James Weimer, an assistant professor of computer science and a renowned medical-device entrepreneur, has been awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award. The grant, totaling over $570,000, will support Weimer’s efforts to enhance the safety and effectiveness of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
Weimer’s research focuses on learning-enabled medical cyber-physical systems (LE-MCPS), which are intelligent medical systems that provide valuable feedback to caregivers. These systems employ advanced machine learning and AI techniques to improve functionality and decision-making processes.
One example of LE-MCPS is a stroke detection device used in hospitals. This device analyzes accelerometer data to not only notify nurses when a stroke is suspected but also tailors the alert to the specific patient, ensuring a minimum number of false alarms. Another example is a postpartum hemorrhage predictor, which assesses the risk of hemorrhage in expectant mothers before childbirth. This allows clinical care teams to plan ahead and take prompt action if necessary.
However, LE-MCPS heavily rely on experimentation to generate data for design and assurance purposes. This can result in inefficiencies and increased patient risk. Weimer and his team aim to address these challenges by developing technology that enhances efficiency and reduces the potential for errors.
Weimer’s expertise and experience in building real-world medical devices, including his co-founding roles at Neuralert and Vasowatch, will play a crucial role in this project. Notably, Weimer’s invention, Neuralert, a noninvasive wristband device that automates stroke detection and alerting, was recognized as one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions in 2022. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also designated Neuralert as a Breakthrough Device in 2021.
The NSF CAREER Award will enable Weimer to further investigate LE-MCPS within the context of stroke detection and postpartum hemorrhage prediction. By applying his expertise and leveraging the grant’s resources, Weimer aims to tackle the technical challenges and improve the overall safety and efficacy of these systems.
Through this research, Weimer and his team hope to revolutionize the field of medical technology, making significant advancements in the application of machine learning and AI for the benefit of patients and caregivers alike.
References:
– [Link to Weimer’s Time magazine recognition](insert-link-here)
– [Link to Neuralert’s FDA Breakthrough Device designation](insert-link-here)
