Medin Series Lectures
Near-Earth Objects: Targets for Future Human Exploration, Solar System Science, and Planetary Defense
Paul Abell, Lead Scientist for Planetary Small Bodies, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
4:00 p.m.
Partnership II Building, Room 208
3100 Technology Pkwy, next to Campus
U.S. President Obama stated on April 15, 2010, that the next goal for human spaceflight will be to send human beings to a near-Earth asteroid by 2025. Given this direction from the White House, NASA has been studying various strategies for near-Earth object (NEO) exploration. This mission would be the first human expedition to an interplanetary body beyond the Earth-Moon system and would prove useful for testing technologies required for human missions to Mars and other Solar System destinations.
Missions to NEOs would undoubtedly provide a great deal of technical and engineering data on spacecraft operations for future human space exploration while conducting in-depth scientific investigations of these primitive objects. In addition, the resulting scientific investigations would refine designs for future extraterrestrial resource extraction and utilization, and assist in the development of hazard mitigation techniques for planetary defense.
This presentation will discuss some of the physical characteristics of NEOs and review some of the current plans for NEO research and exploration from both a human and robotic mission perspective.
Dr. Paul Abell is the Lead Scientist for Planetary Small Bodies assigned to the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. His main areas of interest are physical characterization of near-Earth objects (NEOs) via ground-based and spacecraft observations, examination of NEOs for future robotic and human exploration, and identification of potential resources within the NEO population for future resource utilization. Paul has been studying potentially hazardous asteroids and near-Earth objects for over 15 years. He was a telemetry officer for the Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous spacecraft Near-Infrared Spectrometer team and is a science team member on the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Hayabusa near-Earth asteroid sample-return mission. Paul was also a member of the Hayabusa contingency recovery team and participated in the successful recovery of the spacecraft's sample return capsule, which returned to Woomera, Australia in June 2010.
Since 2006 Paul has been a member of an internal NASA team that is examining the possibility of sending astronauts to NEOs for long duration human missions circa 2025 and is currently the lead committee member of the Small Bodies Assessment Group chartered with identifying Human Exploration Opportunities for NEOs. In 2009 he became a science team member of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) Solar System Collaboration tasked with identifying NEOs for future robotic and human space missions, and is also the Science Lead for NEO analog activities and operations of the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) 15 project.
Advances in Behavioral Science Using
Automated
Facial Image Analysis and Synthesis
Jeffrey Cohn, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Adjunct Fculty, Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University
Thurs., June 30, 2011
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Partnership II Building, Room 209
3100 Technology Pkwy, next to Campus
Significant efforts have been made in the analysis and understanding of naturally occurring interpersonal behavior. Active appearance models are an especially exciting approach. They may be used both to measure naturally occurring facial behavior and to synthesize photo-realistic real-time avatars with which to experimentally perturb interpersonal dynamics to identify mechanisms.
Dr. Cohn's interdisciplinary group of psychologists and computer scientists uses and extends both of these capabilities in combination with conventional approaches. He will present recent studies and the opportunities they offer. Using facial image as well as acoustic analysis, achieved among the first automated measurements of physical pain and depression severity from expressive behavior; using image synthesis, researchers achieved real-time rendering and manipulation of face identity and dynamics. Findings inform behavioral science and raise new challenges for computer vision, machine learning, and human-robot interaction.
Speaker Bio
 Jeffrey Cohn received his PhD in psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Dr. Cohn has led interdisciplinary and inter-institutional efforts to develop advanced methods of automatic analysis of facial expression and prosody and applied those tools to research in human emotion, interpersonal processes, social development, and psychopathology. He co-developed influential databases, Cohn-Kanade, MultiPIE, and Pain Archive, co-edited two recent special issues of Image and Vision Computing on facial expression analysis, and co-chaired the 8th IEEE International Conference on Automatic Face and Gesture Recognition (FG 2008).
Lunch 'n' Learn Series (2012) Older Lunch 'n' learn
Fostering Collaboration through IT Tools:
An Experimental Study of Public Deliberation on Water Sustainability
Qian Hu, Assistant Professor, School of Public Administration, UCF
Friday, February 17, 2012
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Partnership II, Room 209
Dr. Qian Hu conducted experiments to examine how IT tools facilitate public deliberation on environmental issues and to examine the impacts of IT-facilitated deliberation environments and social interactions on people's behavioral choices when facing social dilemmas. The unique experimental site for this research is a designed deliberation space at the Arizona State University Decision Theater that can seat up to 25 participants surrounded by the immersive 260-degree seven-screen communal display. The experiment results showed that the more collaborative IT-facilitated deliberation environment demonstrated great potential in encouraging group discussions and collaborative behavior when facing social dilemmas.
