Facts are stubborn things;
and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the
dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts
and evidence.
-John Adams
View Research Proposal Submission Guidelines here
Current Research Topics:
Near-Term Projects:
Completed Projects:
Future Project Ideas:
Education & Training
- How much (quantified) improvement does a
dynamic simulator make in operator performance?
- Can low cost training devices improve
performance/expertise?
- How does qualifying for several jobs
impact skill level? How often is refresher needed?
Operator Interface
- When should trend data be used over
digital values?
- What alarm actuation rate exceeds human
threshold for detection? How does that vary with
presentation format?
- Can information be presented in a proven,
better manner (e.g., advance control information, tower
profiles)?
- How realistic do graphic symbols need to
be?
- How dense should graphic displays be? How
should it be measured? What is the alternative is to split
the information over multiple screens?
- Is grey background the best color to use?
- How much impact is there in using red for
both stopped and warning?
- Are “system” or “common trouble” alarms a
good idea?
- How do windows and screen size impact
display design?
Job Aides
- Does procedure use improve performance?
How does that vary with content and format?
Performance Metrics
- Can differences in operator skills be
quantified?
- Do operator skills degrade with advanced
control?
Job Design
- Do prolonged, continuous days at work
degrade performance (fatigue)?
- Does allowing “alertness recovery”
enhance alertness? Are there alternate methods?
- Is there a better way to design operating
consoles?
