Pain Feedback for Reactive and Embodied Prosthetic Limbs

I am particularly interested in bionic or robotic prosthetics and orthotics as this is where I believe the greatest developments in control, functionality, and fidelity can be made. I think my degrees
in neuroscience and robotics facilitate this, having provided me with knowledge and experience with both the human and the robotic sides of the bionic prosthetic coin. Moreover, I possess a
wide breadth of research experience in various relevant fields. In this regard, I have an extensive knowledge base regarding bionic prosthetics: I wrote a review paper on neuroprosthetics that established a novel structure for classification, and evaluated neuroprosthetic components to determine the most ideal neuroprosthetic type. The body of the review examined brain-machine interface types such as EEG, EMG, and invasive electrodes; the types of classifiers different prosthetics use to determine the user's intended action; the types of mechanical actuation available for prosthetics and orthotics; and the various types of
feedback systems employed to provide fine-tuned control. The evaluation section - which aimed to determine the ideal neuroprosthetic for a given injury type - required critical thinking of current
technology and medical practice, which I believe to be an important skill in designing new systems. The review also contained an ethics section, which I consider paramount in the study
of human-robotic connectivity of any kind, not least in research with important medical consequences. I have also completed more hands-on research projects in a variety of subjects. My robotics
degree has given me the electronic, design, and coding skills that may be useful in formulating and creating new bionic machinery. This includes CAD, and the languages Python, C, Matlab,
Arduino, and Lua. I have experience creating simulations, which could allow for the testing of new systems prior to their actualisation, in order to streamline design processes. I have
experience using statistical analysis and mathematical modelling on large data sets in both simulated and real-world experiments, having employed generalised linear modelling, bayesian
classification, and statistical measures of significance. Moreover, I have experience working with human participants in semi-clinical scenarios through an MRI and MEG research project - I
understand the need for patience when working with human subjects, as well as the sensitive nature of the data collected. Finally, I have a combined total of over 1000 hours in higher
education laboratory experience, split between robotics, neuroimaging, biology, and chemistry - I am very comfortable working in highly controlled scenarios where everything is noted, and
safety comes first. I believe that the Centre of Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics is the best next step for my journey into the research of bionic prosthetics. Between my passion for the subject, the
opportunities the CDT would provide me, and my experiences and skills obtained thus far, I believe I would make an excellent candidate. I am confident that the Centre of Doctoral Training
in Prosthetics and Orthotics will provide me with the knowledge and expertise necessary to research and develop new and exciting bionic prosthetics, and hopefully, these will help someone along the way.