Melody Jackson

Dr. Melody Jackson directs the Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) Lab as well as the BrainLab at the School of Interactive Computing at Georgia Tech. The ACI Lab team is investigating ways that technology can enhance communication between humans and animals. Through wearable technology and environmental devices, they are creating ways for working dogs to impart critical information, or to even summon help for their handlers. The ACI lab also studies sensors for determining aspects of temperament that can predict success for service dogs, and biometric measurement of canine activity. Dr. Jackson has lifelong experience training dogs and horses, and has been involved with Canine Companions for Independence since 1995, raising and training five service dog puppies. The ACI Lab has been funded by a variety of sponsors including the National Science Foundation, the GT GVU Center, and DARPA.
The BrainLab team researches ways of controlling computers and other devices with brain signals alone. Dr. Jackson’s BrainLab work over the last 20 years has focused on creating communication, environmental control, and mobility solutions for people with severe physical disabilities such as locked-in syndrome.