W Robert J Funnell

Biography

Associate Professor, BioMedical Engineering Associate Professor, Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Associate Member, Obstetrics & Gynecology Associate Member, Electrical Engineering

Research Interest

Middle-ear mechanics. The overall objective is to address key clinical issues related to hearing loss. The specific objectives are to (1) obtain more accurate and more detailed information from screening and diagnostic tests, especially in infants; and (2) design better techniques for repairing middle ears. The approach is to do both experimental work and computer modelling. The experimental work is complemented by experimental data from our collaborators in Antwerp. The interpretation and synthesis of the experimental data is addressed using finite-element models. Three-dimensional modelling of complex natural structures. The objective is to develop innovative approaches to the creation of computer-based 3-D models of complex natural objects, for the purposes of both visualization and simulation. The emphasis is on the creation of high-quality finite-element models for complex structures consisting of multiple heterogeneous substructures. 3-D models for teaching. The current emphasis is on the use of interactive 3-D models for teaching anatomy, and on the use of haptics (force feedback) for endoscopy training.