 Bio: Qian Hu is an Assistant Professor in School of Public Administration at University of Central Florida. Qian received her Ph.D. from Arizona State University in 2011. Her research interests include policy informatics, e-governance, collaborative public management, and performance management. Qian’s work has been published in academic journals such as American Behavioral Scientist, The Journal of Public Affairs Education, and Journal of Nanoparticle Research. She is a member of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, Public Management Research Association, and International Association for Chinese Management Research. She currently serves on the Technology Advisory Committee for ASPA.
Studying Attention: From the Lab to the Real World and Back Again
Mark Neider, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Psychology
Friday, Dec. 9, 2011
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Partnership II, Room 211
Researchers have long been interested in how human observers attend to environmental information that is relevant to a given task or goal. The research that I will describe attempts to bridge the gap between classical empirical paradigms used to study attention and real world behavior.
The goal of this research is to understand attentional behavior in the context of real world tasks, and to apply this knowledge to augment human performance in a variety of "every day" tasks and situations. I will begin by describing a number of studies examining the role of target-background similarity in visual search, a scenario typically referred to as camouflage. Our findings suggest that although observers might initially perform poorly when searching for camouflaged targets, performance can in fact be improved with training in both older and younger adults.
What's more, training in our camouflage search task engenders near perfect transfer to search for novel camouflage objects. Next, an empirical study examining the effect of divided attention on pedestrian street crossing behavior in a virtual reality based crosswalk simulation will be discussed. In an analogue of oft-encountered real world behavior, distraction was manipulated by comparing crossing performance when observers were engaged in a cell phone conversation, listening to music on an iPod, or undistracted. Crossing success was lowest when pedestrians were conversing on a cell phone; listening to music on an iPod produced no behavioral impairments compared to crossing undistracted.
Surprisingly, the lower crossing success rate observed in the cell phone condition existed despite the fact that pedestrians took more time preparing to cross the road when conversing on a cell phone. Finally, I will describe a series of studies exploring an often overlooked aspect of real world behavior: the propensity to work in groups rather than individually. Specifically, collaborative visual search is examined using a novel eye movement paradigm where pairs of searchers are able to see in real time where their partners are looking in a search display. We find that paired observers are incredibly fast to converge on a target in complex realistic search scenes when shared gaze information is provided. In contrast, verbal communication tends to be cumbersome and slow. Both theoretical and practical implications will be discussed.
Bio:
Mark Neider is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Florida. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Hofstra University. He also holds a M.A. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Cognitive/Experimental Psychology from Stony Brook University. After completing his doctorate, Neider spent five years as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the interdisciplinary Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on understanding human perception and cognition in realistic contexts, and then using that understanding to develop training interventions and technological innovations for improving human performance in real world tasks and environments.
What Working Animals Can Teach Us about How People
(May) Interact with Robotic Systems
Florian Jentsch, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor, Psychology & IST
Director, IST's Team Performance Laboratory
Friday, Dec. 2, 2011
12:00 noon. – 1:00 p.m.
Partnership II, Room 209
Although automated and robotic systems are constantly increasing in capabilities, the current state-of-the-art in robotics is still far from the popular image of the human-looking and acting anthropomorphic robot portrayed so frequently in movies and science fiction. At the same time, robotic systems are beginning to move from being exclusively tele-operated tools to becoming more capable teammates. Given this, we need to increase our understanding of what can guide human interactions with these more capable robots. One way to do this is to study the mental models that people invoke when interacting with robotic systems, and to focus on the mental models that are allowing people to make the most appropriate assumptions and projections about the robots' behaviors.
This presentation will specifically address the utility, advantages, and potential pitfalls of using mental models of human interactions with working animals for robotic systems. The presentation will (a) discuss a systematic review of the types of work conducted by working animals, (b) map both surface and structural characteristics of the human-working animal relationships against human-robot teaming, and (c) outline initial guidelines and future research directions for the appropriate use of models of human-working animal relations in the design of, training for, and operation of robotic systems.
Speaker Bio Dr. Florian Jentsch is an Associate Professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Psychology and at the Institute for Simulation & Training. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Factors Psychology, as well as an M.S. in Aeronautical Science and a Diploma of Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.) in Aeronautical Engineering. Dr. Jentsch is the Director of the Team Performance Laboratory (TPL) where he directs and conducts research on Human-Robot Interaction, Training and Performance Assessment for Pilots and other Aviation Personnel, and Team Performance.
