Andrew S. Whitford

I am currently affiliated with Professor Doug Weber's NeuroMechatronics Lab, where I am developing software and analytics for improving the interface between humans and machines. In particular, I am working on the development of innovative new technology for direct brain-computer interfaces.

Previously, I was a postdoctoral researcher in the Robotics Institute of the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University. I was fortunate to have Professor Jessica Hodgins as a mentor. Our primary project — supported by the Center for Machine Learning and Health — aimed to develop technology for rehabilitation and physical therapy. A description of this project is available via the Pittsburgh Health Data Alliance (PHDA) website. I also commented on the project in an interview for the PHDA blog, and in a more recent followup interview. More generally, we engaged in projects exploring applications of machine learning in healthcare.

Prior to my time at CMU, I was a part of the Schwartz Lab at the University of Pittsburgh, where we studied the neuroscience of human movement. We sought to apply what we learned to the development of medical technologies. In particular, our work on direct interfaces between computers and the brain featured prominently in both the scientific literature and popular media — such as the New York Times and CBS' 60 Minutes.

Broadly speaking, my research interests involve the use of mathematical and computational methods to understand, predict, and supplement human health and behavior. I aim to participate in research at the intersection of human and artificial intelligence. I have a strong interest in high-impact medical- and technology-related applications.