Prof. Eamon Doherty (far left) and a class of graduate students designed a
snack system operated by facial gestures for Bruce Davis (center), who
was paralyzed by a swimming accident.

Doherty teaches Technical Applications for Not-for-Profit Management, Computer Security Administration, Computer Seizure and Examination and Recreation for Persons with Disabilities. The latter course was based on his volunteer work and academic research with disabled persons and computer-brain interfacing. His recent book, Computer Recreation for Everyone, coauthored with Gary Stephenson, focuses on entertainment options for senior citizens and disabled and severely motor-impaired persons. The book is available through http://www.barnesandnoble.com.

Previously, Doherty worked to create various communication systems for paralyzed patients. With the help of graduate computer science students, Doherty has been instrumental in developing applications using Cyberlink, a computer interface that can be operated through facial movements or electrical brain transmissions. Projects included an emergency telephone communications system for paralyzed patients who are also voice-impaired, multilingual communications systems for such patients and a mind/body-operated robotic arm.

Doherty’s recent interest in network security began in health care with the development of computer and network security systems for nursing home and retirement village residents. Supported by a grant from the National Guard, he is currently developing online classes in computer forensics and computer security administration for FDU’s online graduate degree and certificate programs in homeland security.

Applications have included a telerobotic system with the potential for handling small amounts of hazardous waste remotely, developed with FDU student Joel Fernandes, and a “Single Click Communication” device, developed with Peter Lacerda, MS’04 (T), that could be used by injured soldiers to communicate with both English-speaking and non-English speaking medical personnel. Both were presented at the New Jersey Homeland Security Conference held at Fort Monmouth, N.J., in June 2004.

Doherty holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Sunderland in England. He has published several academic papers, including one on augmentative communications programs designed for vegetative and comatose persons. His work in this area was presented at many conferences, including the 2000 Conference on Universal Usability held in Washington, D.C.

In Doherty’s own words:

On teaching at FDU: I enjoy teaching at FDU. It is great how the students have been so eager to make posters and write papers for conferences. I also appreciate how the students’ work experience can be brought into those papers and posters.

On current research and interests: My current interests are in network security and computer forensics, especially in hand-held devices like PDAs.