trusted machine-based decision aids that improve and adaptively adjust inference, prediction, and decision processes. We are interested in new metrics, models and methods for objective, rigorous assessment of robustness and trust, as well as mathematical and computational models of heuristic-based decision processes that are demonstrably robust and trusted in dynamic, uncertain, non-stationary environments.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD Student in one of the following: Cognitive Science; Computer Science or Mathematics


RESEARCH ADVISER: Kevin Gluck


Kevin Gluck is a Senior Cognitive Scientist with the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. His research interests focus on computational and mathematical models of cognitive processes to improve our understanding of human performance and learning, with emphasis on: learning and forgetting, fatigue, decision heuristics, and robustness. Kevin is leading the expansion of the Human Effectiveness Directorate’s in-house investments in cognitive modeling personnel and research lines. He is also the Chair of AFRL’s

Robust Decision Making Strategic Technology Team, which is a multi-disciplinary, cross-Directorate team of scientists and engineers working on measuring, modeling, and ensuring high quality in complex decision processes and outcomes.





MODELING HUMAN INTERACTIONS WITH TABLET AND PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICES

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The goal of this project is to conduct a series of experiments to assess the applicability of Fitts’ and Steering Laws to performance on small, portable touchscreen devices, including tablets and/or smartphones. This research will involve developing the software to measure performance on these devices and conducting the data collection with human participants for the evaluation of speed and accuracy performance.

BACKGROUND: In order to use tablets, smart phones and other portable touchscreen computing devices in psychology research, it is critical to understand their image display, timing, and input response characteristics in order to account for additional variation in our measurements introduced by the devices themselves. This research will incorporate a series of direct device measurements for the specific devices used in the Fitts’ and Steering Law experiments for Air Force applications, and general recommendations may be made regarding the use of tablets in empirical psychology research.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s or PhD student in one of the following: Human Factors; Cognitive Science; Electrical Engineering; Psychology or Mechanical Engineering

RESEARCH LOCATION: Decision Making Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH

RESEARCH ADVISER: Leslie M. Blaha

DEGREE: PhD, Psychology – Cognitive Science, Indiana University, 2011

Mathematical psychologist Dr. Leslie Blaha completed her joint Ph.D. in Psychology and Cognitive Science in 2010, working with Dr. Jim Townsend and Dr. Tom Busey at Indiana University. Her dissertation focused on characterizing the human information processing mechanism changed by extended perceptual learning and developing a non-linear, dynamic systems model of perceptual learning in an interactive parallel systems model. She joined the Battlespace Visualization Branch of AFRL in 2010, where she is currently the principal investigator for in-house basic research initiatives. Her current research is aimed at developing robust models of visual cognitive efficiency under changing workload

demands, as well as deriving metrics for finding spatial representations of asymmetric proximity data.





EFFECTIVELY CONVEYING COMPLEX INFORMATION THROUGH INTUITIVE VISUALIZATIONS

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The goal of this project is to use a novel computational tool that calculates the information match between the information necessary to perform a particular task and the information contained in various user interfaces. The user interfaces in this case are graphical presentations of data that are used to make decision with varying levels of risk. This research project involves the following tasks: 1) becoming familiar with various ways to graphically present risk, 2) learning how users of these visualizations think through risk-related decisions, 3) using the computational tool to assess the information match between the user’s task and various visualizations, 4) suggesting alternative visualizations for representing risk, 5) designing a study to compare user performance when using the visualizations to make decisions, and 6) documenting the results of these activities.

BACKGROUND: This project is one of a series of studies building on the human cognition theory of information visualization. Effective interfaces are key to understanding complex information, but designing an effective interface can be challenging. Oftentimes, an interface is difficult or confusing to use. This may lead to poor performance by the user.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Human Factors; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Science; Psychology; or Computer Science


RESEARCH ADVISER: Kristen K. Liggett

DEGREE: PhD, Engineering, Wright State University, 2000

Kristen Liggett has been conducting research in the Air Force Research Laboratory for the past 25 years and is currently a Senior Human Factors Engineer in the Battlespace Visualization Branch. This branch conducts research in scientific visualization, information visualization, 3D displays, and novel ways to interact with visualizations. Kristen recently became interested in the field of visual analytics (analytical reasoning facilitated by interactive visualizations) and her current research focuses on designing and testing information visualizations for

cyber domain applications. Also, Dr. Liggett and a team of colleagues recently developed a human cognition theory of information visualization and the branch is engaged in conducting a series of studies that relate to this theory.





COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS & COMPUTER ACOUSTIC DISPLAYS

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This research project will involve the generation of auditory representations of data streams that support effective multisource monitoring by investigating the ability of a listener to monitor multiple concurrent streams of information in such displays and glean from them useful data.

BACKGROUND: The complexity of current operational systems often requires the presentation of multiple simultaneous streams of information to an operator (e.g., location and state of multiple uninhabited air vehicles, integrity of datalinks from multiple communication channels, etc. Such systems generally benefit from the use of display technologies that exploit multiple sensory modalities. Auditory displays, in particular, may be useful for representing these complex systems because the auditory system is uniquely well-suited for monitoring multiple simultaneous streams of information. In an ideal auditory display, acoustic features associated with the individual sounds, each of which might represent a display variable of interest (e.g., feeds from multiple uninhabited air vehicles, multichannel datalink integrity) could be continuously modulated. Such changes attributed to individual sounds can signal display variables requiring further exploration, and correlated changes across multiple sounds could indicate trends in overall system states.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Cognitive Science or Computer Science


RESEARCH ADVISER: Diane Popik

DEGREE: AuD, Salus University, 2008

Dr Popik has been a research audiologist with AFRL for 8 years. Her areas of expertise include Command and Control (C2) communications and human systems integration. She currently manages the C2 enhanced tactical displays program which includes the multi-modal communications (MMC) work unit.





EVALUATION OF THE WORKLOAD AND FATIGUE OF NETWORK SECURITY DEFENDERS: CYBER VIGILANCE

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: In addition to examining the performance effectiveness of operators monitoring for cyber attacks, this study will also evaluate the perceived mental workload and stress of the participant through subjective measures as well as evaluate objective measures of workload and fatigue with the use of an eye tracker.

BACKGROUND: The multi-modal communication program is an applied research effort for the development and evaluation of an advanced multi-modal network-centric communication system. The research investigates the information processing capabilities of the human to monitor, process, and respond to high volumes of data, visually and aurally, in a high tempo, stressful environment. Monitoring effectiveness is evaluated by information detection, comprehension, and timeliness of actions. The workload and stress of the participants are also assessed with the use of subjective and physiological measures as well as their ability to interact with the advanced system. Vigilance or sustained attention focuses upon the ability of observers to detect and respond to unpredictable and infrequent signals over extended periods of time. The ubiquitous finding in this area of research is the vigilance decrement, in which signal detection typically decreases over time. This aspect of human performance is an important concern for human factors specialists due to the critical role that vigilance plays in many operational settings, such as cyber defense monitoring. Network security defenders are constantly monitoring displays for signs of cyber attacks thus an understanding of how vigilance affects these operators allows for better display designs or automation.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Human Factors Psychology; Experimental Psychology or Psychology


RESEARCH ADVISER: Victor Finomore

DEGREE: PhD, Experimental Psychology, University of Cincinnati, 2008

Dr. Victor S. Finomore, Jr. is an engineering research psychologist in the Battlefield Acoustics Branch in the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology/Human Factors from the University of Cincinnati in 2008. Dr. Finomore’s current research involves team communication and collaboration with advanced communication displays, the development and integration of multi modal technology for dismounted soldiers and neuroergonomics research in performance and attention.





EVENT-RELATED CEREBRAL HEMODYNAMICS IN AUDITORY AND VISUAL VIGILANCE TASKS

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This project will use transcranial Doppler sonography to help determine if the elevation in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) that occurs when signals are detected in a visual vigilance task also occurs with a comparable auditory vigilance task.

