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{\Large
  The Department of Computer Science and Engineering\\
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  University of Nevada, Reno
}

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{\large cordially invites you to a Master's colloquium}

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{\huge \bf 
Applications in Neurorobitics

}

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A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the\\
requirements for the degree of Master of Science\\
with a major in Computer Engineering.

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by

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{\LARGE Corey M. Thibeault}

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\noindent
{\bf Abstract:}
{

The field of neurorobotics is still in its infancy; however,
its intersecting motivations are not. On the one hand, theories of
neuroscience that require immersion in the real-world can be embedded
in mobile agents creating complex patterns of activity believed to
be a requirement for understanding higher-order neural function. On
the other, the cognitive capabilities of humans remain unparalleled
by artificial agents.  Emulating biology is one strategy for creating
more capable artificial intelligence. Despite these strong motivations
for creating neurorobotic entities technological hurdles still remain
at all levels. This thesis presents two different contributions to the
field of neurorobotics. The first is aimed at reducing the complexity of
coupling spiking neural models with virtual agents. This is accomplished
through a set of tools that act to abstract the neuroscience details from
roboticists and the mechanical details away from the neuroscientists. The
second contribution provides an example of how higher-level cognitive
theories of speech processing can be integrated into the neurorobotics
paradigm. Extracting the emotional content of a speaker, independent of
what is being spoken, is a daily act for most people. The neural basis
for this ability remains illusive, however cognitive models have been
realized. This class of models can be integrated with the biologically
realistic neural simulations in a complementary way to expand the
capabilities of a neurorobotic system.

}
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{\Large \bf 4:00 pm, Wednesday, April 25, 2012}\\
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{\Large Scrugham Engineering and Mines (SEM) room 201}

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{\large
  For more information contact
  Dr. Fred Harris @ 784-6571 (Fred.Harris@cse.unr.edu)
}


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