Dr. Felix G. Hamza-Lup, an Assistant Professor at Armstrong Atlantic State University and an Associate Director of ODA Spectrum Laboratories, is currently working with his research team to explore ways of using 3D computer technology to improve how radiation is used in the treatment of cancer, thanks to a $30,000 grant from the Radiological Society of North America. Dr. Hamza-Lup graciously took time from his busy schedule to respond to a few questions from the SavannahCityDirectory.com & Savannah Gazette.
1. At what point in your education did you know you were going into the sciences?
I realized that I enjoyed solving 3D Geometry problems since the 8th grade and I always felt an attraction for Physics, its phenomena and the way Physical sciences explained them. So I guess I was "doomed" to get into sciences quite young.
2. What is the sequence of events that led you to Armstrong Atlantic State University?
Not a particular sequence of events. Just that I spent several years in the beautiful and warm South (i.e. Florida) during my doctorate studies so I decided to return from the Pittsburgh area where I had my previous academic appointment. The Computer Science department at AASU had an open position at that time and I was selected out of a pool of applicants for an interview. It was an opportunity to enjoy exchanging ideas with my future colleagues and I guess enjoyment was mutual.
3. Can you tell the average reader a little bit about your research?
A significant part of my research revolves around simulation and training systems for the medical field and K16 education. I am applying and expanding my expertise in multimodal environments, computer mediated environments that use several human senses ( e.g. visual, auditory, haptic) to improve human computer interaction. Haptics involves the tactile sense and is particularly interesting to simulate. Haptic hardware technology has advanced enough to make these devices affordable on a large scale. At the end of this year we have seen for the first time a large scale distribution of haptic devices through games and gaming applications ( e.g. Falcon™ Novint). Such technology can be used for simulation of complex medical procedures (e.g. laparoscopic surgery, plastic surgery, etc.) and medical personnel training. Other fields may benefit from the technology, too. We have recently developed a prototype called HaptEK16 (Haptic Environments for K16, http://www.armstrong.edu/felix/news) in an effort to improve the high-school students' learning efficiency and stimulate their interest.
4. How does your research stand to change existing paradigms?
The ultimate goal of my research is to optimize the transfer and expansion of knowledge from one generation to the next by identifying deficient areas and applying state-of-the-art technology and research to provide the best solution for our time.
5. Are you still teaching in the classroom? Take us through a typical working day at Armstrong—teaching and research.
Yes, I am teaching. Actually, I spend a significant amount of time in the classroom. My working day at Armstrong starts with a set of research project management tasks I have to attend to in the morning, then I usually concentrates on research: reading papers or discussions with my student research assistants. In the afternoon I focus on class work and office hours.
6. What's most frustrating and rewarding about your work?
Everything that falls under the research "umbrella" can be frustrating just because it is a leap into the unknown that has a high chance to fail. Most of the people do not fully comprehend that while mankind evolution has occurred through research, it is a difficult process paved with a large number of obstacles. Somebody said once: "Research is the act of going up alleys to see if they are blind" and they are right. Rewarding? Well how about this: "Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought". My work offers me the satisfaction to bring my contribution to the progress in the fields of education and medical training.
7. Have you ever been influenced by the Arts? (literature, music, painting, etc…)
Absolutely. We are endowed with reason and spirit. What are we without Arts? Nothing, just pieces of dead metal. Arts are fundamental to the understanding of the world, of the human being, of our evolution and existence. I believe there is a very close connection between arts and sciences, they complement each other, and they could not exist without each other.
8. What was the first make and model of a computer that you liked? Did you ever play computer games? Which ones?
ZX Spectrum and 8-bit personal computer, released initially in the United Kingdom by Sinclair Research Ltd in the 80s. Yes, of course I used to play computer games… I still do sometimes. Which ones? Too many… all of them … ;)
9. Where do you like to go for dinner or lunch in Savannah?
I enjoy the Market Place in cool evenings. Sometimes there is a band playing there.
10. What's on your ipod right now?
I do not have an ipod.
11. What was the best advice you were ever given?
I'm not sure if this was advice or I just read it somewhere, but here it is: do not do what people say, just listen to them, and do what you feel is best.