Graduate Students
Kelly Tai
M.A.Sc. Candidate
Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering
University of Toronto
Advisor: Dr. Tom Chau
E-mail: kelly[dot]tai[at]utoronto[dot]ca
Education or Training:
Kelly received her B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Co-operative Education) from the University of Alberta in 2005. She began her Master’s program under Dr. Chau in 2006. She has over two years of engineering experience in academia and industry, having worked at companies such as General Dynamics Canada and Yamatake Corporation in Japan.
Research title:
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Signal Classification: Towards a Brain-Computer Interface
Research abstract:
A brain-computer interface (BCI) allows a person with locked-in syndrome to communicate and interact with the environment through the modulation of physiological signals. Studies suggest that emotional responses to situational stimuli can generate measurable changes in tissue oxygenation at the brain's prefrontal cortex.We are investigating whether cortical activity elicited by affective tasks can be reliably detected using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), an optical technology commonly used to clinically monitor tissue oxygenation levels.
The main research question this study addresses is whether affective tasks can be harnessed to control a NIRS-based BCI. Cortical activity will be recorded in individuals from the able-bodied and target populations as they view a series of pictures known to elicit positive and negative emotional responses. We will then evaluate offline classification techniques for distinguishing between resting and active states in the recorded signals. A qualitative evaluation of NIRS' clinical utility will also be performed using a set of subjective measures.
Other Interests:
Kelly is passionate about travel. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano and long-distance running.