BACKGROUND: Vigilance or sustained attention tasks require observers to monitor displays over extended periods of time for the occasional occurrence of critical events. Vigilance is a vital component of human performance in many Air-Force related activities such as, cockpit monitoring, air-traffic control, UAV control, and cyber and base security. Our laboratory at WPAFB is a national center for the examination of brain systems underlying vigilance in terms of CBFV using transcranial Doppler sonography. A recently completed study found that that the successful detection of critical signals was accompanied by an elevation in CBFV that was not present with missed signals nor with non-signal neutral stimulus events, indicating that CBFV can serve as a neural index of the cognitive evaluation of stimulus significance. That study was performed with visual stimuli. However, vigilance tasks can also be performed in the auditory modality and there are several modality-specific differences in performance efficiency. The present study will be conducted for that purpose. The finding of similar results in the auditory and visual modalities will bolster the view of CBFV as an index of the cognitive evaluation of stimulus significance and strengthen the assertion emerging from psychophysical and neurological studies that while modality-specific effects do occur in vigilance, within limits, a common neural system governs vigilance performance in the two sensory modalities.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Master’s student in one of the following: Experimental Psychology; Human Factors or Cognitive Science


RESEARCH ADVISER: Gregory Funke


Dr. Gregory Funke is an engineering research psychologist in the Applied Neuroscience Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He received his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology/Human Factors from the University of Cincinnati in 2007. Dr. Funke’s current research focus is on understanding team processes that contribute to team successes or failures, with an emphasis on neuroergonomic and nonlinear statistical methods. This includes studies of the physiological and behavioral similarities between co-acting

teammates, team communication analysis, and physiological and subjective measures of team workload.





WORKLOAD EFFECTS ON TEAM PHYSIO-BEHAVIORAL SYNCHRONICITY PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This research project will assist with experimental design, task development, data collection, data analysis, documentation for publication in a refereed journal to address a gap in the synchronicity literature. If required, training will be provided to the student on techniques for acquisition of physiological and behavioral measures of team synchronicity, as well as advanced statistical approaches to analyze that data.

BACKGROUND: Recent research suggests that synchronicity in physiological and behavioral responses during team tasks can provide an objective measure of important processes underlying team performance (e.g., Strang, Funke, Knott, & Warm, 2011). Currently, research in this area has not addressed if team synchronicity is influenced by task-related factors such as task demands (workload). While it is likely that task demands will influence synchronicity, the direction of change is unknown. It is possible that high task demands will reduce team synchronicity, as teammates must focus on completing their individual taskwork. Conversely, it is possible that high task demands will actually increase synchronicity, as teammates must coordinate more closely with each other to meet team goals. In either case, reliable changes in team synchronicity could provide objective, physiologically- and behaviorally-derived measures of teamwork that could be assessed in near-real time, which could provide mission commanders or adaptive automated systems with a valuable aid when trying to determine team health and readiness for duty.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s or Master’s student in one of the following: Human Factors Psychology; Neural Science; or Experimental Psychology


RESEARCH ADVISER: Gregory Funke


Dr. Gregory Funke is an engineering research psychologist in the Applied Neuroscience Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He received his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology/Human Factors from the University of Cincinnati in 2007. Dr. Funke’s current research focus is on understanding team processes that contribute to team successes or failures, with an emphasis on neuroergonomic and nonlinear statistical methods. This includes studies of the physiological and behavioral similarities between co-acting

teammates, team communication analysis, and physiological and subjective measures of team workload.





STRESS, GENETICS AND BEHAVIOR PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The goal of this research is to identify novel genetic factors that modulate performance in stressful environments.

BACKGROUND: Performance under stress determines mission effectiveness. Our work seeks to identify genetic factors that convey resiliency for cognitive performance in a high stress environment. To accomplish this, we utilize a behavioral genetics mouse model (BXD mice). Our work involves testing rodent behavior (attention, anxiety, spatial memory and emotional memory) and examining the neurobiological changes that occur following treatment. The use of BXD mice, an established genetics reference population, allows the behavioral outcomes of stress exposure to be mapped onto defined chromosomal sequences, thereby linking stress-sensitive phenotypes with causative genetic loci. Genetic mapping of behavioral data will result in the identification of: 1) stress-sensitive loci that impair cognitive function; and 2) chromosomal loci that convey resilience to stress-induced cognitive deficits. The goal of this research is to identify novel genetic factors that modulate performance in a stressful environment.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s; Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Neural Science, Bioinformatics; Genetics or Psychology


RESEARCH ADVISER: Ryan Jankord

DEGREE: PhD, Biomedical Science, University of Missouri, 2006

Dr. Jankord is a research physiologist in the Applied Neuroscience Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Dr. Jankord joined AFRL in 2010 and leads a research team that utilizes rodent models to study the neurobiological mechanisms of stress and cognitive performance. Dr. Jankord received his PhD from the University of Missouri in 2006, studied stress neurobiology as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Cincinnati and has published 15 articles in refereed journals.





