SUMMARY
The research interests of Gaurav N. Pradhan, Ph.D., focus on applying cutting-edge approaches in the context of high-dimensional, multisensor and multistream databases. These tools include:
- Data mining.
- Pattern recognition.
- Knowledge discovery.
- Machine learning.
- Cluster analysis.
- Association rule mining.
- Content-based similarity retrieval.
Dr. Pradhan is specifically interested in developing real-time computational and mathematical models and simulations in medicine, conducting healthcare data analytics and mining, and creating data visualizations in biomedical informatics.
Dr. Pradhan's research primarily includes developing novel, real-time, eye-tracking technology as a biomarker of cognitive impairment. He also is developing real-time computational models to generate multiaxial galvanic vestibular commands matching motions in the visual scene, particularly in the areas of flight simulations, medical applications and entertainment.
Focus areas
- Cognitive performance and impairment biomarkers using oculometrics. Dr. Pradhan uses oculometrics as operational biomarkers for cognitive performance in detecting early warning signs of mild cognitive impairment. He applies predictive computational models-based eye-tracking technologies for advancing the clinical assessment of neurological conditions such as early diagnosis of concussions, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Another project includes the development of a novel cognitive test — Oculo-Cognitive Addition Test (OCAT) — for measuring cognitive performance.
- Vestibular research in spatial orientation, mitigating motion sickness and balance. Dr. Pradhan applies real-time pattern recognition algorithms to generate galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) commands that match motions in the visual scenes to provide synchronized motion perception. The development of a proprietary algorithm for identifying 3D movement information in yaw, pitch and roll directions during visual simulation provides corresponding multiaxial GVS commands in real time. Dr. Pradhan is investigating the integration of GVS technology in virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance fidelity of motion and to significantly mitigate virtual reality sickness. His team applies a nonpharmaceutical countermeasure approach using galvanic vestibular reduction to suppress disorienting illusions and mitigate motion sickness. With the development of dual opposing-phase GVS, his group hopes to improve balance and gait performance in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury or who experience vestibular disorders causing dizziness, impaired balance and altered coordination.
- Visual analytics and data mining — AI. Dr. Pradhan employs data visualization models and visual analytics to develop diagnostic visualization tools. To derive tissue oxygenation and cognitive capabilities in challenging environments, such as high altitudes, Dr. Pradhan applies data fusion of multidimensional information from eye-tracking features, multiple physiological monitoring devices for cardiovascular parameters, central and peripheral hemodynamic parameters, and arterial blood gas analysis.
- Cochlear electrostimulation generating sound. Dr. Pradhan is developing noninvasive electrostimulation of the cochlea to create sound without involvement of traditional acoustic transducers or the influence of the outer and middle ear structures.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Pradhan has transformed the galvanic vestibular stimulation technique by synchronizing it with the visual field. This technology has potential applications not only to provide quantitative diagnostic tools for various balance issues and vertigo but also to improve recovery tools for balance retraining.
Dr. Pradhan's work with oculometrics finds patterns for cognitive loss in eye movements. These changes can help spot early symptoms of neurological conditions, such as dementias and concussions, and notice central nervous system impairment from prescribed medicines. Additionally, this technology can point out dangerous sleep-related issues or the ill effects of alcohol or drugs.
Professional highlights
- Associate editor, Journal of Healthcare Informatics Research, 2023-present.
- Advisory council member, Committee on Credible Practice of Modeling and Simulation in Healthcare, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, 2016-2017.
- Consultant, Safety and Mission Assurance Program to review Integrated Medical Model to forecast risk of crew health and space mission success, NASA, 2015-2016.
- Workshop chair, International Conference on Healthcare Informatics, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2015.
- Arnold D. Tuttle Award, Aerospace Medical Association, 2013.