Phone: (503) 748-1160 FAX:
(503) 748-1306
My research is focused along several threads in adaptive systems including machine learning research in theory and algorithm synthesis, with applications to health care, speech and image processing, fault detection, and modeling in complex systems.
I collaborate with Misha Pavel, Tamara Hayes, and Deniz Erdogmus in the OHSU Point of Care Laboratory (POCL) and with Jeff Kaye director of OHSU's Layton Againg & Alzheimer's Disease Center. My work with these colleagues is aimed at detecting behavioral changes that are predictive of emerging health problems, particularly cognitive decline. This work makes use of a number of novel unobstrusive in-home monitoring technologies (see POCL) to provide early detection of health-related changes.
Health Care Applications of Machine Learning
I've enjoyed a long collaboration with Antonio Baptista and OGI's Center for Coastal and Land-Margin Research. Our work with CCALMR's CORIE project is aimed at improving reliability of measurements and modeling for the Columbia River estuary. Our system for detecting sensor degradation cut salinity data loss by over 50%. We have applied learning technology as key elements in a (problem-portable) data assimilation (model / data fusion) system. Ours is the first data assimilation system to operate successfully in a strongly non-linear river-estuarine-ocean system. The system makes novel use of neural networks trained to emulate the dynamics of an extremely large (10^7 degrees of freedom) finite element model of the system. These emulators, or model surrogates, provide a reduction in the time required for model evaluation by a factor of one to twelve thousand, enabling a dramatic increase in ensemble prediction capability.
Environmental Observation and Forecasting Systems
Theoretical Neuroscience
Dr. Pat Roberts of OHSUs Neurological Sciences Institute and I have done joint work on the dynamics of spike-timing-dependent learning. That work was aimed at understanding the role of noise in learning and recall in the nervous system. The model system for the study is a member of the family of mormyrid electric fish.