OPTICAL INVESTIGATION OF BIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC EXPOSURE

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This project will assist in the development or application of advanced optical approaches for investigation of biological response to electromagnetic exposure. Current laboratory efforts are focused on using techniques such as spontaneous and coherent Raman scattering, high-speed imaging, and confocal and multi-photon microscopy, to elucidate effects observed after directed energy exposure. Of particular interest is exploration of effects or specific information that can be gained from low-frequency Raman techniques. Candidates with biological or biochemical expertise seeking to use optical approaches for investigation of their observed phenomenon, as well as those with demonstrated experience in novel optical sensing and imaging approaches, are desired. The laboratory offers extensive cell and tissue culture facilities and well as laser equipment across the pulse-duration and wavelength spectrum with support optical and microscopy equipment.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s; Master’s; or PhD student in one of the following: Biomedical Engineering or Biochemistry

RESEARCH LOCATION: Bioeffects Division, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX

RESEARCH ADVISER: Hope Beier

DEGREE: PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2009

Hope Beier is a principle investigator for efforts in applying optical techniques to explore the effects of directed energy on biology. She has recently been awarded a three-year Air Force Office of Scientific Research LRIR grant to study the effects of THz radiation on biomolecules using low-frequency coherent Raman scattering and a Venture Fund to use stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy to study membrane dynamics. Dr. Beier joined the Air Force Research Laboratory in 2010 as a National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associate and is currently

working as a Research Biomedical Engineer.





IMPACT OF SHORT PULSE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ON MAMMALIAN CELLS

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The overarching aim of this research effort is to generate a comprehensive model that can predict the field distribution and biological impact of high peak power microwave exposures to ensure soldier safety in the battlefield.

BACKGROUND: Our laboratory’s goal is to understand the biological effects of high peak power microwaves. Utilizing directly applied nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) as a microwave surrogate; we study changes in cell plasma membrane structure, morphology and physiological, and genetic and proteomic expression. To study such changes, we use electrophysiological and optical microscope systems to record changes in membrane conductance in real time allowing for the determination of thresholds for effect of various nsPEF exposure parameters. In addition, we study the impact of such pulses on neurological cells to investigate the impact of electrical pulses on the conduction of action potentials. Genetic and proteomic techniques are used in conjunction with an exposure system capable of exposing a population of cells to elucidate stressful and lethal exposure endpoints. Lastly, we pursue the development of theoretical models that describe and predict the impact and response of cells exposed to nsPEF.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s; Master’s; or PhD student in one of the following: Biomedical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; or Biology


RESEARCH ADVISER: Bennett Ibey

DEGREE: PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2006

Dr. Ibey began working for the Air Force Research Laboratory in 2007 as the principal Investigator of high peak power microwaves (HPPM) bioeffects. His research includes the construction of HPPM microwave systems, the use of patch clamp to study cellular bio-electric effects, the development of theoretical models, cellular microscopy, and the measurement of genetic or proteomic effects of HPPM exposure. Dr. Ibey has published 1 book chapter, 1 patent, and 16 peer-reviewed publications. He is a board member of bioelectromagnetics society,

active member of SPIE, and the Direct Energy Professional Society. He was named the AF Junior Civilian Scientist of the Year 2010 and received an honorable mention for the McLucas Basic Science Award in 2012.





FUNDUSCOPIC VASCULAR FLOW IMAGING PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This study will use emerging imaging technology for the investigation of light retina interactions to measure local changes in metabolic function of the nonhuman primate retina in response to a variety of light stimuli, spanning the optical spectrum, over a large range of radiant exposure levels.

