08-15, 16:00–16:50 (US/Eastern), Little Theatre
Human augmentation is the idea of using technology to hack, alter, and enhance human perception and performance. Imagine being able to enhance your ability to navigate by sensing the flow of magnetic fields like a pigeon. Many industries are starting to explore human augmentation, such as space (enhancing astronauts), medical (rehabilitation), entertainment (greater immersion), military (greater performance), among others. In the first presentation, Dr. Vimal will begin by providing an overview of psychology and neuroscience research on the topics of human augmentation. Then he will share his own NASA-funded research on using sensory augmentation as a countermeasure for spatial disorientation. What dangers could arise from building a bridge between human and sensory augmentation devices that have the capability of altering human perception? This question will connect to the second presentation of the panel, where Dr. Palmer and Dr. Potter will explore how human augmentation connects to security through biocybersecurity followed by Q&A.
Lucas Potter is a biomedical engineer specializing in the integration of biology, medicine, and engineering to design and optimize medical technologies. Throughout his academic career, Lucas has contributed to various research projects, focusing on areas such as biocybersecurity, virtual surgical planning, and the security risks associated with (IoT) health devices.
linkedin: lucaspotter
Xavier Palmer is an engineer across multiple disciplines, with work focused largely in biomedical contexts. He is fond of positive and creative projects that foster curiosity and helpful conversations around technologies that interface with biology.
Vivekanand Pandey Vimal is a research scientist in the Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Lab. His research is focused on spatial disorientation and human augmentation. He also works on a number of multidisciplinary creative projects that mix science and art to explore the deeper philosophies of human augmentation, such as exploring how to create a feeling of oneness in a group of dancers who receive vibrotactile feedback.
website: sites.google.com/view/vivekanandpandeyvimal