Defining Next-Generation Multi-Modal Communication
in Human Robot Interaction
Stephanie lackey, Ph.D., Director, IST's ACTIVE Laboratory
Friday, November 4, 2011
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Partnership II, Room 209
With teleoperation being the contemporary standard for Human Robot Interaction (HRI), research into multi-modal communication (MMC) has focused on development of advanced Operator Control Units (OCU) supporting control of one or more robots. However, with advances being made to improve the perception, intelligence, and mobility of robots, a need exists to revolutionize the ways in which Soldiers interact with robotic team members. Within this future vision, mixed-initiative Soldier-Robot (SR) teams will work collaboratively sharing information back-and-forth in a fluid natural manner using combinations of communication methods. Therefore, new definitions are required to focus research efforts to support next-generation MMC.
After a thorough survey of the literature and a scientific workshop on the topic, this paper aims to operationally define MMC, Explicit Communication, and Implicit Communication to encompass the shifting paradigm of HRI from a controller/controlled relationship to a cooperative team mate relationship. This paper presents the results from a survey of the literature and a scientific workshop that inform proposed definitions for multi-modal, explicit, and implicit communication. An illustrative scenario vignette provides context and specific examples of each communication type. Finally, future research efforts are summarized.
 Speaker Bio
Dr. Lackey researches methods to improve simulation-based training technologies and robotic systems through the application of established and emerging trends in systems engineering and human systems integration. Dr. Lackey joined the ACTIVE Lab in 2008 following seven years of Government service with the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWC TSD). Her efforts with the Navy focused on high risk research and development aimed at rapid transition of virtual communications capabilities to the Field and Fleet.
Effects of Autonomous vs. Remotely-Operated Unmanned Weapon Systems on Human-Robot Teamwork and Trust
Julie N. Salcedo, ACTIVE Lab, Institute for Simulation and Training
Friday, October 21, 2011
11:30am 12:30pm
Partnership III Room 233
In the United States Military, 2011 marks the third year of a 25 year plan to increase the number of unmanned systems across the air, ground, and maritime domains. These systems perform as members of human-robot teams either autonomously or by remote-operation. The success of employing unmanned systems in coordination with human team members depends on system capabilities which support teamwork and trust. Weaponization of these systems introduces new concerns in teamwork and trust research. This paper presents research comparing the effects of autonomous and remotely-operated unmanned weapon systems on human-robot teamwork and trust. The results will contribute to the development of recommended roles and automation levels for future weaponized robotic systems. More
This presentation will include findings from this study as well as a summary of past research for the Ground School XXI (GSXXI) project, which includes a series of studies investigating the potential effects of an unmanned weapon system on team performance, teamwork, and trust when integrated into a human fire team.
Speaker Bio
Ms. Salcedo holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and recently completed a Master's in Modeling and Simulation along with a Certificate in Instructional Design for Simulations from the University of Central Florida. Presently, she is pursuing a Doctorate degree in Modeling and Simulation. Ms. Salcedo joined the ACTIVE Lab in the fall of 2009. A former school teacher, she has 5 years of experience teaching in Brevard and Seminole County Public Schools. At the ACTIVE Lab, Ms. Salcedo leverages her background to inform her research interests in instructional design recommendations for simulation-based and game-based training and education.
Intercultural Communication: A New Approach
to International Relations & Global Challenges
Dr. Madelyn Flammia, Dept. of English, Coordinator, Technical Communication Program
Dr. Houman A. Sadri, Dept. of Political Science
Fri., July 15, 2011
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Partnership THREE Building, Room 233
3100 Technology Pkwy, next to Campus
The need for effective intercultural and international communication is the key for nations, groups and individuals to move from conflict to cooperation and to resolve political power issues in a culturally diverse environment. In our presentation, we focus on the notion of "mindful" communication, which requires knowledge of diplomacy, politics and economy, and an understanding of cultural issues. We examine modern approaches and methods to the study of intercultural communication before discussing processes and technologies. Finally, we look at ethical issues relating to human rights, respecting cultural values and the role of intercultural communication in the future of the global community.
Speaker Bios
 Dr. Madelyn Flammia is an Associate Professor of English and the Coordinator of the Technical Communication Program at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. She teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses in Technical Communication. Her research interests include international technical communication, visual communication, and global virtual teams. Dr. Flammia has given presentations on intercultural communication at professional conferences and for corporate audiences. She is the co-author of Intercultural Communication: A New Approach to International Relations and Global Challenges and the editor of the Society for Technical Communication anthology, Perspectives on the Profession of Technical Communication. Contact Info: Madelyn.Flammia@ucf.edu
 Dr. Houman A. Sadri is an associate professor of international relations at UCF, which he joined in 1995. Professor Sadri earned his doctorate degree from the University of Virginia and his post-doctorate at the Hoover Institution of the Stanford University. He is the author of 6 (4 in print and 2 forthcoming) books. His most recent book is Intercultural Communication: A New Approach to International Relations and Global Challenges (2011), has received excellent reviews. Dr. Sadri teaches about international relations and diplomacy issues at both undergraduate and graduate level courses, including International Relations, International Political Economy, International Organizations, U.S. Foreign Policy, Middle East Politics, and the Caspian Sea Politics. He conducts comparative policy studies with a special focus on international issues. He is often interviewed by national and international media, from the ABC News Nightline program to Voice of America network, and from Australian National Radio to Turkish TV.
