A University of Newcastle graduate has landed a spot at Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League school in the United States and one of the world's leading research universities.
Sam Parker, an Electrical Engineering graduate, will pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on research into brain computer interfaces - devices which are able to interpret the electrochemical signals of the brain into information used to control computers or prosthetic limbs.
Mr Parker was awarded Best Project at the University of Newcastle for his final year project work on developing a 3D-printed, brain-controlled robotic arm.
"When you want to move your hand or really do anything, your brain generates an electrical signal, and that electrical signal can be measured on your scalp," said Mr Parker. "What my project did, was it decoded those electrical signals and then was able to figure out whether you were trying to open your hand or close your hand."
With Brown University at the forefront of brain computer interface research, Mr Parker hopes the opportunity will bring him closer to his dream of helping amputees or sufferers of paralysis by restoring some of their lost limb function through the use of this technology.
"When I was in early high school I thought there was such an injustice, people could be in the prime of their life and and then be struck down by an injury or an illness and have reduced upper limb function, relying on other people for care, not able to feed themselves or clothe themselves," said Mr Parker.
"I thought about what I could do to try and help these people, give them a second grasp on life, and give them their independence back."
Mr Parker, a 2020 John Monash scholar, plans to relocate to Rhode Island this August to commence his studies.
"It's a little bit anxiety inducing, but I've got a pretty good support network over there," he said. "I've got a few friends and I've got some family over there, so I'm taking all the appropriate precautions."
"It's going to be a little bit scary, but I'm sure I'm going to be adapting pretty quick."
 |
| Electrical Engineering Graduate Sam Parker poses with his final year project. |
