Faculty

Assistant Professor

Research Areas: Human-Computer Interaction, Brain Computer Interface, Eye Tracking, Neuroimaging (EEG, MEG), Neurophysiological and Physiological Signal Processing, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, User Experience and Usability.

Email: yk.meena@iitgn.ac.in

My research work centers around the development of robust hybrid-multimodal human-computer Interface and brain-computer interface-based systems, specifically designed for rehabilitation and assistive technologies targeting individuals with neuromuscular impairments or dyslexia, as well as stroke patients. These systems leverage a combination of complementary neurophysiological and physiological signals to enhance usability and effectiveness.

Additionally, I am deeply committed to the advancement of assistive, accessible, and emerging market technologies tailored for low- or middle-income countries (LMICs). By focusing on this area, my work aims to contribute to both global research excellence and the betterment of society at large.

Education:

• PhD: Ulster University UK, 2018
• MTech: IIITM Gwalior, 2010
• BTech: IIITM Gwalior, 2008

Professional Research Experience:

• Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, India (Feb 2023 to Present)
• Senior AI Software Development Engineer, University of Essex, Mersea Home Ltd, UK (Jan 2022 – Feb 2023)
• AI Software Development Engineer, University of Essex, Mersea Home Ltd, UK (Feb 2021 – Dec 2021)
• Postdoctoral Researcher, Swansea University, UK (Sep 2018 – Feb 2021)
• Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Assistant, Ulster University, UK (Jun 2017 – May 2018)
• Visiting Researcher, Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital (Hallett Hospital), India (Jan 2018 – March 2018)
• Visiting Researcher, Regency Healthcare Ltd, India (Aug 2016 – Sep 2016)
• Visiting Research Fellow, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India (June 2015 – March 2018)

Selected Publications:

• Meena, Y. K., Cecotti, H., Bhushan, B., Dutta, A., Prasad, G. (2022). Detection of Dyslexic Children Using Machine Learning and Multimodal Hindi Language Eye-Gaze Assisted Learning System. IEEE Transactions on Human-Machine Systems. 53(1), 122 – 131.
• Meena, Y. K., Cecotti, H., Wong-Lin, K., & Prasad, G. (2019). Design and evaluation of a time adaptive multimodal virtual keyboard. Journal on Multimodal User Interfaces, 13(4), 343-361.
• Rathee, D., Chowdhury, A., Meena, Y. K., Dutta, A., McDonough, S., Prasad, G. (2019). Brain–Machine Interface-Driven Post-Stroke Upper-Limb Functional Recovery Correlates with Beta-Band Mediated Cortical Networks. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 27(5), 1020-1031.
• Chowdhury, A., Raza, H., Meena, Y. K., Dutta, A., Prasad, G. (2019). An EEG-EMG correlation-based brain-computer interface for hand orthosis supported neuro-rehabilitation. Journal of neuroscience methods, 312, 1-11.
• Meena, Y. K., Cecotti, H., Wong-Lin, K., Dutta, A., Prasad, G. (2018). Toward optimization of gaze-controlled human–computer interaction: application to Hindi virtual keyboard for stroke patients. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 26(4), 911-922.
• Chowdhury, A., Nishad, S. S., Meena, Y. K., Dutta, A., Prasad, G. (2018). Hand-exoskeleton assisted progressive neurorehabilitation using impedance adaptation based challenge level adjustment method. IEEE transactions on haptics, 12(2), 128-140.
• Chowdhury, A., Meena, Y. K., Raza, H., Bhushan, B., Uttam, A. K., Pandey, N., Prasad, G. (2018). Active physical practice followed by mental practice using BCI-driven hand exoskeleton: a pilot trial for clinical effectiveness and usability. IEEE journal of biomedical and health informatics, 22(6), 1786-1795.
• Chowdhury, A., Raza, H., Meena, Y. K., Dutta, A., & Prasad, G. (2017). Online covariate shift detection-based adaptive brain–computer interface to trigger hand exoskeleton feedback for neuro-rehabilitation. IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems, 10(4), 1070-1080.
• Meena, Y. K., Chowdhury, A., Cecotti, H., Wong-Lin, K., Nishad, S. S., Dutta, A., Prasad, G. (2016). Emohex: An eye tracker based mobility and hand exoskeleton device for assisting disabled people. In Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics (Budapest, Hungary, October 9 – 12, 2016). SMC ‘16. IEEE, New Jersey. 002122 – 002127.
• Meena, Y. K., Cecotti, H., Wong-Lin, K., Prasad, G. (2015). Towards increasing the number of commands in a hybrid brain-computer interface with combination of gaze and motor imagery. In Proceedings of the 37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (Milan, Italy, August 25 – 29, 2015). EMBC ‘15. IEEE, New Jersey. 506 – 509.

Patents:

• Meena, Y. K., Cecotti. H., Wong-Lin, K., Prasad, G. “System for augmentative and alternative communication for people with severe speech and motor disabilities”. Indian Patent No. 340756. February 27, 2020.