Mendeley: Changing the Way We Do Research
Thurs., June 30, 2011
1:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Partnership II Building, Room 209
3100 Technology Pkwy, next to Campus
Ms. Martinez will provide an overview of Mendely, a free reference manager and academic social networking tool. Mendeley grants the ability to automatically generate bibliographies, collaborate easily with other researchers online, easily import papers from other research software, find relevant papers based on what you're reading, access your papers from anywhere online, read papers on the go, with a new iPhone/iPad app, and more.
Speaker Bio
Joy Martinez works for IST's ACTIVE Lab under the direction of Dr. Stephanie Lackey and Mr. Eric Ortiz. Her background in Business Administration and Digital Media, fuels her interest in the interdisciplinary field of Modeling and Simulation. Over the past several years, she has developed a great passion for modern research & development as well as the resources that bring people and knowledge together.
Presently, Joy's work at the ACTIVE Lab encompasses a diverse range of duties. In her current role she manages and performs multiple tasks in research, website management, print production, graphic design, video production, interactive tutorial & training development, narration, photography, content management and public relations. Joy is also working toward a Ph.D. in Modeling and Simulation, focusing on Human Systems in M&S and Simulation Management.
Computer Assisted Trauma Triage (CATT):
Is There a Better Mousetrap When Time Matters?
Steve Talbert, Ph.D., RN,
UCF College of Nursing
Friday February 25, 2011
1:30 p.m.– 2:30 p.m.
Partnership II Building, Room 209
3100 Technology Pkwy, next to Campus
Mistriage rates as high as 50-80% suggest current trauma triage methodologies lack the power to adequately discriminate between patients whose survival depends on access to specialized critical care resources and those who do not. Misapplication of such resources results in increased healthcare cost and reduces the availability of those resources for those patients who truly need them. Computerized decision support systems have successfully improved decision making in many areas and may serve to improve time-sensitive medical decisions as well. In order to test this notion, we compared the performance of four supervised learning techniques to existing human trauma triage based on physiological criteria.
Overall, the supervised learning techniques were just as accurate as human physiological criteria. However, sensitivities and specificities differed among the techniques. A unique finding was how different techniques accurately predicted outcomes for different subgroups of patients. The results support opportunities for exploring how technology can be incorporated into the triage process to improve decision making in this and other time-sensitive and complex situations.
 Speaker Bio
Dr. Talbert has been involved in emergency care for more than 20 years. He is currently faculty in the UCF College of Nursing. His research focuses on improving outcomes in patients experiencing time-sensitive illnesses such as trauma, heart attacks, and strokes. He holds a doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky.
Leveraging help requests in POMDP intelligent
tutoring systems
J.T. Folsom-Kovarik, M.S.,
IST &
Department of Philosophy
Friday January 28, 2011
11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.
Partnership II Building, Room 209
3100 Technology Pkwy, next to Campus
One way intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) differ from human tutors is that few ITSs let users ask questions during instruction. This difference is important because, along with improved help for learners, user questions can also act as a source of model data. Inquiry modeling gives ITSs the ability to answer questions and refine their user models with an inexpensive new input channel. Published literature in several fields combines with a study of human training to build an intuition that inquiry modeling will improve ITSs.
 To support inquiry modeling, an advanced planning construct is applied to ITS user modeling. Partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) are problem representations that can plan complex action sequences in uncertain situations. Tractability issues have previously precluded their use in ITS models. Two novel POMDP representations leverage properties of ITS tasks to improve scaling and encompass the large problem sizes that real-world ITSs must confront. Studies on simulated learners demonstrate that ITS performance with the new representations matches traditional POMDPs on small problems, and can also address much larger problems.
Mr. J.T. Folsom-Kovarik has been a graduate research assistant in the Applied Cognition and Training in Virtual Environments laboratory under Sae Schatz since 2009. He is a graduate student in the computer science department, where his research focuses on novel user interface and user modeling opportunities in intelligent tutors. He holds a bachelor's degree from Drew University and a Master's degree from UCF.
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