CONNECTIONS. Center for Technologies and Research in Alzheimer s Care. September 2014

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1 September 2014 CONNECTIONS Center for Technologies and Research in Alzheimer s Care Dr. Sunghee Tak The Center for Technologies and Research in Alzheimer s Care (CTRAC) is a new multidisciplinary research center committed to research and development of innovative technologies to improve the health and quality of life of persons and families with Alzheimer s disease and other dementias. The goal of the collaborative center is to develop and apply the initial technologies to a broad range of Alzheimer s care services in a variety of settings, such as nursing homes and senior centers. Partners include Alzheimer s Association local chapter, Baptist Memorial Hospital Memory Care Clinic, Aging Commission of the Mid-South, and Alzheimer s Day Services of Memphis. In response to the recent national plan to reduce the devastating impact of Alzheimer s and other dementia on patients and families, Dr. Sunghee Tak from the School of Nursing is collaborating with a core group of University of Memphis faculty with significant expertise in the relevant technical areas: Dr. Bashir Morshed (Electrical and Computer Engineering), Zhiqiang Cai (Institute for Intelligent Systems), Dr. Gavin Bidelman (Communication Sciences & Disorders), Dr. Art Graesser (Psychology), and Dr. Satish Kedia (Public Health). The FedEx Institute has provided funding for CTRAC. Major research activities of CTRAC include: Development of an automated and adaptive software system that assists persons with Alzheimer s or cognitive impairment in performing computer activities and games Explore the feasibility of an innovative new flexible neuro-sensing micro device for continuous tracking of cognitive neurological changes Test the effects of a therapeutic computer-assisted stimulating activity program on cognitive and behavioral improvement in persons with Alzheimer s disease and other dementia. With an increase in the aging population and persons with Alzheimer s disease, care technologies have tremendous potential to impact the lives of patients and families with the illness.

2 Crews Center for Entrepreneurship The Crews Center supports its startups with the best possible resources from computers to co-working space. The capabilities of the Crews Center s rapid prototype shop were recently expanded with the addition of a new Maker- Bot 3D printer. The MakerBot has the capacity to make larger prototypes than our previous 3D printers. It has a temperature-controlled print space that reduces warping of the final product. It also has a built-in web camera that allows progress of print jobs to be monitored remotely. Everyone is invited to stop by the Crews Center to see some of the models that have been built by this new printer. The Crews Center is a program of the FedEx Institute. 2 CONNECTIONS September 2014

3 Dr. Duane McKenna Receives National Science Foundation Grant Dr. Duane McKenna has received a grant from the National Science Foundation to analyze the genetic and anatomic relationships in weevils. Weevils contain more than 51,000 named species. Because of their specialized interactions with plants and fungi, weevils are among the most significant pests of agriculture and forestry worldwide. This project will clarify the interrelationships of all major groups of weevils for the first time and will lead to insights on this economically and ecologically important insect group. Some preliminary research to provide data for the grant was funded by the FedEx Institute. Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta Awarded Cyber Security Grant Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta has been awarded a 3-year grant to develop and implement a puzzle-based cyber security learning program. The puzzle-based approach uses computer software to engage students in thinking about multiple approaches to solving a problem. Dasgupta s team will design and develop interactive, multi-level puzzles for students who have limited knowledge of computers, networks, and cyber security and for students who have a moderate to high level of expertise. The scenario-based security puzzle exercises will allow students to trace back their decisions after completing the puzzle, so they can analyze how an incorrect decision may lead to a cyber breach and explore how to take correct actions to prevent future attacks. The Center for Information Assurance is housed in the FedEx Institute. 3

4 FITKids Memphis FITKids is a web-based tool that helps parents understand and reduce their children s risk of obesity by making healthy changes. FITKids was developed through the support of the FedEx Institute, and Blue Cross Blue Shield s Tennessee Health Foundation which awarded a three year demonstration grant to launch FITKids in the Memphis community. Parents will soon be able to access FITKids through interactive kiosks in Memphis Public Libraries, the Pink Palace Family of Museums, and the YMCA. Parents can also access FITKids through their personal computer or ipad. The tool is easy for parents to use. They provide their child s height, weight, age, and gender and then answer questions related to their family s eating and activity habits. The tool gives parents personalized recommendations on how to make lifestyle changes to reduce risk and support healthy behaviors. FITKids was conceived by Drs. Ken Ward and Lisa Klesges from the School of Public Health and Dr. Ramin Homayouni, director of the Center for Translational Informatics. Memphis Innovation Bootcamp Memphis Innovation Bootcamp The next Memphis Innovation Bootcamp will be held October in the IDEA space on the 2nd floor of the FedEx Institute. The application is posted on memphisinnovationbootcamp.com. During the MIB, participants learn about human-centered design principles from a group of experienced facilitators. These principles are then applied to a hands-on, real-world problem that could benefit from the collaborative energies of the MIB teams. The MIB is a program of the FedEx Institute. 4 CONNECTIONS September 2014

5 U of M Named Environmentally Responsible College The Princeton Review has named the University of Memphis as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada. The education services company known for its test prep programs and college rankings, ratings and guidebooks profiles the U of M in the fifth annual edition of its free downloadable book, The Princeton Review s Guide to 332 Green Colleges. The Princeton Review chose the schools for this guide based on a survey it conducted in 2013 of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges to measure the schools commitment to the environment and to sustainability. The institutional survey included questions about course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. The U of M s annual Tiger Blue Goes Green Day spotlights the many eco-friendly initiatives developed by the university and the surrounding community. Support from FedEx Corporation We would like to express our gratitude to FedEx Corporation for their significant support which allows the FedEx Institute to invest in technology commercialization, corporate engagement, and entrepreneurship programs. 5

6 Office of Technology Transfer The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) hosted a Lunch and Learn to review the basics of Intellectual Property for researchers and graduate students. The presentation included fundamentals of the technology transfer process, key points and concepts to consider when evaluating novel research, as well as an in-depth review of the invention disclosure form. The next OTT event will be held in the fall and will focus on licensing. The OTT works closely with U of M faculty researchers to identify commercially valuable inventions that are being developed in their labs. Foundation Instruments Awarded Grant Foundation Instruments, Inc. has been awarded a $150,000 National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research (NSF-SBIR) Phase 1 grant. The grant was awarded to develop a new device for measuring the concentration of federally-regulated, carcinogenic chemicals produced during disinfection of drinking water at municipal water treatment plants. This is the first SBIR award by the NSF to a company in West Tennessee that we are aware of. Foundation Instruments is a high-tech start-up company spun out from the University of Memphis. The company was founded by Drs. Gary Emmert and Paul Simone. Foundation Instruments received early support from the FedEx Institute. CONNECTIONS Editor Cathy Carrigan 6 CONNECTIONS September 2014

7 Tidbits Kevin Boggs participated in a panel discussion for upper school students at St. Mary s School. The theme was how empathy and compassion can lead to creativity and innovation. The FedEx Institute donated funds for the individual paper awards and the naming contest for QuaesitUM, the journal of undergraduate research papers. Kevin Boggs gave the welcome address in The Zone at the FedEx Institute to the Council of State Governments Entrepreneurship Days event hosted by Senator Mark Norris. For the second consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of Memphis in its Top 25 in online graduate business programs for veterans. The U of M is ranked 24th. 7

8 A Tennessee Board of Regents Institution An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University UOM222-FY1415/6C