Written by: Paola Pinto April 29, 2024 Thomas Warren de Wit, PhD student in Computer Science Thomas Warren de Wit, a PhD student in computer science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, is seeking to develop technology that will transform the field of neurotech research. Recently, he was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for his participation in the 2023 Army Futures Command Conference. Dr. Thomas Davis from Army DAC-DEVCOM presented the award at the College of Science Honors Day in April 2024. De Wit's journey into the world of computer science and neurotech began during his undergraduate and master's studies at the University of Tennessee. His fascination with brain development and neurodivergence, influenced by personal experiences within a family of scientists, artists, and special educators, led him to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cognitive computational neuroscience. "The niche that grabbed me was artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to cognitive computational neuroscience," de Wit explains. "This cognitive computation offers us the ability to relate to someone who works very differently than ourselves on a very fundamental, quantitative level." Warren de Wit setting up data collection for another student's neural patterns, which he then uses to train an AI in his research. Driven by his passion for understanding the human brain and its applications in technology, de Wit embarked on a journey that took him to Shanghai to study under a renowned professor in the field during his master's studies. This experience laid the foundation for his groundbreaking research in neurotech. De Wit's research focuses on developing human intent-guided autonomous systems (HiGAS), a concept that aims to revolutionize how humans interact with technology, particularly in high-risk environments such as military operations. His innovative approach involves decoding neural signals to enable seamless communication between humans and machines. "One of the most dangerous parts of military operations is still the dismounted soldier, especially in indoor and subterranean situations," de Wit explains. "I started thinking about how we could use neurotech to enhance situational awareness and improve safety for our soldiers." His research has profound implications for military applications and fields such as search and rescue and healthcare. By leveraging neurotechnology, de Wit envisions a future where human-machine interactions are intuitive and seamless. Reflecting on his journey, de Wit acknowledges the challenges of balancing a full-time job with doctoral studies. "It's no easy feat," he admits. "But passion and dedication are key. I've been fortunate to have had this opportunity to pursue my research, something I've been fascinated by it for over a decade." When asked about the strategies that have helped him succeed, de Wit emphasizes the importance of productivity techniques. "Having a digital notebook and utilizing task management systems like Trello have been invaluable," he explains. "These tools help me stay organized and focused amidst a busy schedule." Additionally, de Wit acknowledges the pivotal role relationships students build with faculty at UAH; he highlights the support from Dr. Vineetha Menon from the Department of Computer Science, who showed interest in his research and facilitated connections with DEVCOM in the Huntsville Redstone Arsenal as well as connections to the Psychology department at UAH. This partnership not only enriches his academic experience but also fosters innovation and growth within the field of neurotech and computer science research. “We are actively expanding the scope of revolutionary human-AI teaming centric applications and translating this technology to practice to help soldiers leverage AI technology and lower their cognitive burden for decision making in critical environments,” Dr Menon shares. Dr. Menon explains that the innovative AI/Machine Learning research supported by her lab as de Wit's advisor and the work highlighted by Warren and acknowledged by DEVCOM constitutes a significant aspect of his doctoral thesis. The HiGAS research project stands out for its uniqueness, as it was specifically chosen by DEVCOM to present cutting-edge technology for the future. It highlights the prospects of leveraging human-centric AI design and technology in autonomous systems for real-world solutions. Despite the demanding nature of his work, de Wit remains optimistic about the future of neurotech research. He hopes to inspire the next generation of innovators through passion, dedication, and a pioneering spirit, believing they can create a brighter, more interconnected future.