BACKGROUND: Differences in blood flow and oxygen saturation levels in the microvasculature are speculated to be among the earliest measurable changes associated with metabolic processes in the retina. Therefore, measuring localized ocular blood flow and oxygen saturation in the proximity of light stimuli is an essential first step in mapping the pathways related to both visual function and laser damage mechanisms. Coherent speckle imaging is a technology which enables measurement of blood flow in the vasculature of semi-turbid tissue. Spectral reflectance methods (e.g. hyperspectral imaging) have evolved into useful tools to measure oxygen saturation levels in hemoglobin.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s; Master’s; or PhD student in one of the following: Biomedical Engineering; Optical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; or Mechanical Engineering


RESEARCH ADVISER: Jeffrey W. Oliver

DEGREE: PhD, Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2003

Jeffrey W Oliver, Ph. D. is the team lead for the Ophthalmic Imaging and Laser Damage group within the Optical Radiation Branch at the Air Force Research Laboratory Human Effectiveness Directorate. Prior to joining AFRL as a Research Biomedical Engineer, he served as Director of Research and Development for NeurOptics Inc. in Irvine, CA where he led a team of scientists and engineers in the development of opto-electronic devices used in neurophthalmic applications. He has served as Principal Investigator on numerous Air Force projects in support of

Maximum Permissible Exposure limits for lasers. Dr. Oliver is a member of the American National Standards Institutes Z136 Bioeffects and Medical Surveillance Technical Subcommittee (TSC -1) and the Standards Subcommittee for the Safe Use of Lasers (SSC -1).





COMPUTATIONAL LASER BIOPHYSICS PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This project will address one of a number of standing research problems relevant to describing and directing (through predictions in on-going experimental programs) research within our laboratory. Depending upon the applicant's interest and background, the research will be guided to focus on one of the following problems: (1) acceleration of electromagnetic simulations through the use of graphical processing units and other high-performance computing algorithm improvements, (2) the molecular-level interaction of lasers with protein-ligand systems to examine photo-induced electron transfer (3) molecular dynamics to describe the resultant protein conformational changes induced by this mechanism, and (4) multi-physics simulations relating material response from short pulse lasers to unify acoustic, thermal, photo-ablative, photochemical, and other responses.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Physics, Biomedical Engineering; Mathematics; Biochemistry; Computer Science; or Biology


RESEARCH ADVISER: Robert Thomas

DEGREE: PhD, Physics, University of Missouri, 1994

Robert Thomas is a Physicist with the Air Force Research Laboratory where he has served for the past 18 years. He currently leads a wide variety of modeling and simulation activities from study of laser-tissue interactions at the molecular level, to multi-physics simulations in bio-photonics, to scenario-based studies relevant to the applications of lasers in USAF technologies. With a wide-range of interests, his current focus is the improvement of algorithms for simulating laser beam propagation within biological structures and making a number of long-

standing, non-linear response simulations tractable. In addition, his work has the goal of coupling, with these propagation algorithms, the material and molecular-level response of the system with the laser or its effects.





MILITARY & NON-MILITARY PERSONNEL'S THREAT PERCEPTION OF A DEPLOYMENT OF A DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPON DURING IRREGULAR AND

REGULAR WARFARE SCENARIOS PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This research project will develop an experimental design to obtain quantifiable data to see how the use of directed energy (DE) systems will affect threat perception. The project will measure red/blue and green force personnel’s threat perception of a DE system. The initial phase of the research we will design a set of experiments that test the participant's threat perception (Feelings) about the use of DE systems and their willingness to fight an opponent that uses DE vice an opponent that uses more conventional weapons. This will enable us to start understanding combatants’ reactions as a first order principled model, and enable improved fidelity and realism in simulation and other modeling of behaviors as a result of the potential future deployment of such DE systems.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Social Psychology; Experimental Psychology; or Psychology


RESEARCH ADVISER: Robert Thomas

DEGREE: PhD, Physics, University of Missouri, 1994

Robert Thomas is a Physicist with the Air Force Research Laboratory where he has served for the past 18 years. He currently leads a wide variety of modeling and simulation activities from study of laser-tissue interactions at the molecular level, to multi-physics simulations in bio-photonics, to scenario-based studies relevant to the applications of lasers in USAF technologies. With a wide-range of interests, his current focus is the improvement of algorithms for simulating laser beam propagation within biological structures and making a number of long-standing,

non-linear response simulations tractable. In addition, his work has the goal of coupling, with these propagation algorithms, the material and molecular-level response of the system with the laser or its effects.





MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR LASER EXPOSURE PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The research thrust of this project will be the design, fabrication and testing of microfluidic devices for the purpose of achieving uniform laser exposure of a population of human cells (retinal pigmented epithelium and Jurkat T-lymphoma) in tissue culture. To do this, the student will be required to grow mammalian cells in tissue culture and perform some fluorescent dye-based assays for cell killing (calcein/ethidium homodimer) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene expression (GFP-Hsp 70 and GFP-NFκB). Work done last summer by an American Society for Engineering Education summer faculty fellow and his graduate student established the boundary specifications for a microfluidic device, e.g., number of channels, channel size, channel length, presence/absence of a filter, fluid pump rate, fluid/buffer composition, etc., and eventually did got one gene expression data point for each of two heat shock proteins (Hsp-H1 and Hsp-A1A) following exposure to a 2 μm laser. However, the system is not yet optimized, and that is the principal task for this project.

BACKGROUND: Optical radiation creates damage in tissue by photothermal, photochemical, and photomechanical mechanisms, and the results of laser exposures are heterogeneous outside the beam spot. Also, there is no reliable way of isolating a particular sub-population of exposed cells, making it impossible to associate any type of biochemical event with a specific level of exposure. A method is needed to administer to each cell in a population, precisely and reproducibly, exactly the same exposure and then collect them in numbers sufficient to perform biochemical or molecular biological analyses.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s; Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Mechanical Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Physics or Biochemistry


RESEARCH ADVISER: Jeffrey Wigle

DEGREE: PhD, Radiation Biophysics, University of Rochester, 1982

Dr Wigle is a Research Biological Scientist in the Optical Radiation Branch of the Bioeffects Division. After completing the Ph.D., Dr Wigle did a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genetic Toxicology, then joined the USAF, where he served primarily in research management positions. After leaving the USAF in 1999 he worked as an in-house contractor for the Laser Eye Protection Advanced Development Program, and then was hired as a civilian scientist. His overarching research interest is molecular mechanisms of bioeffects from light-tissue interactions. One

thrust is killing of human retinal pigmented epithelial cells, in vitro, by lasers, and the other is red-light induced photobiomodulation and how one might exploit those pathways towards enhancing performance and protection of the warfighter.





BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TERAHERTZ RADIATION PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is defined as frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 10 THz. Historically, few technologies have been available for the THz region; however, in recent years, numerous THz technologies have been developed. Using these new tools, several research groups have shown that THz radiation exhibits many rich and unique properties that are unavailable at other EM frequencies. For instance, THz radiation can be directly coupled to cellular constituents and biomolecules (e.g., lipid membranes, DNA, and proteins). Interestingly, THz coupling has been shown to trigger rapid changes in membrane permeability, permitting stimulation and suppression of action potentials in neuronal cells. In addition, evidence suggests that THz radiation may couple to DNA causing both genotoxic and epigenetic effects. Theoretical models postulate that these “DNA un-zipping” effects may be a result of THz waves oscillating on the same time-scale (~46 ps) as the breathing modes of DNA. Furthermore, these models contend that several THz frequencies may be able to create persistent spatially-localized “bubbles” between DNA strands, causing instabilities which influence gene expression. Interestingly, our laboratory has demonstrated that human cells differentially express several “THz-specific” genes when exposed to 2.52 THz radiation. Finally, in addition to lipid membranes and DNA, THz radiation has also been shown to impact intracellular proteins and enzymatic processes. Taken together, these compelling findings warrant future efforts to elucidate the precise nature of these underlying coupling mechanisms.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s; Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Biomedical Engineering; Electrical Engineering or Biology


RESEARCH ADVISER: Gerald Wilmink

DEGREE: PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2007

Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Wilmink currently serves as the Principle Investigator of the Terahertz (THz) research laboratory. The THz research lab has conducted pioneering research in the area of THz bioeffects, and this team was the recipient of the AFRL Scientific and Technical Team award in 2010. Dr. Wilmink has several U.S. and international patents pending worldwide, has published 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, and invited review articles, and has delivered more than 25 invited, keynote, or plenary presentations at scientific

conferences. Current research interests include THz nerve stimulation, THz spectroscopy, and biological effects at advanced device interfaces.





