Biography
Current Position:
Professor, Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Cross-appointed to the Kinesiology and Health Studies
Address:
Dept of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Queen's University
Kingston, ON
K7L 3N6
Telephone: (613) 533-6562/2925
Fax: (613) 533-6615
E-mail: evelyn.morin [at] queensu.ca
Education:
B.Sc., Physiology, University of Toronto, 1981
M.Sc.E., Electrical Engineering (Institute of Biomedical Engineering), University of New Brunswick, 1984
Ph.D., Electrical Engineering (Institute of Biomedical Engineering), University of New Brunswick, 1988
Teaching - Fall 2012
ELEC 811 - Biological Signal Analysis
CBME 801 - Topics in Biomedical Engineering
Research Interests
- biological signal analysis
- muscle activation to force modeling
- ergonomics and human performance
My research involves the application of technology to further our understanding of biological systems, in particular the neuromuscular system, and to better understand the negative effects of work, e.g. musculoskeletal injury risk, and how such effects can be minimized. This is done primarily through the measurement and analysis of biological signals, both intrinsic signals that arise from tissues within the body, principally the electromyogram (EMG), and extrinsic signals that are due to body motion and interaction with the environment, e.g. limb segment accelerations and contact forces. These signals are used to gain insight into specific aspects of human physiology and biomechanics. In my research, I collaborate with Dr. Keyvan Hashtrudi-Zaad and Dr. Michael Korenberg of the Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering and with researchers in the Biomechanics and Ergonomics Lab in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies.
Current Research Projects
Advanced Electromyogram (EMG) Analysis
The electromyogram (EMG) is detected and recorded during skeletal muscle contraction. In order to facilitate signal processing, the EMG is recorded under controlled experimental conditions - in general, a subject maintains a constant position (isometric) and constant force (isotonic) contraction in the muscle under study. During normal activity, however, muscle contractions are neither isometric nor isotonic and the resulting EMG signal records are non-stationary and dynamic. The objective of this research is to obtain better and more flexible representations of muscle function under different conditions. This will be done via development of enhanced EMG sensing technology, improved EMG calibration procedures, and use of advanced signal processing techniques. Applications of this work include more generalized muscle force prediction, analysis of muscle coordination and synchronization, and development of improved man-machine interfaces.
The Effects of Occupational Lifting
It is known that frequent and heavy lifting are risk factors for development of low back pain (LBP), which can result in lost productivity and have a negative impact on one’s quality of life. Currently, there is no objective means of measuring low back loading in the workplace and thus the impact of frequent and heavy lifting on the job is not fully understood. The objective of this research is to develop an unobtrusive system to reliably estimate low back loading, both in the workplace and in a laboratory or clinic environment. The system will incorporate simple body-worn sensors and a dedicated software model to estimate lower back forces during lifting.
Recent Publications
Last updated: 28 August 2012