Melody M. Moore, Ph.D.

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Melody Moore is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Information Systems Department of the College of Business Administration at Georgia State University.

Dr. Moore holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology.  Her dissertation work in user interface reengineering combined the areas of Human-Computer Interface and Software Engineering, and her minor was Postsecondary Education.  Dr. Moore also holds a B.A. in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin (1980), and the M.S. of Information and Computer Science from Georgia Tech 1988).

Prior to GSU, Dr. Moore was on the faculty of the College of Computing at Georgia Tech for nine years as a Research Scientist, creating and directing the Open Systems lab, and teaching Software Engineering.

Before coming to academia, she worked for nine years in industry as a professional software engineer developing real-time embedded systems, secure operating systems, networking, and compilers. Companies included Texas Instruments, Sperry, and National Semiconductor.

Brain-Computer Interfaces

My current major research focus is on direct control of computers and devices from human brain signals.  Working with scientists at Georgia Tech, Neil Squire Foundation, the Wadsworth Center, and  Neural Signals Inc., we are developing both invasive (implanted) techniques and noninvasive (scalp electrode) techniques.  To date, most of our work has centered on the neurotrophic electrode,  a system which utilizes a tiny electrode implanted directly in the brain to intercept neural signals which are then used to control computer applications.  Our immediate goal is to provide people with "locked in syndrome" (completely paralyzed and unable to speak) a means of communication and environmental control.  Eventually we hope that we may be able to use the brain signals to restore motion to paralyzed limbs.

I direct the GSU Brainlab which involves students and faculty from Georgia State University and Georgia Tech.   Our current sponsors include the National Science Foundation, DARPA, and the National Institutes of Health.  Current projects include:

Software Evolution

Computer systems are more complex than ever even as research and technology development efforts strive to make them more accessible and adaptable to a growing and increasingly diverse set of end-users. While mission-critical applications warrant the need for training and special skills, computing technology is pervading so many everyday activitites in the military, administration, business, and even domestic spheres that people with widely differing cultural and educational backgrounds, work roles and authorities, and physical and cognitive capabilities are called on to interact with computer-based systems through special-purpose equipment, general-purpose computer peripherals, and hand-held and wearable devices.  The MesoMORPH project (with Dr. Colin Potts at Georgia Tech) is a DARPA-funded effort researching ways of evolving systems to adapt to new contexts, including human capabilities, situational factors, and activities.

User Interface Reengineering

Another ongoing research focus is in reengineering and transitioning legacy information system user interfaces to new environments. The Model Oriented Reengineering Process for HCI (MORPH) technique and toolset support migration from character-oriented user interfaces to graphical user interfaces. A rule base is employed with pattern-matching techniques to detect and build a model of the legacy user interface. A knowledge base is used to represent the user interface domain model and also to store the user interface models and assist in transforming the application model to the new environment.

Software Engineering Education

Developing and administering the Real World Lab (CS 4310/11/12) practicum in the Tech Software Engineering curriculum has presented a unique opportunity to study issues in Software Engineering Education. This lab is an innovative approach to a project class, utilizing real projects from local sponsors from industry and other campus organizations. I have initiated research in software process improvement in a laboratory experiment, performing experiments with the SEI's Capability Maturity Model (CMM) Assessment in a classroom scenario. Eventual vision for this course series is to evolve a CMM Level-5 organization in a laboratory setting for student experience and also for research potential.

CIS 3280 - Object Oriented Development in C++

Prerequisites: CIS 3260, CSP 1

CIS 3280 introduces the object-oriented approach to problem-solving, program design, coding and testing using the C++ programming language.

CIS 3290 - Software Development in C++

Prerequisites: CIS 3280, CSP 1

This course covers software development for the Windows operating system using the C++ programming language. Various approaches to application development are examined, including class libraries and direct use of the API.

CIS 4980 - System Development Projects

Prerequisites: ALL required CIS courses and business courses

CIS 4980 is a senior-level capstone course that provides students with experience developing software for real customers using state-of-the-art development techniques and methods.

CIS 3300 - Systems Analysis

Prerequisites: One programming course

CIS 3300 is a part of a series of courses to teach the systems analysts of tomorrow. Students learn object oriented analysis and design, including hands-on projects using a CASE tool.

I am a volunteer puppyraiser for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a nonprofit organization that provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities other than blindness.  I have served on the CCI Southeast Regional Board of Directors, and we are currently working towards raising funds for a new CCI training center in our region. For information on the CCI Southeast region, check out the Southeast Region Website.

I have been fortunate enough to raise four puppies for CCI so far. For information on this program and pictures of my puppies, for puppyraiser and gradate presentation workshop materials, and for the ADA accessibility guidelines, check my local CCI website.

Other Fun Stuff

At GSU:

Computer Information Systems Department
College of Business Administration
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia 30392

E-mail : melody@gsu.edu

Phone : (404) 651-0878