BIOLOGICAL INTERACTION OF ENGINEERED NANOMATERIALS PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This project will seek to understand the fundamental mechanism of interaction of engineered nanomaterials based on their unique physiochemcial characteristics including, dimensional size, structure, shape and surface chemistries that can interact with cultured cell components and cause novel molecular events such as membrane receptor modulation, enhanced endocytosis dynamics and subcellular signal activation. Understanding the interaction between biological systems and engineered nanomaterials will aid in the development of novel material-based biosensors for military applications. Further studies will be conducted to understand interface between nano and electromagnetic field Laser to understand biological implications and application associated with co-exposure to electromagnetic field and Nanoparticles

BACKGROUND: Engineered nanomaterials (NM), possessing dimensions ranging between 1-100 nm in size, possess novel physical and chemical properties that can be used to create unique devices. Unique quantum characteristics can confer unique electrical, optical and magnetic nanosystem attributes not present in corresponding bulk materials. Nano-scale prepared materials are useful for military applications such engineering aspects important for a portable battlefield remote monitoring devices.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s or Master’s student in one of the following: Bionanotechnology; Chemistry; Biomedical Engineering

RESEARCH LOCATION: Bioeffects Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH

RESEARCH ADVISER: Saber Hussain

DEGREE: PhD, Zoology, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, 1991

Saber Hussain, Senior Scientist and Nanotoxicology Group Lead, Molecular Bioeffects Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Dr. Hussain began (1987) his scientific career as a toxicology research fellow at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) and received his doctorate degree in 1991. Here, his novel exploration of heavy metal biotransfer between different proteins in complex biological environment led to a series of prestigious research fellowships

in Italy, Switzerland, and the U.S. Dr. Hussain joined the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB in 1999, where his research interests transitioned into evaluating potential toxicity arising from the physicochemical properties of nanoscale structures. His research addressing nanomaterial toxicity and biomolecular interaction of nanomaterials has resulted in author/co-authorship of 100 peer-reviewed publications, 9 book chapters, and 200 technical abstracts. He is currently an Associate Editor of Toxicological Sciences and serves as an editorial member of several other toxicology journals. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences.





BIOLOGICAL AND NANOMATERIAL SENSOR DEVELOPMENT FOR HUMAN PERFORMANCE

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: Potential research opportunities for this fellowship include the development of sensing elements in biofilm-forming cellular systems and the determination of the effects of biological matrices on signal output from these various sensor platforms.

BACKGROUND: Biological systems have innate abilities to detect small concentrations of molecules in highly complex backgrounds. These natural sensing elements found offer sensitive and specific binding to these target molecules and provide tools to enhance sensor design. The Human Effectiveness Directorate addresses the Air Force mission with respect to enhancing human performance. This research involves selection of these sensing elements as well as incorporation of these sensing elements into various detection systems; specifically various cell types, nanoparticles, and transistors. These sensing elements can be composed of oligonucleotides of either RNA or DNA, known as aptamers or composed of amino acids in the form of short peptides or antibodies. The characteristics of these aptamers and peptides are being investigated in order to optimize specificity and sensitivity to mission relevant targets. In addition, our research team partners with scientists from AFRL, academia, and industry to develop novel ways to manipulate samples in highly complex backgrounds, such as blood and saliva, in order to improve target detection and assay performance.

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s, Master’s; or PhD student in one of the following: Chemistry; Biomedical Engineering; Biochemistry; or Electrical Engineering RESEARCH LOCATION: Human-Centered Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton OH

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Nancy Kelley-Loughnane

DEGREE: PhD, Biochemistry, Boston College, 2000

Dr. Kelley-Loughnane is the technical advisor for AFRL’s Human Signatures Branch. Her dissertation focused on the study of the allosteric mechanism of key enzymes in gluconeogenesis. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Dr. Kelley-Loughnane joined the Human Effectiveness as a biochemist involved with developing assays for chemical detection, including nanomaterials and living systems. She is also the AFRL lead for the AFRL Bio-X Strategic Technical Team that focuses on two efforts: (1) bio

sentinels for USAF operations, and (2) biotronics which includes investigation of the biotic and abiotic interface for enhanced performance in electro-optical devices to be used as sensors for human performance and other military operational needs.





COGNITIVE AND HUMAN FACTORS OF ANOMALY DETECTION

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This research project involves hypothesis generation, experimental design, data analysis, and documentation focusing on the reasons for anomaly detection failures by persons responsible for viewing routine data input streams and seek methods for improving detection. Students can research various factors which contribute to anomaly detection and inattention blindness such as (1) display factors (e.g., number, position, motion, pattern, and complexity of elements, (2) task factors (e.g., number of tasks, communications, distractions), (3) human factors (e.g. training, workload, personality, culture, teamwork).

