CAD Seminar Series: Arash, Javanbakht, - Unreal Mind, Unreal Sight: AI-Enhanced Augmented Reality fo
When:
January 29, 2025
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where:
Event category:
Seminar
Hybrid
Speaker: Arash Javanbakht, Wayne State University
Time: Wednesday, January 29, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Location for in-person participants: 1146 FAB
Zoom link for online audience: https://wayne-edu.zoom.us/j/92845590121?pwd=CpRA5Wa5gzSMn2xiVkR2abD83O5nrH.1
Title: Unreal Mind, Unreal Sight: AI-Enhanced Augmented Reality for Treating Social and Occupational Dysfunction in PTSD
Abstract: Fear- and trauma-related conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social phobia, often manifest as socially-avoidant behaviors leading to social and occupational disability. While gold-standard treatments (i.e., exposure therapy (ET), medications) are effective, they are hindered by high dropout rates and limited impact on real-world functioning. Existing interventions only target symptom reduction without addressing avoidance-related deficits in social and occupational functioning.
This session will share a highly innovative patented AI enhanced Augmented Reality technology designed to address the limitations of traditional interventions for anxiety disorders and PTSD, by directly targeting social and occupational dysfunction through exposure to real life social contexts. This technology allows the in vivo to be brought to the clinic, and empowers the therapist to bring patient to diverse in vivo exposure contexts, or even allow the patient to have unscripted conversations with AI motivated AR characters or role play with them. The technology was conceptualized, developed, advanced, tested, and undergoing clinical trials all within WSU.
I will introduce an ARET system, utilizing AI-driven, AR technology, that enables exposure to realistic scenarios within the patient's real-world environment, fostering contextual generalization and functional improvement. Featuring holographic 3D humans, precise surface mapping, wireless mobility, and telemedicine capabilities, the software provides customizable exposure scenarios to transform an environment into various spaces (e.g., grocery stores, house party, police station) with diverse human characters, as well as flexible AI-driven human interactions tailored to individual needs. I will also introduce case studies and clinical examples of real patients with PTSD who have used this treatment at the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC).
About the Presenter:
Arash Javanbakht, M.D., is a psychiatrist and founding director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC) at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is nationally known for his clinical and research work on anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. He is heavily involved in treatment of civilians, refugees, and first responders with PTSD.
Dr Javanbakht researches the biological, psychological, and factors of risk and resilience among refugee children and adults. This work is funded by an NICHD R01 award and examines epigenetic, autonomic, parenting, and environmental elements of trauma impact. STARC also uses art, dance and movement, and yoga and mindfulness in helping refugee families overcome stress.
Dr Javanbakht work in treatment and research of trauma among first responders is funded by the State of Michigan.
STARC is also a national leader in utilization of patented artificial intelligence and augmented reality and telemedicine technologies for treatment for anxiety disorders and PTSD. This work is funded by the State of Michigan, and the DoD.
Dr Javanbakht is recipient of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Distinguished Member Award, The Society for Biological Psychiatry Humanitarian Award, and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Distinguished Member Award.
Dr Javanbakht's work has been featured on the CNN, Aljazeera, NPR, Scientific American, Washington Post, Smithsonian, PBS, Science, Lancet, American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Society of Biological Psychiatry, and tens of other media outlets.
Dr Javanbakht is the author of the book “Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear, and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety”.
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CAD Seminar Series: Advancing Knowledge, Innovation, and Collaboration in Computation, AI, and Data Science (CAD)
The CAD Seminar Series is a dedicated platform for advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration across the fields of Computation, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science. This series brings together leading experts, researchers, and professionals to explore the latest developments, tackle emerging challenges, and drive forward-thinking solutions at the convergence of these critical disciplines.
Objectives:
• Advance Knowledge: Share cutting-edge research and insights that push the boundaries of what is known in CAD.
• Foster Innovation: Encourage the development of novel ideas and solutions through interdisciplinary dialogue and creative thinking.
• Promote Collaboration: Unite expertise across disciplines and build bridges between academia, industry, and government to address complex problems and create opportunities for joint ventures.
Schedule: The seminars will be held on a weekly basis (unless otherwise noted) throughout the academic year. For Winter 2025, the seminars are tentatively scheduled for Wednesdays from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, and will be available both in-person at 1146 FAB and online. Each seminar will spotlight a particular topic, providing an in-depth exploration and fostering lively discussions.
Target Audience: The CAD Seminar Series is designed for a diverse audience, including faculty, researchers, students, and professionals in Computation, AI, Data Science, and related fields. It serves as a forum for exchanging ideas, networking, and contributing to the growth of these rapidly evolving areas. We highly recommend in-person attendance to enhance engagement and networking opportunities with speakers and fellow participants.
Call for Participation: We welcome contributions from researchers, practitioners, and students. Whether presenting your work, participating in discussions, or attending as a learner, your involvement is crucial to the success of this collaborative initiative.