Image: Smiling and playful childImage: Doctor Tom ChauImage: Child playing

Bloorview Research Institute

Scientist Profiles

Image of Tom Chau

Name: Tom Chau

Title: Senior Scientist

Theme: Innovation & Development

Education:

Ph.D., Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo
M.A.Sc., Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto
B.A.Sc., Engineering Science, University of Toronto

University Position:

Research Interests:

  1. Access innovations for children and youth with severe disabilities. We are developing novel access technologies to enable communication, computer use, environmental control, and creative expression (e.g., music, painting).Access modalities under investigation include brain-machine interfaces (optical, ultrasonic, electrical), facial thermography, mechanomyography, otoacoustic emissions, peripheral autonomic signals, vocal fold vibrations, extant vocalizationsand computer vision-based access. Related topics include physiological synchrony, multivariate dynamic pattern discovery, concept-based communication, real-time feedback, contingency training and access assessment, delivery and training (in collaboration with the Toronto District School Board).
  2. Kinetics of handwriting and drawing. To better understanding the biomechanics of fine motor difficulties, we have been studying the kinetic profiles of writing and drawing in various populations using uniquely developed grip-enabled writing implements. Topics include elucidation of the grip shape-grip kinetic relationship, variation and demographic correlates of grip kinetics, and correlation between standardized handwriting measures and kinetic variables.
  3. Automatic classification of swallowing safety. We have developed accelerometric measurements of swallowing in child and adult populations, as well as associated signal processing and pattern classification algorithms.
  4. Neuromotor dynamics of quasi-periodic movement. We have studied the statistical persistence of extended walking and drawing activities under various conditions (e.g., aural/visual metronomic pacing, compliant surfaces, treadmill, overground) with the goal of elucidating the functional purpose (e.g., metabolic efficiency and dynamic stability) of such dynamics.

 

Contact Information:
Bloorview Research Institute,
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
150 Kilgour Road
Toronto, Ontario M4G 1R8

Tel: 416-425-6220, extension 3515 (Bloorview)
Tel: (416) 978-6108 (IBBME)

E-mail: tom.chau at utoronto dot ca

Website: www.prismlab.org

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