BACKGROUND: Many jobs require a person to detect anomalies in routine data input streams. Tasks range from those of Air Traffic Controllers and rush-hour traffic reporters who view video-feeds under real-time pressure; whereas medical researchers and stock market analysts follow large volumes of text data over days to spot new breakouts and trends. Unfortunately, key signals often go undetected and planes crash or markets plummet. This research project seek to answer three questions: (1) how prevalent are failures to detect both "obvious" and subtle items; (2) why do detection failures occur; and (3) how do we improve and aid human monitors? Perceptual and cognitive research shows that people, even when actively looking for anomalies that they have been forewarned about, often miss glaring oddities in dynamic events when they are engaged in information gathering tasks.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Bachelor’s; Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Psychology; Social Psychology; or Mathematics RESEARCH LOCATION: Human-Centered Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton OH

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Rik Warren DEGREE: PhD, Experimental Psychology, Cornell University, 1975 Dr Warren is a National Research Council Post-Doctoral Advisor and has mentored numerous NRC post-docs and graduate students. He is a perceptual psychologist and currently is interested in failures of perception to detect critical items in rich natural environments, for example, inattention and change blindness. He is also developing statistical methods for finding anomalies in large and small datasets. The role of cultural factors in perception and mis-perception is also central. He

serves on three journal editorial boards and is on the program committees of several social dynamics and complex systems conferences.





UNDERSTANDING & PREDICTING HUMAN-CENTRIC THREATS FOR INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE & RECONNAISSANCE APPLICATIONS

PROJECT SYNOPSIS: This project will focus on providing actionable information concerning human borne threats on the basis of human size, shape and motion. Such signatures as gait, anthroprometric differences, and the presence of a carried object are of interest. The program contains many areas of research including traditional gait analysis, computer vision techniques, engineering optimization, and signals processing. Projects will be assigned on the basis of current need and fit within the larger program and may include conducting experiments in a motion capture laboratory, conducting software development, and building models of realistic human activity. Interns may process raw data, develop or implement computer vision or machine intelligent algorithms, design new laboratory capabilities, or assist in the development of new signatures through statistical analysis, pattern recognition, or first principles models. Interns would work on a team with several doctorate level researchers to provide novel capabilities that augment current research efforts.

EDUCATION LEVEL / DISCIPLINE NEEDED: Master’s or PhD student in one of the following: Computer Science; Mechanical Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Operations Research; Electrical Engineering; Mathematics or Industrial Engineering RESEARCH LOCATION: Human-Centered Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton OH

RESEARCH ADVISER: Darrell Lochtefeld DEGREE: PhD, Engineering (Operations Research), Wright State University, 2011 Dr. Lochtefeld studied machine learning techniques used in solving pattern recognition problems and difficult optimization problems. His doctorate decomposed problems in novel ways and then solved those problems using Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithms - methods modeled after Darwin's survival of the fittest. Dr. Lochtefeld currently oversees a broad set of research using human size, shape, and motion to track, identify, and characterize humans observed from

aerial platforms. From an applied perspective, Dr. Lochtefeld is interested in computer vision, human movement science, human modeling in software, and large scale data analysis, pattern recognition, and machine learning.

REPPERGER RESEARCH INTERN PROGRAM APPLICATION Application Deadline: March 29, 2013

Email completed form with Curriculum Vitae, copy of transcript, copy of proof of citizenship or legal residence, and signed recommendation letter to [email protected]

PERSONAL INFORMATON Applicant Name: Mailing Address: Telephone Number: (Primary) (Alternate) Email Address: (Primary) (Alternate)

EDUCATION INFORMATION Current Student Status

(put “X” in all applicable boxes)

Undergrad Student Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

Grad Student Master’s PhD Projected

Grad Date

Course of Study/Major: GPA: College or University: Department: Adviser Name: Adviser Mailing Address: Adviser Telephone: Adviser Email:

RESEARCH PROJECT SELECTON (enter the project number for up to 3 project choices)

Project #: 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Complete the Following:

1. I am applying for this intern position because: Maximum 1200 characters

2. My career plans after school are: Maximum 600 characters


looking for a challenging summer? intern project brochure 2013.pdfthe direc-torate is the bridge...

Documents