The Envision Research Institute Searches for New Research Fellow
By Holly Herring • Sep 29, 2022
Blog Content
The Two-Year Fellowship Position Will Study Navigation Training Technology For People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Wichita, Kan. (Sept. 29, 2022) – The Gigi and Carl Allen Envision Research Institute (ERI) in Wichita, Kansas announces an opportunity to participate in a research Fellowship program. This is a two-year Fellowship position focusing on Navigation Training Technology for people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) that is available immediately. The Fellowship is funded by a private sponsor, the Greg & Marilena Lucier Family.
The Envision Research Institute conducts research to improve the quality of life and independence for people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired. The ERI dedicates research to investigating the functional implications of vision loss, access to interventions, optimizing rehabilitation therapies, and developing assistive technology. The ERI Fellowship program is an integral part of ERI’s mission and research program.
“We are currently excited about the Technology for BVI Navigation Training research and development area,” said Ronald Schuchard, Ph.D. FARVO, Executive Director of the ERI and Envision University. “Navigation Training Technology includes many diverse research areas, and a potential Fellow can propose any aspect for the Fellowship research.”
The ERI recognizes how wayfinding and mobility (navigation) remains a challenge for people who are BVI. Evaluating and training optimal mobility in both outdoor and indoor environments can be enhanced with specialized technology. Real time monitoring of body motion (e.g., body sensors for center of gravity position for fall risk and head movement for scanning abilities) combined with real time monitoring of body movement through space (e.g., LIDAR for obstacle avoidance) can provide quantified information in complex everyday environments (personal and employment).
The Fellow must have received, by the start of their Fellowship, a doctoral or other professional degree at an accredited institution. Envision Fellows take their diverse educational backgrounds and apply them creatively to improve the quality of life and independence for people who are BVI through their research endeavors. Therefore, interest in research focused on people who are BVI is more important than previous training in BVI research. ERI Fellowships are funded for up to two years and some Fellows continue as sponsored early investigators.
Further information can be found at research.envisionus.com/Fellowship-program.
About Envision: Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or low vision. Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. For more information, visit www.envisionus.com.
Media Contact: Holly Herring, Marketing Manager, Envision, Inc.
Office: 316-440-1531 | Email: media@envisionus.com
