Kodi Cheng
Biomedical Engineering, College of Natural + Applied Sciences
Prosthetic Eye-Hand Coordination
Introduce yourself...
I am a Masters student in Biomedical Engineering. My background focusses on the physiology of human movement. I wanted to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering to translate my physiology background into useable rehabilitation technologies
What are you researching and what do you hope comes out of your research?
I study the visuomotor behaviours of upper limb prosthesis users. I hope to gain a better understanding of the way prosthesis users interact with their devices and shape the way theses devices continue to be developed, as well as to inform rehabilitation training
How did presenting a Three Minute Thesis (3MT) help explain your research to the public?
Before writing/presenting my 3MT, I realized that my family and friends had no idea what I was researching. This has allowed me to explain to them my research in a simplified manner. The 3MT also solidified my own understanding of my research and will allow me to give an effective "elevator pitch" in the future.
What inspires you to do research?
I have worked one-on-one with many individuals who experience disabilities and have been inspired by their stories and the impact that I can have on their lives. Through my research, I hope to continue to have an impact on improving the lives of individuals with amputation and provide equal opportunities for these individuals.
What are three keywords important to your 3MT?
Prosthetics, amputation, eye-hand coordination
How does your research impact local, provincial, or global communities at large?
We work closely with persons with amputation in the Edmonton area and hope to have a direct impact on improving the daily lives of these individuals. As one of the main centres for prosthetic research in Canada, we have an impact across the country and around the world.
If you had to dedicate your research to anyone from the past, present, or future—who would it be and why?
My research is primarily dedicated to individuals with amputation for being so resilient and a source of inspiration. I'm also grateful for my parents for always being so supportive, as well as my undergraduate professors for inspiring me to pursue this field of research.
3MT Image Description - The image on the left is a visual of a motor plan being generated in the brain in order to activate the muscles required to make a cup of coffee. On the right is the representation of data collected (motion capture + eye tracking) while performing a functional task