Computer Science PhD Defense, Christopher Micek " Mindful Machines: Enabling HCI Research Exploring Novel Brain-Driven Interaction Paradigms for Collaboration"

Christopher Micek

PhD Candidate

WPI – Computer Science Department 

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Fuller Labs 311

https://wpi.zoom.us/j/91317458578

Committee Members:

Advisor: Prof. Erin Solovey, WPI – Computer Science

Prof. Lane Harrison, WPI – Computer Science

Prof. Yunus Telliel, WPI – Humanities & Arts (External Committee Member)

Prof. Felix Putze, University of Bremen – Mathematics & Computer Science (External Committee Member)

Abstract:

 With advances in the capabilities and affordability of brain sensing technologies, brain data is increasingly being integrated as input into interactive systems. Such data can give insight into the cognitive and affective states of users, augmenting their capabilities and enriching interactions, as well as informing user-centered design and evaluation of innovative interfaces.

 However, there is a dearth of user-friendly tools supporting the development of brain-computer interfaces, which typically requires a high level of time and expertise. The aims of this dissertation are to develop and evaluate such tools and methods to make working with brain data accessible, and to demonstrate the utility of brain signals in novel interaction paradigms for collaboration.