Hi, welcome to my web page. I use this space to keep the world updated on my research, successes, and other somewhat-attention-worthy activities. Follow on for a glimpse into my life as a graduate student.
I received my Ph.D. from the Department of Mechanical Engineering (MEEN) at Texas A&M University, where I worked as a Graduate Research Assistant with the NeuroErgonomics Laboratory. My research explored the development of a closed-loop brain stimulation framework to augment user cognitive states in varied interaction contexts. Specifically, I studied the relevance of transcranial direct-current stimulation to alleviate working memory deficits in emergency responders. The mechanistic, fieldability, and ethical challenges that follow this goal formed core aspects of my research.
My research interests include — 1) Computational Neuroimaging to Predict Human Affect, 2) Human-Robot Interaction and Haptic Perception, and 3) Personalization within Human-in-the-loop Systems. I’m also curious about the neuroscience of human learning, virtual reality as a medium to promote human behaviors, and explainable machine learning models as decision support systems
Previously, for my Master’s research, I worked on the development of functionally augmented articulate needles for robot-assisted surgery and developed methods for haptic delivery during surgical training. I received my Master of Science degree in MEEN from TAMU in the year 2017, where my thesis was focused on developing optical fiber force-sensing tendons that enable the concurrent estimation of tip forces during needle-tissue interactions. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the B.M.S College of Engineering, Bengaluru (Karnataka, India).
Beyond academics, I enjoy distance running, programming challenges, and reading. A typical Sunday evening in my book is best spent with a book, our dog, some filter coffee, and reruns of the University Challenge. I am a fan of HHGTTG and all things LOTR.
Connect with me: 
Email me: rohithkarthikeyan[at]tamu[dot]edu
Find my CV here (last updated April ’22)
Recent updates
| June 06, 2022 | Started my FT role at Apple as a Sensory Perception Researcher! |
| May 15, 2022 | Pub Alert: A window into the tired brain published in Human Factors! |
| May 07, 2022 | Graduated with my Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering!! |
| April 22, 2022 | Recognized with the Research Excellence Award by the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering! |
| April 04, 2022 | Pub Alert: Human-centered intelligent training in emergency response in the AI Magazine! |
