Whether it’s solving the world’s biggest problems or investigating the potential of novel discoveries, researchers at UCF are on the edge scientific breakthroughs that aim to make an impact. Through the Research in 60 Seconds series, student and faculty researchers condense their complex studies into bite-sized summaries so you can know how and why Knights plan to improve our world.
Name: Pavan Senthil
Majors: Electrical engineering and biomedical sciences with a track in neuroscience
Why are you interested in this research?
The research projects at Limbitless Solutions presented a unique opportunity to be involved in the intersection of engineering and medicine. Our bionic arms and Project Xavier utilize innovative electromyography (EMG) technology to develop clinical applications that aim to improve the user’s quality of life through the assistive device.
As an aspiring biomedical engineer, these projects aligned perfectly with my academic and career interests in developing assistive technology. It’s exciting to be able to help others directly through my coursework and research, especially as early as an undergraduate. I’m deeply grateful to be a part of an organization that not only supports my professional development but also dedicates itself to a positive cause.
How did you get started in research at UCF?
Having taken the AP Capstone program for research in high school, I came to UCF with the goal of continuing my involvement in research at the undergraduate level. Fortunately, I was presented with a wide variety of opportunities through various programs at UCF. The Office of Undergraduate Research’s (OUR) peer-mentoring program and student researchers I met at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a student organization on campus, were influential in guiding me to the various ways to get involved in research.
I discovered Limbitless’s research through my Honors Symposium course and was encouraged to apply to the program by both faculty members and peers. At Limbitless, I have been able to immerse myself in a variety of research opportunities in both individual and team settings. UCF and Limbitless’s commitment to promoting undergraduate research has been very impactful in helping me grow towards continuing research postgraduation.
Who is your mentor? Who inspires you and how?
My mentor is Dr. Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD, co-founder and executive director at Limbitless Solution and the head of its research team. Dr. Manero has shaped my undergraduate research journey by aligning it with my career interests while pushing me to expand my capabilities as a researcher. Under his mentorship, I have found a role model who inspires those around him through his passion for accessibility technology research and his commitment to the team’s growth and success.
At Limbitless, I continue to be motivated by our highly interdisciplinary undergraduate team, from pre-medical researchers to engineers to video game developers. Our diverse expertise and ability to collaborate is what makes our projects possible. Through this experience, I’ve met a community of talented and hardworking people who have always extended their support and resources to help me overcome both personal and professional hurdles.
How does UCF empower you to do your research?
UCF’s Office of Undergraduate Research has been an invaluable resource for empowering my research at Limbitless. OUR incentivizes research through various programs, including the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Student Scholar Symposium and funding for research conferences alongside Student Government. Additionally, OUR helps new researchers build their skills through workshops on poster development, academic writing, applying for research grants, etc. My involvement with these programs has significantly boosted my confidence in my research abilities and allowed me to network with other like-minded individuals on campus. The support and resources provided by UCF through OUR have been instrumental in advancing my research journey at Limbitless.
Why is this research important?
Individuals with low or no mobility often depend on a caretaker to perform basic tasks. People with neurodegenerative conditions, specifically those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can regain a sense of autonomy by having personalized tools like the control system our team developed. Project Xavier aims to improve the quality of life for these individuals by providing them with an alternative wheelchair control method.
To help users practice the facial muscle-controlled method of operating the wheelchair, Limbitless’ games team, led by Associate Professors Peter Smith ’05 ’12PhD and Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08 MFA, has developed a video game training method in collaboration with the Nicholson School of Communication and Media, and the School of Visual Arts and Design. The video game, titled Limbitless Journey, offers a low-stress training environment that supplements their daily use of a wheelchair while promoting user autonomy through eye-tracking-based menu navigation. The use of video games as effective tools for rehabilitation is a large part of the research at Limbitless, and the training efforts with Project Xavier aim to explore the efficacy of Limbitless Journey in clinical applications.
Research for the creation and implementation of accessibility technology as a whole is critical for promoting quality of life and equal opportunities in our communities. By designing for inclusivity, people who may have previously been excluded are empowered to contribute their diverse perspectives to the conversation on accessibility. Their insights allow for more accessible solutions to ensure that technology aims to meet the needs of all users.
