IGERT FELLOWS

Technology-based Learning with Disability Lab

Ronald Butcher

Maurissa D'Angelo

Advisor:  Dr. S. Narayanan, Dr. David Reynolds

Maurissa received her B.S. of E. in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 2004.  She received her M.S. in Human Factors Engineering from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, 2006.  Maurissa is currently working on her dissertation studying the effects of proprioception and virtual reality on rehabilitation.  She volunteers at Untied Rehabilitation Services and the Lifespan Health Research Center where she works to help rehabilitate individuals with disabilities. 

Email:  maurissa@gmail.com

Advisor:  Dr. Helen Klein

Mel received her B.A. in Music and English/American Literature from Washington University in St. Louis in 1993, and her M.A. in Communication Management from the University of Southern California in 1996. She worked for over a decade in the recording and concert industries of St. Louis, San Francisco and Los Angeles before returning to school in 2002 for a 2nd Bachelors in Psychology, conferred by California State University Northridge (CSUN) in 2004. She completed the coursework for her M.A. in Human Factors Psychology at CSUN, and has begun the PhD program at WSU while she finishes her thesis. As a pilot and instructor, Mel focuses her research on designing for a multicultural aviation population, which includes Deaf and Hard-of-hearing pilots.

Email:  mel.futrell@csun.edu

Advisor:  Dr. S. Narayanan

Carissa received her B.S. in Computer Engineering from Ohio State University, 1993. She worked as a computer consultant and as a project manager for web and electronic commerce projects. She returned to college to study human computer interaction at Wright State University (WSU).  Last June, she graduated with a M.S in Human Factors Engineering and was accepted into the PhD program at WSU. Carissa volunteers in the special needs and kindergarten classroom at Mills Lawn elementary school in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Email:  brunsman.3@wright.edu

Advisor:  Dr. Nikolaos Bourbakis

Rob received his B.S. in Mathematics & Computer Science from Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan.  He received his M.S. in Computer Science from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.  Rob is a user focused Software Engineer. Rob has spent the past several years. He volunteers as a community member of it Works.Ohio – futuring panel & programming committee.

Email:  RobKeefer@netscape.net

Advisor:  Dr. John Flach

Jim received his B.S. in Psychology in 2006 from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. He is currently working on his M.S. in Human Factors Psychology. The focus of his thesis is brain computer interface devices and their displays and feedback, with regard to an individual with cerebral palsy. Jim is currently conducting case studies with local area adolescents with disablities and the Cyberlink Brainfingers system. He is also working with Smith Middle School Special Education faculty to help integrate such devices into their classrooms.

Email:  leonard.38@wright.edu

Advisor:  Dr. Helen Klein

Katherine received her B.A. in Near Eastern & Judiac Studies & History from Brandeis University, Waltham, MA.  She received her M.S. in Human Factors Psychology from Wright State University, 2006.  Her dissertation work focuses on complex cognition associated with managing disabilities & chronic diseases.  Katherine has worked with several diabetes clinics to help optimize their education programs.

Email:  lippa.2@wright.edu

Advisor:  Dr. Robert Gilkey

Julio received his B.A. in Psychology from the Universidad Ponticia de Salamanca, Spain, 2003.  He received his M.S. in Human Factors Psychology from Wright State University, 2007.  His dissertation work will focus in navigation aids for the blind.  Julio currently volunteers at Goodwill/Easter Seals Miami Valley – Technology Resource Center & Vision Services.

Email Address:  mateo.2@wright.edu

Advisor:  Dr. Tarun Goswami

Danielle earned a B.S. in biomedical engineering at Michigan Technological University in 2006. She is currently working with the orthopaedic surgery department at Miami Valley Hospital on the biomechanics of orthopaedic implants. Her thesis will focus on the creation of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with carbon nanotubes for potential use in orthopaedic implants & other biomedical & rehabilitation applications. She also has interest in adaptive sports and equipment design and has done volunteer work on adapted down hill skiing.

Email:  miller.612@wright.edu

Advisor:  Dr. John Flach

Holly received her B.S. in biological sciences in 2002 from Wright State University.  She will receive her M.S. in biological sciences in 2007.  Her dissertation work will be in the area of Human Factors Psychology & will focus on elementary school students with developmental disabilities.

Email:  slack.2@wright.edu