Special Seminar: Pamela Bhatti "MEMS-based approaches to overcoming sensory loss in the auditory and vestibular systems"

Special Seminar

MEMS-based Approaches to Overcoming Sensory Loss in the Auditory and Vestibular Systems

Presented by:

Prof. Pamela T. Bhatti

School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Monday, February 27, 2012

Clark Center Auditorium

4:00 PM

Abstract:

In the BioSystems Interface Laboratory we develop novel sensing and stimulating systems to 

overcome sensory loss. To enhance sound perception with cochlear implants, we have 

developed advanced thin-film intracochlear electrode arrays. Moving to the vestibular system, 

we pursue both an implantable and non-implantable systems. Analogous to a cochlear implant, 

we are developing a vestibular prosthesis to convey head rotation cues to the vestibular system 

through electrical stimulation of vestibular nerve fibers to overcome debilitating bilateral 

vestibular hypofunction. Complementing our work in implantable systems, we have developed 

a head worn angular motion monitoring system to aid patients in completing vestibular 

rehabilitation exercises at home. By utilizing a user-friendly interface to the system we hope to 

facilitate the transfer of patient measures to a clinic between rehabilitation sessions.

Short Bio:

Dr. Pamela Bhatti is an Assistant Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. She received a B.S. in Engineering Science (Bioengineering) from

the University of California, Berkeley in 1989, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University

of Washington in 1993, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann

Arbor in 2006 with an emphasis on Micro-electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Before completing

her Ph.D., she researched the detection of breast cancer with ultrasound imaging at the University

of Michigan's Department of Radiology (1997-1999). Her industry experience includes embedded 

systems software development at Microware Corporation, Des Moines, IA (1996-1997), local 

operating network applications development and customer support at Motorola 

Semiconductor in Austin, TX (1994-1995), and research and fabrication of controlled-release 

drug delivery systems at Alza Corporation in Palo Alto, CA (1986-1990). Pamela received the 

NSF CAREER Award in 2011. Committed to translating technology to the clinical setting, she is a 

KL2 Scholar with the Atlanta Clinical and Translations Sciences Institute.